Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese , softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter , softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite type)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese , sugar , egg yolk , and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the cookie dough.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter , granulated sugar , and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour , baking soda , and salt . Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips .

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it into a disc in your hand.
2. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center of the disc.
3. Carefully wrap the cookie dough around the filling, sealing it completely. Roll it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set. The centers may appear slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes , then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before assembling and baking.
• Mini Cookies: Use smaller portions of dough and filling for bite-sized treats—reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes .
• White Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Make Ahead: Freeze assembled unbaked cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Drizzle Glaze: After cooling, drizzle melted chocolate or a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cookies for extra flair.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Surprise Center: The creamy cheesecake filling is a delightful surprise inside the soft, chewy cookie.
• Two Desserts in One: Combines the best parts of cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies for a decadent treat.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy cheesecake pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and sweet cookie dough.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies are sure to impress at gatherings, potlucks, or as gifts.
• Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.

These Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a match made in dessert heaven. With their gooey centers, melty chocolate chips, and buttery cookie dough, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear! 🍪🧀