Description
Delight in these Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine a soft, creamy cheesecake center with classic chocolate chip cookie dough, baked to golden perfection for a gooey, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop the mixture into 1 to 2 teaspoon-sized dollops onto a parchment-lined tray and place in the freezer for 30 minutes or until firm to help maintain shape during baking.
- Prepare the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Optionally chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Assemble the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a frozen cheesecake filling piece in the center, then top with another 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough, sealing the edges carefully to enclose the cheesecake filling completely. Roll the stuffed dough gently into a ball shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm for a gooey center. Store leftovers appropriately depending on your preferred texture.
Notes
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain a gooey cheesecake center.
- For a softer cookie texture, store at room temperature instead of refrigerating.
- Baked cookies freeze well, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
