Description
These New York Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of classic cheesecake with a tender graham cracker cookie base. Soft, buttery cookies are filled with a zesty, smooth cream cheese filling, making for a deliciously indulgent treat perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, separated (white for dough)
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Egg yolk from the separated egg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) to ensure a consistent baking temperature for the best results.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Add softened butter, brown sugar, and the egg white. Beat on high speed until the dough forms a cohesive mixture.
- Shape the Cookies: Divide the dough into approximately 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly and make an indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb to hold the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and the reserved egg yolk until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a small amount of cheesecake filling into each cookie indentation carefully.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and lightly golden at the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set the filling, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving for easier handling.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Do not overfill the cookie indentations to prevent filling from spilling over during baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.
- Lemon zest adds a bright flavor but can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
