If you love the rich, velvety texture of cheesecake and the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies, then these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are your dream dessert! These cookies are soft, slightly tangy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, offering the best of both worlds in every bite. Perfect for bake sales, holiday platters, or a cozy night in, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Serving & Storage Tips
- Creative Variations
- FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Let’s bake up a batch of these decadent, creamy cookies!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Cookies
✅ Ultra-Soft & Creamy – Like a cross between a cookie and cheesecake!
✅ Easy to Make – No chilling required, ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Rich & Decadent – Packed with chocolate chips and a hint of tang.
✅ Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet snack.
✅ Versatile – Swap in different mix-ins or toppings.
If you’re a fan of Levain-style cookies or cheesecake bars, you’ll adore this hybrid treat!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Cookies:
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best texture)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet, milk, or dark)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for extra tang)
- A pinch of cinnamon
For a Cheesecake Swirl (Optional):
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently stir in chocolate chips (and any other add-ins).
5. Scoop & Bake
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion dough into 2-tablespoon balls.
- Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart (they’ll spread slightly).
- Optional Swirl: Dot with small spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture and swirl with a toothpick.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden (centers will be soft).
6. Cool & Enjoy!
- Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or powdered sugar if desired.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
🔥 Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures a smooth, lump-free dough.
🔥 Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
🔥 Underbake Slightly – They’ll firm up as they cool but stay soft inside.
🔥 Even Scooping – Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and baking.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Ideas:
- Warm with vanilla ice cream for a cookie sundae.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel.
- Pair with a glass of cold milk or coffee.
Storage:
- Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Fridge: Stays fresh for 1 week (soften slightly before eating).
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Creative Variations
🍫 Double Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies
- Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough.
- Use dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
🍪 Funfetti Cheesecake Cookies
- Swap chocolate chips for rainbow sprinkles.
- Add ½ tsp almond extract for a cake-like flavor.
🥥 Coconut White Chocolate Cookies
- Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut + white chocolate chips.
🍋 Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies
- Add 1 tbsp lemon zest + ½ cup dried blueberries.
FAQ: Common Questions Answered
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Full-fat works best for texture, but low-fat can be used (cookies may be less creamy).
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Butter/cream cheese may have been too soft. Chill dough for 15-30 min if needed.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I omit the egg?
A: For a denser cookie, try 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp milk as a binder.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts—chewy, creamy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they’re sure to be a hit!