Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies

🍪 Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍰
Rich, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a creamy cheesecake center — the ultimate stuffed cookie treat!

✨ Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cookie Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup brown sugar, packed

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1½ cups chocolate chips

👩‍🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Scoop into small teaspoon-sized dollops (about 12–15), place on a parchment-lined plate, and freeze for at least 30–60 minutes or until firm.

Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined and smooth.

Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes (optional but helps prevent spreading).

Step 3: Assemble Cookies
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm.

Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center, then top with another flattened tablespoon of dough.

Carefully pinch and seal the edges, rolling into a ball.

Place on baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake
Bake for 11–14 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.

Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

🔍 Tips & Notes:
Chill everything: Cold cream cheese centers and chilled dough help keep the cookies thick and gooey.

You can use mini chocolate chips for easier sealing.

Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a twist!

Cookies can be frozen pre- or post-baking for longer storage.

🍽 Yield:
Makes about 12–15 large stuffed cookies