Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s a detailed recipe for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies! These cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the chewy texture of chocolate chip cookies. They’re a great treat for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer (or stand mixer) until smooth and creamy.

2. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Beat until well combined. The mixture should be thick and creamy.

3. Set the cheesecake filling aside and move on to the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Scoop out a tablespoon-sized amount of cookie dough and roll it into a ball.

3. Make an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.

4. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the indentation of each cookie dough ball.

5. Use your fingers to gently fold the cookie dough around the cheesecake filling, enclosing it completely.

6. Gently flatten the cookie dough balls a bit with the palm of your hand.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly set.

3. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Enjoy!

• Once the cookies are fully cooled, they’re ready to eat! The soft chocolate chip cookie exterior and creamy cheesecake center create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Tips:

• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: If you want to freeze the dough, you can form the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake as needed.

• Customization: You can mix things up by adding white chocolate chips, or even a swirl of fruit preserves (like raspberry or strawberry) to the cheesecake filling for a twist!