Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate mashup dessert—soft, buttery chocolate chip cookies filled with a creamy cheesecake center that melts in your mouth. These cookies take everything I love about classic chocolate chip cookies and elevate them with a smooth, tangy surprise inside. Every bite is rich, gooey, and completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a simple cookie into something truly decadent. The warm cookie exterior hides a luscious, slightly tangy cheesecake filling that stays creamy even after baking. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and perfect when I want to impress with a homemade dessert that looks and tastes bakery-worthy. They also freeze well, making them great for prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cheesecake filling:

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Powdered sugar

• Vanilla extract

For the cookie dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. I start by mixing the cheesecake filling: I beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Then I scoop small dollops onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

2. For the cookie dough, I whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in one bowl.

3. In another bowl, I cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then mix in the eggs and vanilla.

4. I slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, then stir in the chocolate chips.

5. Once the cheesecake centers are firm, I scoop out cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center.

6. I wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely and rolling it into a ball.

7. I place the stuffed cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes, until golden around the edges but soft in the center.

8. I let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 large stuffed cookies. It takes 25 minutes to prep (including freezing time) and 12–14 minutes to bake each batch.

Variations

Sometimes I use white chocolate chips or mix in chopped nuts for extra texture. I’ve also made them with peanut butter chips or even crushed Oreos stirred into the dough. For a festive twist, I stir in sprinkles or holiday-colored candies. When I want more cheesecake flavor, I add a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the filling.

storage/reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. To reheat, I microwave a cookie for 10–12 seconds to bring back that warm, gooey center. I also freeze them fully baked and reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or oven.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough and freeze the stuffed cookie balls. When I’m ready to bake, I add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Will the cheesecake center melt out?

Not if I fully enclose the filling with dough and make sure it’s frozen before baking. It stays creamy and delicious inside.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade dough holds the filling better and has a richer flavor. If using store-bought, I chill the filled cookies before baking.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Only if I want to keep them longer than a couple of days. They’re fine at room temp for 2–3 days, but I store extras in the fridge or freezer.

What’s the best way to get even cookies?

I use a cookie scoop for the dough and a teaspoon for the cheesecake centers. That helps keep the size and bake time consistent.

Conclusion

Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of those over-the-top treats that feel like something special but are totally doable at home. I love how the soft cookie gives way to a creamy center, making each bite rich, indulgent, and unforgettable. Whether I’m baking them for a party, gifting them, or treating myself, these cookies always steal the show.