If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s truly special, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These treats combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the nostalgic joy of chocolate chip cookies, creating a soft, tender, and irresistibly delicious dessert that melts in your mouth. The subtle tang from the cream cheese perfectly balances out the sweetness, while mini chocolate chips provide bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something homemade and comforting, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe lies in a handful of simple, classic ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From creamy butter and tangy cream cheese to sweet sugars and chocolate chips, every component plays a crucial role in delivering taste, texture, and that gorgeous golden color.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to your cookies, ensuring they stay soft.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Brings a slight tang and creamy texture that makes these cookies stand out.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and helps with the soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving body and stability.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures your cookies get just the right lift while baking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 cup mini or regular chocolate chips: The star of the show – pockets of melty chocolate in each bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
Start by beating the softened butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is perfectly smooth and fluffy. This step is key because the creaminess here sets the stage for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using softened ingredients helps everything combine seamlessly.
Step 2: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until fully incorporated, then add the egg and vanilla extract. The sugars provide the right sweetness and moisture, while the egg adds structure and the vanilla adds a fragrant note that ties everything together.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning, which helps your cookies bake evenly and taste balanced.
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender, which is the secret to their cheesecake-like quality.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Using mini chocolate chips is great for even distribution, but regular-sized chips work wonderfully too for gooey little chocolate pockets.
Step 6: Chill and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For puffier cookies with a thicker texture, chill the dough balls in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes — this step is optional but highly recommended. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges have a slight golden hue while the centers remain soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling this way lets them set up perfectly, capturing that soft and chewy texture that makes this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking. It complements the chocolate and cream cheese flavors beautifully without overpowering the sweet nature of the cookies. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, delicate finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo, but don’t stop there — try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to amplify the dessert experience. Fresh berries on the side add a nice pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider stacking these cookies with thin layers of cream cheese frosting spread between them for an indulgent cookie sandwich. You can also arrange them on a dessert platter with a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce to impress guests. Wrapped individually in parchment paper tied with ribbon, they make adorable homemade gifts too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their soft texture beautifully for up to four days, making them perfect for snacking anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps their flavor intact for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked softness, warm the cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This little refresh will revive the melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s so delightful in this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the texture and flavor might be slightly less rich and creamy. For the best results and that decadent cheesecake taste, regular full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
Why should I chill the cookie dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and results in a thicker, puffier cookie with a more tender texture. It’s a simple step that really enhances the final bite.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with chunks or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chocolate chunks create larger pockets of gooey chocolate, while you can also experiment with nuts, dried cherries, or even white chocolate chips. Just keep the total mix-in quantity about the same.
How do I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on butter and cream cheese, so for a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. Just keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.
What’s the best way to keep these cookies soft?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread included; the bread helps retain moisture, keeping cookies soft longer. Avoid refrigerating, which can dry out the cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and indulgent about this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that makes them an instant favorite in any household. Whether you’re a cookie lover, a cheesecake fan, or just someone who appreciates a soft, decadent treat, these cookies check all the boxes. Give them a try and watch how quickly they vanish — trust me, you’ll be baking them over and over again.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies, combining the creamy richness of cream cheese with classic chocolate chips for a delectable dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini or regular chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, ensuring an even blend of ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Then fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion and Chill Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For puffier cookies, chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes (this step is optional but recommended).
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies are best enjoyed soft and slightly chewy in the center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze the cookies for longer storage, maintain freshness by sealing them tightly.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps produce puffier and thicker cookies.
