Take your love for cookies and cheesecake to the next level with these Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie only to find a creamy cheesecake filling inside. This dessert combines two irresistible treats into one, making it perfect for special occasions or satisfying a sweet craving. Let’s jump into how to make these heavenly cookies!
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
- Powdered Sugar (1/3 cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
For the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups)
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, melted)
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup)
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed)
- Egg (1 large + 1 egg yolk)
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Freeze the Filling: Scoop out about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling and place each scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You should have 12-16 scoops. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well-mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hands.
- Add Cheesecake Filling: Place one frozen cheesecake filling scoop in the center of each flattened dough round.
- Seal the Cookies: Take another small piece of cookie dough and place it over the cheesecake filling. Gently press the edges together to seal, making sure no filling is exposed.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place the sealed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them gooey in the middle.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 12 cookies)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugars: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before assembling the cookies.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls with the cheesecake filling inside. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
4. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Feel free to mix in different types of chocolate such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate for added variety.
5. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure the cheesecake filling is well-frozen and the cookie dough is sealed completely around it. This will help prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
6. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
7. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even mini marshmallows to the cookie dough for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
8. Can I make smaller cookies?
If you prefer smaller cookies, scoop smaller portions of dough and cheesecake filling. Just reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness at 10 minutes.
Conclusion
These Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies combine two delicious treats into one incredible dessert. The soft, chewy cookie on the outside and creamy cheesecake center will have everyone reaching for seconds. They’re perfect for special occasions, parties, or just a fun treat to share with family and friends! Enjoy!