These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are a yummy treat! They bring together the creamy goodness of cheesecake and the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies.
Picture this: a soft cookie with melty chocolate chips and a rich cheesecake swirl. It’s hard to eat just one! I love having these with a glass of cold milk; it makes everything better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Fresh unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt slightly. I typically stick to unsalted for baking to control the taste.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for the cheesecake flavor. You can swap it with mascarpone for a smoother texture. Avoid low-fat versions; they won’t work as well!
Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both types add depth to the flavor. You can use all granulated sugar if you don’t have brown sugar, but brown sugar gives it a moist and chewy texture.
Chocolate Chips: I always opt for semisweet chocolate chips, but feel free to mix in dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different taste!
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Soft Cookies?
To keep these cookies soft and chewy, there are a few key steps to follow:
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour. Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies.
- Bake just until the edges are golden but the centers look under-baked; they will firm up as they cool.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading, giving you thicker cookies.
- Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack; this allows them to set properly.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes as well. So, set aside around 30 minutes total to bake and enjoy these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your cookies will bake evenly. While you’re at it, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This is where all the rich flavor begins!
3. Add the Sugars:
Next, sprinkle in the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Beat this mixture for a few minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks nice and airy!
4. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla:
One by one, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your cookies with a sweet aroma.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential to ensure everything is evenly distributed in your dough.
6. Bring It All Together:
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; be cautious not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough!
7. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now, it’s time to add the star of the show! Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed through the dough.
8. Scoop the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
9. Bake Away:
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the cookies to be golden around the edges and still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, the best part! Grab a cookie (or two) and enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or your favorite drink!
Happy baking! Enjoy these delightful chocolate chip cheesecake cookies!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may affect the texture and creaminess of the cookies, making them less rich. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can swap semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips based on your preference. You could even mix in nuts or dried fruits for extra texture!
What Should I Do If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to scoop, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to work with before baking.