Easy New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
These Easy New York Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, buttery cookie dough with a creamy cheesecake filling. The graham cracker crumbs add a subtle crunch and classic flavor, while optional strawberry jam on top provides a fruity contrast. Perfectly baked until golden at the edges and soft in the center, these cookies make for a decadent treat that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Cookie Dough
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Topping
- 0.25 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cup strawberry jam (optional)
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional lemon zest, and 1 tbsp flour until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Refrigerate this filling while you prepare the cookie dough to let it firm up slightly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with 0.75 cup granulated sugar and 0.25 cup light brown sugar. Beat together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.75 cups all-purpose flour, 0.75 cup graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt to ensure even distribution.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Portion and Shape Dough: Scoop out 24 equal portions of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Roll each portion into a ball and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Press a deep indent into the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create space for the filling.
- Fill Cookies: Using a piping bag or spoon, add about 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling into the indent of each cookie. If desired, add a small dollop of strawberry jam on top of the filling. Finally, sprinkle each cookie with the remaining 0.25 cup graham cracker crumbs to add texture and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just lightly golden but the centers remain soft and creamy.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack. For optimal cheesecake texture, refrigerate the cookies for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
- Storage: Store the cookies refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy them later.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients (egg, butter, cream cheese) ensures better mixing and a smoother dough and filling.
- Optional lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that complements the cheesecake flavor.
- If you prefer a fruit topping, strawberry jam adds a nice sweetness and color contrast.
- Don’t overbake to keep the centers soft and creamy as intended for cheesecake cookies.
- Chilling the cookies after baking enhances their flavor and texture for the best experience.
- Ensure to press a deep enough indent in the cookie dough to hold the filling without spilling.
- Graham cracker crumbs add a delightful crunchy texture that mimics the classic cheesecake crust.
Keywords: New York cheesecake cookies, cheesecake cookies, easy cheesecake cookies, graham cracker cookies, cream cheese cookies, dessert cookies