Why Make This Recipe
Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines two beloved desserts into one. You get the warm, chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookies with a creamy cheesecake surprise inside. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party, having a family gathering, or simply want to indulge in something delicious at home. They are easy to make and are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Making Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies involves preparing a delicious cheesecake filling and a rich cookie dough, then combining the two for a perfect match. Here’s how to do it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Directions:
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the egg yolk. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth. Once mixed, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling process helps the filling firm up so it holds its shape when stuffed inside the cookies.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the two large eggs, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine until just incorporated. Finally, gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Assemble: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Take a ball of cookie dough, about 2 tablespoons worth, and flatten it into a disc. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling into the center of the disc. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it inside to form a ball. Make sure no filling is exposed to prevent leakage during baking.
Bake: Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or served along with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can dress them up to make them even more enjoyable. Here are some serving suggestions:
Warm and Fresh: Serve the cookies warm out of the oven for the best gooey experience. The chocolate chips will be melty, and the cheesecake filling will be creamy.
With Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream creates a delightful treat.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and a touch of sweetness.
On a Dessert Table: These cookies make a fantastic addition to any dessert table. You can stack them on a platter to showcase their deliciousness.
How to Store Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely), here are some tips on how to store them:
At Room Temperature: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your cookies turn out perfectly:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates the right texture.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Adjust Baking Time for Soft Cookies: If you prefer your cookies softer, take them out of the oven just as the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up while cooling.
Add Extra Flavoring: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of almond extract to the cookie dough for an extra flavor twist.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to substitute some of the chocolate chips with nuts, caramel bits, or different types of chips like white chocolate or peanut butter.
Variation
While this recipe is fantastic as it is, here are a few variations you can try:
Fruit Cheesecake Filling: Add some fruit to the cheesecake filling. Mashed strawberries or blueberries can give a fruity twist to the filling.
Dough Variations: Use chocolate cookie dough instead of regular dough for double chocolate cookies. Simply add cocoa powder to the dough recipe while reducing an equal amount of flour.
Mini Stuffed Cookies: For a bite-sized treat, make smaller cookie dough balls and reduce the baking time slightly. These mini cookies are great for parties or a fun sweet snack.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer taste and creamier filling.
Q: How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
A: The edges should be golden brown, and the centers may look soft but are set. Remember that cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
Q: Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the cheesecake filling a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to use when you’re making the cookies.
With this detailed guide, you can easily create Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies that are sure to be a hit. Whether you’re making them for yourself or someone special, these cookies will deliver deliciousness in every bite! Happy baking!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat that combines chocolate chip cookies with a creamy cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and egg yolk until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Cream butter, 3/4 cup sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla and eggs.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet. Shape cookie dough around chilled cheesecake filling to form balls.
- Place cookie dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding cinnamon or almond extract. You can also use chocolate cookie dough for a double chocolate version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg