Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the best of both worlds with these Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Soft, buttery chocolate chip cookies encase a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, creating a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Perfect for parties, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a delightful treat that combines classic flavors in a unique way.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option)
- 1/3 cup Powdered Sugar (Granulated sugar can be used but may alter texture)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Use pure vanilla for the best flavor)
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Can use margarine but it may affect flavor)
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Can replace half with granulated sugar for less moisture)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar can be used for a unique twist)
- 1 large Egg (Flax eggs can work for a vegan option)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour can serve as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Baking powder can be used in a pinch)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Can omit if salted butter is used)
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips (Consider using white or dark chocolate chips)
- Cheesecake Filling Preparation: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Scoop the mixture into small balls, approximately one tablespoon each, and place them on a waxed paper-lined plate or tray. Freeze for 20-30 minutes so they firm up and are easier to handle when assembling the cookies.
- Cookie Dough Preparation: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the prepared cookie dough with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Assemble Cookies: Take a portion of the chilled cookie dough and flatten it into a circle in the palm of your hand. Place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center and carefully wrap the cookie dough around it, sealing the edges completely to form a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheesecake filling.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies look set but still soft in the middle.
- Cooling: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies set up properly while keeping the cheesecake center creamy and delicious.
Notes
- For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cream cheese in the filling.
- You can substitute granulated sugar for powdered sugar in the cheesecake filling, but the texture may be less smooth.
- Using margarine instead of butter may alter the flavor slightly.
- Flax eggs can be used to make this recipe vegan, though texture and flavor might differ.
- Gluten-free flour works as a substitute for all-purpose flour if you prefer gluten-free cookies.
- Freezing the cheesecake balls before assembling helps prevent them from melting during baking.
- Ensure the cookie dough fully encloses the cheesecake filling to prevent leakage during baking.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container; they are best enjoyed within 3 days.
Keywords: Cheesecake cookies, chocolate chip cookies, stuffed cookies, dessert recipe, baking, creamy filling, soft cookies