If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring a bit of unexpected magic, this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine the classic chocolate chip cookie you adore, but elevated with a creamy, tangy twist from cream cheese woven right into the dough. The result is a cookie that’s delightfully tender, yet perfectly structured, with pockets of melty chocolate chips and a subtle richness that keeps you reaching for one more. It’s an absolute showstopper worthy of every cozy gathering or a sweet indulgence on your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is the secret to unlocking the exceptional flavor and texture of this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the tangy cream cheese enriching the dough, to the classic chocolate chips adding those irresistible bursts of sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups / 220 g): Provides the perfect structure without weighing down the cookies.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Adds a gentle lift for soft, tender cookies.
- Baking soda (½ tsp): Works alongside baking powder to create just the right balance of rise and texture.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the sweet flavors and keeps the cookie taste balanced.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz / 113 g): The star ingredient bringing moistness and a subtle tangy richness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup / 113 g): Adds creaminess and helps make the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150 g): Sweetens while lending a slight crunch to the cookie edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (¼ cup / 50 g): Deepens the flavor with a hint of caramel warmth.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together for a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Elevates the flavor profile with its aromatic, comforting notes.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ¼ cups / 213 g): The gooey, melty centers that make every bite irresistible.
How to Make Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, creating the perfect setup for baking success.
Step 2: Craft Creamy Foundation
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, blending everything until smooth and completely combined. This creamy base is what makes the cookies ultra-moist and tender.
Step 3: Construct Dry Blend
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting removes any lumps and blends these dry ingredients thoroughly, giving you a smooth, even dough.
Step 4: Harmonize Dough
Gently fold the dry ingredients into your creamy mixture, stirring just enough to combine. Over-mixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it light and easy. Once the dough is nearly mixed, fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly to ensure each cookie gets plenty of those melty chocolate moments.
Step 5: Shape and Position
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the dough into evenly sized rounds. Place them generously spaced on the prepared baking sheets, leaving room for the dough to spread during baking without merging into each other.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for golden edges and soft, tender centers that look just set but still a little pillowy—this texture is pure perfection.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets the flavors develop fully while the texture settles into that dreamy cheesecake-cookie hybrid everyone will love.
How to Serve Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though already delicious, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add a lovely decorative touch and boost that indulgent factor. For a fresh contrast, sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts atop before baking.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a rich cup of coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For an after-dinner treat, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to highlight the cheesecake feel.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe beauties stacked and tied with rustic twine for gifting or gatherings. You can also sandwich them with a bit of cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache to elevate the experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their shape and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a sealed freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when brought back to room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for 5 minutes. This will revive their soft, chewy texture and fresh-from-the-oven aroma beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is key to the distinctive tang and moisture in this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. For a similar effect, you might try mascarpone, but cream cheese delivers the best balance of flavor and texture.
Why does this recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?
Using both helps achieve a tender yet slightly risen cookie. Baking soda neutralizes the acidity of cream cheese for proper lift, while baking powder adds gentle fluffiness without making them cakey.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chips for milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips. Each variation changes the flavor profile slightly but keeps the cookie delicious.
What makes these cookies different from regular chocolate chip cookies?
The addition of cream cheese adds richness and a subtle tang, creating an incredibly tender texture and depth of flavor that regular cookies don’t have. It’s this twist that sets the Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe apart.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted, and don’t over-mix the dough. Also, chilling the dough slightly before baking can help maintain shape by slowing spread in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug that’s impossible to resist. If you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, rich, and bursting with melty chocolate goodness, this recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every occasion that calls for a little extra love in a bite.
Print
Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 23 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and tender Chip Cheesecake Cookies, where the cream cheese in the dough lends a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, these cookies feature a slightly crisp edge with a soft center, making for an irresistible treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 ¼ cups (213 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Calibrate your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and to prevent sticking.
- Craft Creamy Foundation: In a mixing bowl, whip together softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to emulsify all components.
- Construct Dry Blend: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and avoid any lumps in the dough.
- Harmonize Dough: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape and Position: Form the dough into uniformly sized rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are spaced adequately to allow for expansion during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft and pillowy.
- Cool and Set: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet briefly to stabilize, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and allow flavors to develop fully.
Notes
- Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to shape dough rounds.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor if desired.
