Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies sound amazing! Here’s a detailed recipe that blends the richness of cheesecake with the comfort of chocolate chip cookies. 😋

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk (discard or save the egg white for something else)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

2. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. Set this cheesecake mixture aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.

2. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy and light (about 3-4 minutes).

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.

5. Stir in chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Scoop cookie dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Leave space between each scoop as the cookies will spread.

3. Top with cheesecake filling: For each cookie dough ball, use your thumb to make a small indent in the center. Spoon a small amount of the cheesecake mixture into the center of each cookie.

4. Cover with more cookie dough: Take a little more cookie dough and cover the cheesecake filling. The cookie dough should enclose the cheesecake completely (but don’t worry if it’s not perfect – the cookies will still taste great).

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the center is set. The cheesecake filling might puff up a bit during baking – that’s totally fine!

2. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• These cookies are delicious when still slightly warm, with the creamy cheesecake center and gooey chocolate chips. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Tips:

• If you want to make them extra festive, you can drizzle some melted chocolate on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar.

• You can also experiment with adding mini chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a twist.