Name: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/4 cup unrefined granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp. honey; 1 large egg; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp. baking soda; 1/4 tsp. salt; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 19 reviews

If you love the idea of blending creamy cheesecake with chunky chocolate chips into a cookie, then you’re going to be head over heels for these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies. They boast a soft, tender crumb with just the right balance of sweet creaminess and melty chocolate, making every bite feel like a small celebration. This recipe is perfect for when you want a cookie that’s a little indulgent yet incredibly satisfying, offering a wonderful twist on your classic chocolate chip treat.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this recipe are simple, pantry-friendly, and play essential roles in bringing out the unique flavor and texture that make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies so special. Each item contributes either moisture, richness, or the perfect touch of sweetness and structure to the cookie dough.

Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp.): Adds creamy richness and tenderizes the cookie dough for that soft texture.
Cream cheese (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that gives these cookies an irresistible cheesecake tang and extra moisture.
Unrefined granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Provides sweetness with a subtle molasses note from its less processed form.
Honey (2 Tbsp.): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of floral flavor, contributing to the cookie’s moistness.
Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds richness for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp.): Enhances all the flavors, making them sing with warmth and depth.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates the foundation and structure for the cookies.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp.): Helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them soft and pillowy.
Salt (1/4 tsp.): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): The delightful pockets of melted chocolate you look forward to in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat—this helps keep your cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Having everything prepped saves time and keeps things running smoothly once your dough is ready.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, Sugar, and Honey

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer and large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, sugar, and honey on medium-high speed. Keep going until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—this step is crucial because it aerates the dough, making the cookies tender yet light.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of your bowl as you go to incorporate every little bit of the creamy base—it’s important to have a uniform mixture for the best texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Reduce your mixer to low speed and slowly add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. The right balance keeps your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies soft and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. This gentle approach distributes the chips evenly without breaking them, ensuring bursts of gooey chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Use a rounded tablespoon to drop dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them enough to allow spreading. For an extra chocolatey touch, press a few additional chocolate chips on top of each cookie. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to set and turn a lovely golden brown. They might look slightly underbaked but that’s exactly the soft texture we’re after.

Step 7: Cool on Baking Sheet and Wire Rack

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting lets the flavors meld and keeps your cookies tender and luscious.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

Garnishes

To amp up that homemade charm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie just before serving. It creates a beautiful flavor contrast to the sweetness and highlights the chocolate chips brilliantly.

Side Dishes

These cookies are spectacular on their own, but pairing them with a chilled glass of creamy milk or a hot cup of coffee makes for a cozy treat. If you want to get fancy, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a quick dessert that feels indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider stacking these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies into a charming dessert tower or sandwiching them with whipped cream or frosting for a tempting cookie sandwich. Wrapping individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes a thoughtful, homemade gift anyone would adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the texture soft and moist. They’re best enjoyed within one week to savor the full freshness and flavor of the cheesecake-infused dough.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for a later date, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked feeling, warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften them up and bring the cheesecake and chocolate chip magic back to life.

FAQs

Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of unrefined?

Absolutely! You can substitute with regular granulated sugar, though the cookies might lose a touch of the subtle molasses depth that unrefined sugar provides. They will still be sweet and delicious.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese? What if I don’t have any?

Cream cheese is what gives these cookies their signature tang and soft texture, so it’s highly recommended. If you don’t have cream cheese, the cookies won’t have the same richness or moist crumb, but you could try substituting with an equal amount of mascarpone or sour cream as a last resort.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal as they create a lovely balance with the tangy cream cheese and sweetness. However, you can use milk or dark chocolate chips based on your taste preferences.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly, but the flavor should remain delightful.

Why are the cookies soft but not spreading much during baking?

The cream cheese and butter create a thick, rich dough that holds its shape well, resulting in soft, cake-like cookies rather than thin, chewy ones. That’s the wonderful characteristic of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies—they maintain a tender, almost pillow-like texture.

Final Thoughts

Ready to treat yourself to a cookie experience like no other? These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies are pure joy wrapped in sweet, creamy dough with melty chocolate surprises in every bite. They’re easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.