Name: Cheesecake Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

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These cheesecake cookie cups are a perfect fusion of soft, gooey chocolate chip cookie and creamy cheesecake filling. A simple and delicious treat that combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible bite-sized package.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delightful treat offers the best of both worlds - the comforting warmth of chocolate chip cookies with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake. The cookie cups provide a perfect vessel for the rich cheesecake filling, creating a balanced dessert that's impressive yet surprisingly simple to make. The contrast between the slightly crisp cookie edges and the smooth cheesecake center makes each bite a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Plus, their individual serving size makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, or whenever you need a portable dessert option that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the foundation of the cookie cups, providing structure while maintaining a tender texture when baked properly. It also helps thicken the cheesecake filling slightly for the perfect consistency.

Baking soda acts as the leavening agent in the cookie base, creating that slightly risen, soft cookie texture we all love.

Salt enhances all the flavors in both the cookie base and cheesecake filling, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the chocolate notes.

Unsalted butter brings richness and that classic cookie flavor to the base. Make sure it's properly softened (but not melted) for the best texture when creaming with the sugars.

Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create the tender structure in both the cookie base and cheesecake filling.

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cookie base that pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Vanilla extract infuses both components with its warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dessert experience.

Eggs bind the ingredients together while adding richness. They provide structure to both the cookie base and the cheesecake filling.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips create pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookie base. You can substitute dark chocolate chips for a less sweet option or milk chocolate for a sweeter treat.

Cream cheese is the star of the filling, providing that distinctive tangy creaminess that makes cheesecake so irresistible. Always use the full-fat version for the best texture and flavor.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough into each muffin cup, pressing it down slightly to form a base.
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and flour until smooth.
Spoon the cheesecake filling over the cookie dough in each muffin cup, filling almost to the top.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the cookie edges are golden brown.
Let cool completely before removing from the muffin tin. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 individual cheesecake cookie cups.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving

Variations

Berry Topped: Once chilled, top each cookie cup with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the tops before serving for an extra layer of indulgence.
Nutella Swirl: Before baking, swirl a teaspoon of warmed Nutella into the cheesecake layer for a hazelnut chocolate flavor.
Oreo Cookie Cups: Substitute crushed Oreos for the chocolate chips in the cookie base for a cookies-and-cream version.
Peanut Butter Chip: Replace half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a wonderful flavor combination.
Lemon Cheesecake: Add lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake filling for a refreshing citrus version.

Storage/Reheating

These cheesecake cookie cups will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because of the cheesecake component, they should not be stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie cups for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. These are best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator and don't require reheating. However, if you prefer a softer cookie base, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Why did my cheesecake filling crack?

Cracking typically happens when cheesecake is overbaked or cooled too quickly. Try reducing your baking time slightly or cooling the cups in the oven with the door slightly ajar before removing them.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These cheesecake cookie cups are perfect for making 1-2 days ahead. Store them in the refrigerator and they'll taste just as delicious when you're ready to serve them.

How do I know when the cheesecake cookie cups are done baking?

The edges of the cookie base should be golden brown, and the cheesecake filling should be mostly set but might have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat will give you the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions contain more moisture and may result in a less stable filling.

My cookie dough seems too sticky to handle. What should I do?

Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with. You can also slightly wet your fingers when pressing the dough into the muffin cups.

Can I make mini versions of these in a mini muffin tin?

Yes! Use about a teaspoon of cookie dough and a teaspoon of cheesecake filling for each mini cup. Reduce baking time to about 10-12 minutes.

Do I need to use paper liners?

While not absolutely necessary, paper liners make removal and serving much easier. If you don't use liners, be sure to grease the muffin tin very well.

Why did my cookie base get too hard?

Overbaking is usually the culprit for hard cookie bases. Make sure to remove the cups from the oven as soon as the cheesecake is set and the cookie edges are golden.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another mix-in?

Definitely! Try butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even small candy pieces as alternatives to chocolate chips.

How can I prevent the cookie cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

For best results, use paper liners. If not using liners, let the cups cool completely in the tin before attempting to remove them, and run a thin knife around the edges to loosen.

Conclusion

These Cheesecake Cookie Cups with Chocolate Chips represent the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts. The contrast between the soft, chocolatey cookie base and the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling creates a dessert that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you're entertaining guests, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these little cups of joy deliver big flavor in a convenient package. The individual portions make them ideal for serving, and their make-ahead friendly nature means you can prepare them when convenient and enjoy them when desired. Try this recipe once, and it's bound to become a regular in your dessert rotation – a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with sophistication in each delicious bite.