Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies – Creamy Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

Soft chocolate chip cheesecake cookies stacked on a plate, with creamy centers and golden edges, surrounded by chocolate chips and a swirl of cheesecake filling.
Chewy, creamy, and chocolate-packed—these cheesecake cookies are pure dessert bliss.

The Best of Two Worlds in One Cookie

There’s something magical about combining two beloved desserts into one. I still remember the first time I bit into a chocolate chip cheesecake cookie—soft, chewy, and filled with creamy tang. It was love at first bite. These cookies are a hybrid masterpiece, merging the nostalgic charm of chocolate chip cookies with the luxurious richness of cheesecake. The result? A treat that’s sweet, tangy, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies always steal the show. Their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a go-to favorite for dessert lovers of all ages.

What Are Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies?

Chocolate chip cheesecake cookies are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts. Inspired by the timeless chocolate chip cookie and creamy cheesecake, these cookies feature a buttery dough base with a luscious cream cheese twist. Depending on the recipe, the cream cheese can be stuffed inside, swirled through the dough, or blended for a smooth texture. The most indulgent version includes a frozen cream cheese filling tucked inside each cookie, creating a surprise center that melts into creamy perfection as it bakes. Pro tip: freeze the filling beforehand to make stuffing easier and less messy.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Tangy, and Comforting

These cookies hit all the right notes. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and velvety texture, while chocolate chips bring deep sweetness and richness. Vanilla and brown sugar round out the flavor with warm, comforting undertones. Want to elevate the taste? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, lemon zest for brightness, or sea salt flakes for contrast. For the perfect balance, semi-sweet chocolate chips are your best bet—they’re not too sweet and pair beautifully with the tangy cream cheese.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Soft, chewy cookie exterior with a creamy cheesecake center
  • Easily customizable with mix-ins or flavor tweaks
  • Scales well for large batches and freezes beautifully
  • Kid-approved and ideal for gifting or sharing

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop
  • Wire rack

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

  • Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest texture
  • Butter: Unsalted and softened for easy creaming
  • Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth
  • Flour: All-purpose or a 1:1 gluten-free blend works well
  • Chocolate chips: Choose semi-sweet, milk, or dark based on preference
  • Optional: Cornstarch for extra softness, lemon zest for zing Tip: Always use room temperature ingredients for smooth, even mixing

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth; freeze until firm
  2. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy
  3. Add egg and vanilla; mix well
  4. Whisk dry ingredients separately, then fold into wet mixture
  5. Stir in chocolate chips
  6. Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and place a piece of frozen cream cheese filling in the center
  7. Seal edges and roll into balls
  8. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden
  9. Let cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack Tip: Don’t overbake—cookies continue to set as they cool
Soft chocolate chip cheesecake cookies stacked on a plate, with creamy centers and golden edges, surrounded by chocolate chips and a swirl of cheesecake filling.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies – Creamy Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate dessert mashup! Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies meet creamy cheesecake filling in every bite. Perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, or anytime you crave something rich and indulgent. Easy to make and impossible to resist!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Bake sale treat, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20 cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:

  • 4 oz (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

For the Dough:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for softness)
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Optional Add-ins:

  • Lemon zest, cinnamon, sea salt flakes

Instructions
 

  • Make the Filling: Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Scoop into small balls and freeze for 30 minutes.
  • Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Gradually fold into wet mixture.
  • Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in chips until evenly distributed.
  • Assemble Cookies: Scoop dough, flatten slightly, and place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center. Seal and roll into a ball.
  • Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
  • Cool: Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
    Tip: Don’t overbake—cookies continue to set as they cool.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep in airtight container in fridge for up to 5 days
  • Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for 2 months or unbaked dough balls for fresh cookies anytime
  • Variations: Try white chocolate chips, raspberry jam swirl, or pumpkin spice for seasonal flair
  • Presentation: Sprinkle with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for a bakery-style finish
  • Dietary Swaps: Use plant-based cream cheese and butter for dairy-free version; gluten-free flour for GF option
Keyword cheesecake, chocolate chip, cookies, cream cheese, dessert, stuffed cookies