Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Imagine biting into a thick, gooey chocolate chip cookie only to discover a dreamy, creamy center of cheesecake—pure dessert magic! Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies blend the coziness of homemade cookies with the surprise decadence of tangy-sweet cheesecake, making each bite an irresistible treat for both cookie and cheesecake lovers alike. It’s a show-stopping bake that’s actually simple enough for a weekday pick-me-up but spectacular enough to wow at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to the perfect batch—each one plays a special part in the texture, flavor, or gooey factor of these Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. You’ll be amazed how common pantry staples come together to create something so extraordinary!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and ensures your cookies are perfectly tender with slightly crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, packed: Gives the cookies their signature chew and caramel-like sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve that irresistible golden color.
- Large eggs: Bring everything together and provide structure with a soft, chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates both the dough and the cheesecake filling with classic, aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it just the right amount of bite.
- Baking soda: For that gentle lift so the cookies bake up thick and lovely.
- Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and make the flavors really pop.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty, chocolatey pockets in every single bite—need I say more?
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the show for the filling—dreamy, tangy, and decadent.
- Granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake center just right, so it stands out against the cookie.
- Vanilla extract (for filling): Perfectly complements the cream cheese for a classic cheesecake flavor.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on the fun stuff—baking and eating!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Grab a large bowl and beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale. This aeration is key for that dreamy cookie texture—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract and blend again. This ensures your Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies have a rich, cohesive dough with beautiful flavor throughout.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a second bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Resist over-mixing to guarantee your cookies stay delightfully tender!
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand until they’re evenly distributed. This is where the magic really starts making itself known—chocolate in every bite!
Step 6: Make the Cheesecake Filling
For the iconic cheesecake center, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps—this is your hidden gem inside the cookies!
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and gently flatten it in your hand. Place a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the dough around the filling and pinch to seal, forming a neat ball. Place seam-side down on your baking sheet, leaving enough room for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the stuffed cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the centers look set but still soft. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes (so the centers stay creamy), then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling—or sneak one while it’s still warm and gooey!
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Add an extra flourish by dusting each cookie with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to highlight the sweet-savory magic.
Side Dishes
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, creamy hot cocoa, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a full-on dessert experience. For something lighter, try serving with seasonal berries.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies on a tiered cake stand for a dramatic display, or tuck them into parchment-lined boxes as edible gifts. You might even crumble a few over a bowl of ice cream, or cut them into halves to showcase the stunning cheesecake-filled center at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cookies are completely cool, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their soft center and keeps that rich cheesecake flavor perfectly fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the unbaked, stuffed cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When that cookie craving strikes, simply bake them from frozen—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can also be frozen (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked experience, warm your Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies in a 300°F oven for 4-5 minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The cookie turns soft and the cheesecake center goes oh-so-creamy!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Store-bought dough can work for a shortcut, but making the dough from scratch gives you unbeatable texture, flavor, and a sturdier cookie to hold the cheesecake filling.
How do I keep the cheesecake filling from leaking out?
Be sure to fully encase the cheesecake filling with dough, pinching the seams closed and placing the cookies seam-side down. Chilling the dough before baking also helps hold everything together.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed cookie dough balls, then chill them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only allows for flexible timing but also enhances flavor.
Are there any fun variations I can try?
You can experiment by adding a handful of white chocolate or peanut butter chips, or even swirling a little raspberry jam into the cheesecake filling for a fruity surprise.
Can I make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour—just be sure to check your other ingredient labels to keep things fully gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about pulling a tray of Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies from the oven—gooey chocolate, a creamy center, golden edges, and the sweet scent lingering through the kitchen. I hope you’re inspired to give these a try and make a batch to share (or keep for yourself). Happy baking—let the cookie joy begin!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a decadent treat that combines the best of two beloved desserts in one delightful bite. Creamy cheesecake filling is tucked inside a chewy chocolate chip cookie for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the cookies: Flatten 2 tablespoons of cookie dough, place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center, then seal the dough around it. Place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden. Cool on sheets before transferring to a rack.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For creamier centers, chill stuffed dough before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
