Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Indulging in a delightful treat is one of life’s simple pleasures, and these Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect way to elevate your dessert game. Combining the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies, this recipe has become a family favorite in my household. My kids go crazy for them, and I love that I can make them for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday party, a cozy family night, or just because I have a craving for something sweet. The moment you bite into one, the creamy cheesecake filling mingles with the warm, gooey chocolate chips, creating a blissful experience that is hard to resist. If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups chocolate chips

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract, egg, and egg yolk until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in the chocolate chips.

3. Make Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble Cookies

Form tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough and make a hole in the center of each ball. Fill the hole with a small amount of the cheesecake mixture, then cover with more cookie dough, sealing the cheesecake inside.

5. Bake

Place the stuffed cookie balls on the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: ~310 kcal per cookie

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes

How to Serve

• Warm from the Oven: Serve immediately for that gooey experience.
• With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce on top adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
• With Coffee or Milk: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Cookie Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Add Flaky Sea Salt: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking!
3. Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate and cream cheese can make a big difference in taste.
4. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.
5. Experiment with Mix-ins: Try adding nuts, dried fruits, or other flavors to the cheesecake filling for a twist.

Recipe Variations

• Red Velvet Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies: Use red velvet cookie dough and cream cheese filling for a festive treat.
• Peanut Butter Cookies: Substitute some of the butter with peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
• Oreo Stuffed Cookies: Use crushed Oreo cookies in the cheesecake filling for an added crunch.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Add mint extract to the cookie dough for a refreshing mint flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For Parties: These cookies are perfect for birthdays or holiday gatherings.
• As Gifts: Package them in a decorative box for a sweet homemade gift.
• At Bake Sales: Great for fundraisers or bake sales where you want to stand out.
• During the Holidays: Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving dessert tables.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Thawing: If freezing baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and the cheesecake filling ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to bake.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and the center may appear soft but will set as they cool.

3. Can I use light cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Regular cream cheese is recommended for the best results.

4. What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).

5. How should I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

6. Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts can add a nice crunch to your cookies.

7. What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can also use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor.

8. Can I use homemade cookie dough?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite cookie dough recipe in place of the one provided.

9. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well, both as dough balls and baked cookies.

10. Can I omit the chocolate chips?
You can, but they add a wonderful sweetness and texture that complements the cheesecake filling.

Conclusion

These Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines two of the most beloved desserts into one irresistible package. With their soft, chewy exterior and rich, creamy filling, they are sure to please anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just for fun, these cookies are bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this indulgent delight—you won’t regret it!

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