Ah, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies! Just saying the name makes my sweet tooth tingle! There’s something quintessentially comforting about this delightful treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the classic chocolate chip cookie experience. It’s basically a party for your taste buds, and guess what? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!
I first came across this recipe when I was hunting for something special to bake for my best friend’s birthday. You know, the kind of treat that makes everyone go “Wow!” at first bite. I can still remember standing in my tiny kitchen, the aroma wafting through the air, and my friend practically hovering over the counter like a cartoon character sniffing out freshly baked goods. Let me tell you; they were a hit! Ever since, these cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire.
What’s in Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies?
All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookie, providing that lovely structure. I like to use unbleached all-purpose flour for a more natural flavor.
Baking soda: This tiny ingredient is vital; it helps our cookies rise and get those perfect, soft edges.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors nicely.
Unsalted butter: I always use unsalted because it gives me control over the saltiness of my cookies. Plus, melted butter makes for an extra dreamy texture!
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The dynamic duo for sweetness! The brown sugar brings moisture and that caramel-like richness, while the granulated sugar contributes a crisp bite.
Egg: This binds everything together and helps with that luscious cheesecake texture we’re craving.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this magic ingredient is key – it elevates the flavor to a whole new level.
Chocolate chips: I adore semi-sweet chocolate chips, but go ahead and use milk chocolate or even dark chocolate if that’s what you fancy!
Cream cheese: The secret weapon in this cookie! It lends that rich, cheesecake flavor. So, make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Is Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Good for You?
These cookies are certainly a delightful indulgence! While they’re not exactly a health food, there are a few things to be proud of.
Chocolate chips: They contain antioxidants and can even boost your mood (yay for happy vibes!). Just remember, moderation is key.
Cream cheese: Packed with protein and calcium, it adds some nutritional value. Opt for low-fat cream cheese if you want to lighten things up a bit.
While it’s okay to enjoy these lovelies as an occasional treat, remember to balance them with some wholesome foods in your diet. After all, we want to savor our sweets without guilt!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Makes about 24 cookies.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside for a little while.
3. In another mixing bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and creamy chunks of softened cream cheese (you want to get little bites of cheesecake in your cookie!).
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them (they’ll spread out as they bake).
8. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. They will look slightly underbaked in the center – this is perfect for that chewy texture!
9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cookie Tips and Tricks!
– **Chill your dough:** If you’re not baking them right away, chilling the dough can help them maintain their shape.
– **Add a sprinkle of sea salt:** Right before baking, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavor wonderfully.
– **Customize the mix-ins:** Feel free to swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate, or to add nuts for that extra crunch.
I hope you give these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies a try! They bring so much joy, and I can assure you that sharing them with family and friends will always lead to smiles (and maybe a little begging for the recipe)! If you do make them, let me know how they turned out — I’m excited to hear your stories and baking adventures! Happy baking!
