If you are on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines the richness of cheesecake with the comforting familiarity of chocolate chip cookies, this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These cookies are delectably soft with a creamy texture that hints at cheesecake in every bite while boasting delightful chocolate chips that melt just enough to create little pockets of gooey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, an after-school snack, or just because, this recipe brings an exciting twist to classic cookies that everyone is sure to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes for these scrumptious cookies. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cream cheese adding creamy moisture to the chocolate chips providing that classic sweetness and irresistible texture. You’ll find this list straightforward but packed with essentials that make every bite shine.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups/220 g): The foundation for the cookie structure, ensuring a tender but sturdy bite.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, pillowy texture.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Adds lightness and balances the acidity of cream cheese perfectly.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookie from tasting flat.
- Cream cheese (4 oz/113 g), softened: The star of the show, lending a luscious creaminess that sets these cookies apart.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup/113 g), softened: Brings richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup/150 g): Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup/50 g), packed: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the dough the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ¼ cups/213 g): Bursting pockets of chocolate that perfectly complement the subtle tang of the cheesecake.
How to Make Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This step might seem small, but it’s a key to beautifully shaped, flawless cookies.
Step 2: Craft Creamy Foundation
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip these together until the mixture is light and fluffy—that’s how you know it’s perfectly aerated for soft cookies. Then, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to blend all the flavors smoothly.
Step 3: Construct Dry Blend
In a separate bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting removes lumps and helps distribute all those leavening agents evenly, which is crucial for consistent cookie texture and rise.
Step 4: Harmonize Dough
Gently fold the dry mixture into the creamy wet base, stirring just enough to combine. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so stir carefully to maintain tenderness. Then, fold in your semi-sweet chocolate chips, spreading that chocolate love evenly throughout each bite.
Step 5: Shape and Position
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into consistent rounds. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them apart to allow the cookies room to spread without merging into one another.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The magic moment is when the cookie edges turn a gentle golden brown but the centers stay soft and pillowy, promising that signature cheesecake-inspired texture.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes—this helps them set up without breaking apart. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time truly lets the flavors develop and your cookies reach their perfect, tender consistency.
How to Serve Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate the presentation and flavor by lightly dusting your cookies with powdered sugar just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate can also add an elegant touch that delights both eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. Their soft texture and creamy notes really shine when enjoyed alongside simple, complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting between them to make mini cookie sandwiches. Alternatively, arrange them on a dessert platter with fresh berries or mint leaves for a festive display that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and maintains that perfect creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough by shaping it, placing the rounds on a baking sheet, and freezing until solid; then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the usual baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well; just store them in a sealed container or freezer bag.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies fresh out of the oven again, gently warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. This softens the chocolate chips and revives that creamy texture that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Cream cheese brings a unique tang and texture to these cookies that’s hard to replicate. While cream cheese substitutes exist, none will quite capture that signature cheesecake softness. For best results, stick with real cream cheese.
What type of chocolate chips works best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because their mild sweetness balances the cream cheese’s tangy flavor perfectly. However, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be that the dough is too warm or the butter was too soft. Try chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking and make sure to measure ingredients accurately.
How do I achieve a soft, chewy texture?
The combination of cream cheese and brown sugar in this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe naturally produces a soft, chewy crumb. Avoid overbaking by watching the cookies closely and removing them when edges turn golden but centers remain soft.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for both flavor and texture, so making it dairy-free requires careful substitutions, like vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Results may vary, but it’s worth experimenting if you need a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe enough if you’re looking to surprise friends and family with something truly special. The combination of velvety cream cheese with luscious chocolate chips creates an irresistible cookie experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Trust me, once you bake these, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 23 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Chip Cheesecake Cookies, a luscious twist on classic chocolate chip cookies featuring a creamy cream cheese base that delivers a soft, tender crumb and irresistible flavor. Perfectly baked to golden edges with pillowy centers, these cookies combine the richness of cheesecake with the timeless appeal of chocolate chips for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ¼ cups (213 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Calibrate your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Craft Creamy Foundation: In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to fully incorporate and emulsify the ingredients.
- Construct Dry Blend: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This process ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents lumps, crucial for an even texture.
- Harmonize Dough: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just enough to blend while preserving the tender texture. Then evenly fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them throughout the dough.
- Shape and Position: Form the cookie dough into consistent rounds and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets. Allow enough room so the cookies can spread naturally during baking without sticking together.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden edges with soft, pillowy centers to achieve the perfect balance of texture.
- Cool and Set: Let the cookies rest briefly on the baking sheet to stabilize, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps set the texture and allows flavors to develop fully.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overmix when combining dry ingredients with wet to keep cookies tender.
- Spacing cookies sufficiently on the baking sheet prevents them from merging during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- For a variation, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans alongside the chocolate chips for added texture.
