Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you're a fan of chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake, this recipe is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence – soft, chewy cookies with a hint of creamy cheesecake flavor, packed with melty chocolate chips in every bite. Whether you're baking for a party, special occasion, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Read on for the complete guide, from ingredients to serving tips, and don’t miss out on the helpful tips to make your cookies perfect every time!

What Are Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies?

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of a traditional chocolate chip cookie with the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake. They maintain the chewy texture of a cookie but have the smoothness and slight tanginess that comes from adding cream cheese to the dough. Imagine biting into a cookie that has the comforting chocolatey taste you love, with a creamy, slightly tart surprise in every bite – that’s the magic of these cookies!

Ingredients List for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Before you start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients for these delicious cookies. Having everything prepared makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Basic Ingredients for the Cookies:

• 1 cup (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ¾ cup of brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Additional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• 1 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 cup of white chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional for a warm spice flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (for added softness and thickness)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest (optional, adds a slight zing to balance the sweetness)

Substitutions and Variations

These cookies are highly adaptable to suit various tastes or dietary restrictions. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s specifically designed for baking.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives. There are plenty of plant-based options available that mimic the creamy texture of cream cheese.
• Sugar Alternatives: Swap the granulated sugar with coconut sugar, and for the brown sugar, try using a monk fruit sweetener with brown sugar properties for a lower-carb version.
• Chocolate Options: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even mix in some peanut butter chips for a twist.
• Add-ins: Try mixing in dried fruit like cranberries or cherries, or sprinkle in some shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make these delectable Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, follow this simple step-by-step guide. Prepping and baking are a breeze, and you’ll be left with delicious cookies in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process will usually take about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture, and continue beating for another 2 minutes. Make sure the sugar is well-incorporated before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed into the dough before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a depth of flavor and a sweet aroma to the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If you're adding cinnamon or cornstarch, mix those in at this point as well. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, a little at a time, mixing on low speed until fully combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Once the dough is ready, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and any additional mix-ins (nuts, white chocolate chips, etc.) by hand. This ensures that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

For the best results, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter and cream cheese, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also enhances the flavor!

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scoop out 1 ½ tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly undercooked. This will give you that perfect soft and chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve them warm or store them for later!

How to Cook Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these cookies is as simple as following the instructions above, but here’s a recap of the critical steps:

1. Cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add sugars, eggs, and vanilla for flavor.
3. Incorporate the dry ingredients gradually for a smooth dough.
4. Mix in chocolate chips evenly by folding them into the dough.
5. Chill the dough to ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking.
6. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden perfection!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple recipe can go awry if you're not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies:

• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t be tempted to skip chilling the dough! Chilled dough helps maintain the cookie's shape and texture during baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can result in dense, dry cookies. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements.
• Baking too long: The cookies should still be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving these delightful treats! Here’s how to make your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies look irresistible.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

• Warm and fresh: Serve these cookies slightly warm with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.
• Cookie sandwiches: You can turn them into cookie sandwiches by spreading a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or Nutella between two cookies.
• Drizzle with chocolate: For an extra fancy touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cooled cookies before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

• Plated with a garnish: Arrange the cookies neatly on a dessert platter, garnished with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Stack them in jars: For gift-giving, stack the cookies in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for a cute, homemade touch.
• Cookie towers: Create a tower of cookies by stacking them on a cake stand, interspersed with mini cheesecake bites for a creative display.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Tips

• Make-ahead dough: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• Size variations: Feel free to make these cookies bigger or smaller. Adjust the baking time accordingly, adding a minute or two for larger cookies and subtracting for smaller ones.
• Storing the cookies: Keep them fresh by storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough in individual portions. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

Q: Why are my cookies flat?
A: Flat cookies can result from skipping the chilling step or using too-soft butter. Make sure to chill the dough and use butter that’s softened but not melted.

Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a variety of flavors.

Q: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread will help keep the cookies soft for days.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the best of both worlds – chewy cookies and rich cheesecake flavor. With easy-to-follow instructions, customizable variations, and pro tips, you’ll be whipping up batches of these irresistible treats in no time. Serve them to friends, family, or simply enjoy them with a warm drink. Happy baking!

Print