These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are what dessert dreams are made of. With the luscious tang of cream cheese nestled into a soft, buttery cookie base and studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, they deliver everything you love about cheesecake in a handheld cookie.
Each bite is a blissful combo of rich, smooth cream cheese flavor and the gooey satisfaction of melted chocolate. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that offers something just a bit more special than your average cookie—this is it.
If you’re into my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, this one will slide into your favorite cookie recipes with ease.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesecake + Cookie = Heaven: A cookie with the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake? Yes, please.
- Extra Soft Texture: Thanks to the cream cheese and brown sugar.
- No Chill Required: Whip up and bake right away!
- Perfect for Sharing: Makes 24 cookies—ideal for parties or gifting.
- Freezer-Friendly: Great for make-ahead baking.
What you will need + Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 🧀 Cream Cheese | 8 oz (softened) | Mascarpone (for milder taste) |
| 🧈 Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (softened) | Salted butter (omit added salt), vegan butter |
| 🍬 Granulated Sugar | ¾ cup | Coconut sugar (texture will vary) |
| 🍬 Brown Sugar | ½ cup | All white sugar (cookies will be lighter/flatter) |
| 🥚 Large Egg | 1 | Flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) |
| 🥄 Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Almond extract or maple extract |
| 🍚 All-Purpose Flour | 2¼ cups | Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend |
| 🥄 Baking Soda | 1 tsp | Baking powder (1¼ tsp, cookies may rise more) |
| 🧂 Salt | ½ tsp | Omit if using salted butter |
| 🍫 Chocolate Chips | 1½ cups | Chopped chocolate, white chocolate, or M&Ms |
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Tip: Parchment prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Cream the Dairy & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
Mix until smooth, creamy, and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Tip: Proper creaming helps trap air for tender, light cookies.
Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Continue mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Gradually add to wet mixture and mix until just combined.
Tip: Don’t overmix—this ensures soft, tender cookies.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in:
- 1½ cups chocolate chips (or your choice of mix-ins)
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently combine.
Scoop & Bake
Scoop dough using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing cookies 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers still soft.
Tip: Cookies continue baking on the sheet after removal—don’t overbake!
Cool & Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Topping and Mix-In Ideas
Want to make them even more indulgent? Try these extras:
- White Chocolate Drizzle
- Mini M&Ms
- Crushed Oreo pieces
- Sea salt sprinkle before baking
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 90 mg |
Values may vary depending on chocolate used and substitutions.
How to Store & Reheat
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator:
- Extend shelf life to 7–8 days when chilled.
Freezer:
- Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Bake from frozen: add 1–2 extra minutes to bake time.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cold for a dessert duo.
- Fresh Strawberries: Tart and juicy for balance.
- Milk: Dairy or plant-based, perfect for dunking.
- Coffee: A bold espresso to complement the sweetness.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and cozy for indulgence.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Cream Cheese → Vegan Cream Cheese: Dairy-free creamy substitute.
- Butter → Vegan Butter: Dairy-free richness.
- All-Purpose Flour → Gluten-Free Flour: Dietary-friendly structure.
- Egg → Flax Egg: Vegan binding alternative.
- Chocolate Chips → White Chocolate Chips: Sweet, creamy swap.
FAQs
Can I make cheesecake cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a direct swap.
Can I skip the brown sugar in cookies?
You can use only granulated sugar, but brown sugar helps retain moisture and adds a richer flavor.
Why include cream cheese in cookies?
Cream cheese adds a unique softness and subtle tangy flavor—almost like cheesecake in cookie form!
Can I make the cheesecake cookies dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze in dough ball form.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula (for mixing and folding)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Optional: Cookie scoop (for uniform cookies)
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips, then scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden, then cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
If you’ve ever been torn between a cheesecake slice and a chocolate chip cookie, your dilemma is officially over. These Creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are soft, rich, and downright addictive—offering the best of both dessert worlds in one bite.
Whether you’re baking a weekend treat, prepping for a bake sale, or stocking your freezer with sweet goodness, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your mixer and bring some bliss into your kitchen—these cookies are waiting to make your day.
