Why Make This Recipe
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect blend of two beloved desserts: the rich creaminess of cheesecake and the comforting warmth of chocolate chip cookies. They offer a delightful surprise in every bite, making them not just a treat but an experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge yourself, these cookies satisfy that sweet tooth like nothing else. The joy of biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie and discovering a creamy cheesecake center is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re fun to make and are sure to impress family and friends, making them a hit at gatherings or casual hangouts.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Directions
Make the Cheesecake Filling: Start by preparing the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and the egg yolk. Use a mixer or a spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth. Once mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. This will help the filling set properly.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: While the cheesecake filling is chilling, it’s time to make the cookie dough. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in 1 tsp vanilla extract and the 2 large eggs, mixing until well incorporated.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Assemble: Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Take 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it into a disc on the parchment paper. Place 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center of the disc, and carefully wrap the dough around it, ensuring the filling is fully covered. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling is used up.
Bake: Once your cookie dough balls are ready, place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or served with a scoop of ice cream.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed warm when the chocolate is still gooey and the cheesecake filling is creamy. You can serve them on a plate as they are, or add a touch of elegance by dusting them with powdered sugar. For an even more indulgent treat, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They can also be paired with a cup of coffee or milk for a classic dessert experience.
If you’re showcasing these cookies at a party or gathering, consider arranging them on a decorative platter, perhaps garnished with some fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
How to Store Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), you can store these cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider refrigerating them, in which case they can last up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warm. This will bring back that delightful softness of the cookies and the creaminess of the cheesecake filling. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
Tips to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
Chilling the Filling: Chilling the cheesecake filling is crucial. It helps the filling hold its shape when you assemble the cookies. Skipping this step might result in a gooey mess.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cookie dough, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of light and chewy ones.
Use Quality Chocolate Chips: The type of chocolate chips can significantly affect the flavor. Opt for high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Since ovens can vary, start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time. Overbaking can make them hard instead of soft and chewy.
Variations
While the classic Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a crowd-pleaser, here are some fun variations you can try:
Flavored Cheesecake Filling: Add a splash of lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing twist. You can also mix in some chocolate or caramel for added flavor.
Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Different Chocolates: Experiment with white chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips instead of the traditional chocolate chips to change up the flavor profile.
Stuffing Options: Instead of cheesecake filling, try using a different filling like Nutella, cookie dough, or even fruit preserves for a different dessert experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. After making the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, scoop and fill with cheesecake filling as directed.
2. Can I freeze unbaked cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled unbaked cookies. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
3. What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter; just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. This will help maintain the balance of flavors in both the cookie dough and the filling.
With these detailed steps and tips, making Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience. So gather your ingredients, invite a few friends over to join in the fun, and enjoy this deliciously sweet treat!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies stuffed with a creamy cheesecake filling, combining two beloved desserts into one delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing the cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes.
- To make the cookie dough, cream together butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla and 2 eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Flatten 2 tablespoons of dough, add 1 tsp cheesecake filling, and wrap dough around it.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
These cookies are best served warm. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with ice cream for an indulgent treat. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cookies, cheesecake, dessert, sweet treats, baking