Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Looking for the ultimate soft, chewy cookie that combines the best of both worlds—chocolate chip cookies and creamy cheesecake? Look no further than these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies! These cookies have a delicate balance of creamy, tangy cream cheese and rich, gooey chocolate chips. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or simply because you’re craving a delicious homemade treat. Ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies? Let’s get started!

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What Are Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies?

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a hybrid of two beloved desserts—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake. The cream cheese in the dough gives these cookies a soft, tender texture with a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate chips. Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, these are extra soft and almost melt in your mouth, thanks to the cream cheese. They’re great for anyone who loves a creamy twist on the classic cookie.

Ingredients List for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of these delicious cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks

Substitutions and Variations

If you’d like to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs, here are a few options:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio for baking.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter alternative.
• Add Peanut Butter Chips: For a twist, add peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips.
• Mix in Caramel Bits: Add caramel bits or swirl in some caramel sauce for a chocolate-caramel-cheesecake flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 4 oz softened cream cheese together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup packed brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. The cornstarch will help give the cookies a soft, tender texture.

Step 5: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips

Fold in 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (and any additional mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips, if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each dough ball for a pretty presentation.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake—the cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out, as they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to set and develop their soft, chewy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing the dough can result in tough, dense cookies. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cookies soft and tender.
• Overbaking: The cookies should look slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to cook and set as they cool, so be sure not to leave them in the oven for too long.
• Using Cold Butter or Cream Cheese: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before starting. Cold butter or cream cheese will not cream properly, resulting in lumpy dough.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

• Serve Warm: These cookies are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven when the chocolate chips are still melty and gooey. If they’ve cooled, you can microwave them for about 10 seconds to soften them up again.
• Pair with a Glass of Milk: Like classic chocolate chip cookies, these are perfect with a cold glass of milk, or a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

• Extra Chocolate Chips on Top: For a professional bakery-style look, press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops of the dough balls before baking.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some additional chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a decorative finish.
• Sandwich Cookies: Turn these into sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting or Nutella between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Tips

• Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure the flour, as packing too much flour into the measuring cup can lead to dry cookies.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that both your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, creamy dough and prevents lumps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. Avoid using fat-free cream cheese, as it can affect the creaminess and overall texture of the cookies.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with something else?

Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even butterscotch chips. You could also mix in dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for a different flavor profile.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

If your cookies spread too much and turned out flat, it could be due to using butter that was too warm or dough that was too soft. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies keep their shape. Also, make sure you measure the flour accurately, as too little flour can cause cookies to spread.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect combination of two classic desserts: chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake. With their soft, creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they’re bound to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious, this easy recipe will deliver every time. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy every soft, chocolatey bite! Happy baking!

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