Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Decadent Dessert Delight

When it comes to indulgent desserts, few combinations can beat the classic pairing of rich cheesecake and chewy chocolate chip cookies. The idea of stuffing creamy, velvety cheesecake into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie seems almost too good to be true. But that’s exactly what you get with these cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies! These cookies are soft and chewy on the outside, with a surprise creamy cheesecake filling that takes every bite to the next level. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, rich and light, they’ll quickly become your new favorite treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing an after-dinner dessert, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will delight your taste buds and impress everyone around you. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how you can make these irresistible cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies at home!

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Ingredients Breakdown:

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients that will make these cookies a showstopper. The recipe requires just a few basic items that you may already have in your pantry and fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

The cream cheese filling is the star of the show! It’s light, creamy, and just sweet enough to balance out the rich chocolate chip cookie dough. The powdered sugar is added to give it a smooth, velvety texture that will hold up when it’s stuffed into the cookie dough.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup butter (slightly softened)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 & ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (more for topping)

The cookie dough itself is made with classic ingredients that create a soft, chewy texture with the perfect amount of sweetness. The brown sugar gives the dough a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s chewy consistency. Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that keeps the cookies soft and pillowy. Of course, no chocolate chip cookie is complete without a generous helping of semi-sweet chocolate chips to bring in that rich, cocoa flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by making the cheesecake filling, as it needs to chill in the freezer before being stuffed into the cookie dough. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat them together until smooth and creamy. Once mixed, divide the cheesecake mixture into 9 even mounds, about the size of a tablespoon. Place the mounds onto a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet and put them in the freezer to chill for about 15-30 minutes. Chilling the cheesecake filling makes it easier to handle when it’s time to stuff the cookies.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

While the cheesecake filling is chilling, it’s time to prepare the chocolate chip cookie dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent sticking.

In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You can do this by hand with a spatula or use a hand mixer for quicker results. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the vanilla extract and egg. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Start with the flour, followed by the cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix until the dough just comes together. The cornstarch will help the cookies stay soft and chewy, and the baking soda will give them a slight rise. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Now comes the fun part—assembling the cookies! Using a large cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out the cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon, creating a well in the center of each dough ball.

Take the chilled cheesecake mounds from the freezer and place one mound of cheesecake in the center of each cookie dough ball. Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the cheesecake to seal it inside. Be sure to pinch the edges tightly so that the cheesecake doesn’t leak out while baking. Roll the dough ball between your hands to smooth it out, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all 9 cookies.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Once all the cookies are assembled, bake them in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes. Don’t worry if the cookies look a little underdone or gooey in the center—they will continue to cook and set up as they cool. The soft, slightly undercooked middle is what gives these cookies their irresistible texture. After baking, top each cookie with a few extra chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely. This allows the cookies to set and ensures the cheesecake filling won’t spill out when you bite into them.

Once the cookies are fully cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! The cheesecake center will be smooth and creamy, perfectly complementing the soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie exterior.

Flavor and Texture:

When you bite into these cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies, you’re hit with a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The outer cookie layer is soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges. It provides the perfect contrast to the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling inside. The rich, semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout the dough add a deep chocolate flavor, which is balanced by the sweet and slightly tart cheesecake center.

The cheesecake filling itself is smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The texture is velvety and indulgent, while the chocolate chip cookie dough provides the perfect crunchy-chewy contrast. Together, these two elements create a dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tips for Success:

• Chill the Cheesecake Filling: Don’t skip the step of chilling the cheesecake filling. This will make it easier to handle and will help prevent it from melting out of the cookies during baking.
• Do Not Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough cookies.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of cheesecake filling! You could add a bit of lemon zest for a citrusy twist or mix in some fresh berries for a fruity variation.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a few days. This can save you time when you’re ready to bake.
• Freezing the Dough: If you want to bake the cookies later, you can freeze the dough balls (without baking) for up to 2 months. Just bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions:

These cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a decadent dessert at a dinner party, or pack them up for a sweet snack on the go. They’re also great for gifting—just wrap them up in a decorative box for a homemade treat that’s sure to impress. If you want to take them to the next level, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat.

Variations:

• Stuff with Different Fillings: Swap the cheesecake filling for other creamy fillings, like Nutella, peanut butter, or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor experience.
• Add Nuts: For extra texture, fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough before baking.
• Use Different Chocolate Chips: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips, to create a flavor combination that you love.

Conclusion:

These cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies are a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting chewiness of chocolate chip cookies and the smooth, tangy richness of cheesecake. With their soft, gooey centers and delightful chocolatey exterior, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to every bite. Give them a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures!