Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, cozy flavors with a delightful surprise inside every bite, the Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies bring together the warm, spiced sweetness of cookie butter with a luscious, creamy cheesecake center, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that’s utterly irresistible. Each bite dazzles with soft, tender cookie dough wrapped around a smooth, tangy filling, making these cookies a truly special dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together in this recipe to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s giving the cookies their tender texture, that signature cookie butter flavor, or the creamy cheesecake surprise inside.
- Butter, 1 cup softened: Adds richness and gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cookie butter, 1 cup: The star ingredient that brings warm cinnamon and spiced sweetness in every bite.
- White sugar, 1/2 cup: Balances the flavors with just the right level of sweetness.
- Egg, 1 large: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances the flavor with a lovely aromatic depth.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape.
- Baking soda, 1 tsp: Gives the cookies a light, airy texture.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened: Creates that luscious, tangy filling that makes this cookie truly special.
- Powdered sugar, 1/4 cup: Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake mixture for a creamy center.
How to Make Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, setting you up for perfectly shaped results.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy cookie butter, and white sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy – this is the secret to that wonderfully tender texture and deep flavor.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. This adds moisture, richness, and a gentle fragrance that elevates the whole cookie experience.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent texture and flavor throughout the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop once you no longer see flour.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This sweet and tangy filling will make each bite exciting and irresistible.
Step 7: Shape and Fill Your Cookies
Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Flatten them slightly, then place a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Gently pinch the dough around the cheesecake filling to seal it inside, creating a delightful surprise once baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookies on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden color, signaling they’re ready to cool and be enjoyed.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their soft texture while the filling sets beautifully.
How to Serve Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. A sprinkle of crushed speculoos cookies on top adds crunch and amps up the cookie butter vibe.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of chai tea to complement the spiced cookie butter flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also turns these treats into an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and sprigs of mint for a charming presentation. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra cheesecake filling for a fun twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the texture soft and the cheesecake filling luscious without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This revives their softness and brings out that gooey cheesecake center beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of cookie butter?
While peanut butter will give you a tasty cookie, it won’t replicate the unique spiced-sweet flavor of cookie butter that makes this recipe special. For the classic Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe experience, stick with cookie butter.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese and butter?
Yes, softening ensures that all ingredients incorporate smoothly, resulting in the perfect creamy texture for both your dough and cheesecake filling.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You may need to adjust baking time slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature, making them perfect for baking ahead of time.
What’s the best way to seal the cream cheese filling inside?
Gently pinch the cookie dough around the cheesecake mixture to fully encase it without gaps. This keeps the filling from leaking out while baking and maintains that delightful surprise inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a cookie recipe that feels both comforting and decadent, the Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is your new go-to. Simple to make and utterly scrumptious, it brings a little magic to your cookie jar and a smile to your face. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved classic you’ll want to bake again and again.
Print
Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies featuring a soft, buttery dough enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling. Perfectly baked to golden edges, they offer a unique twist on classic cookies with the irresistible flavor of cookie butter paired with creamy cheesecake.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cookie butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cookie butter, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, ensuring they are fully incorporated for flavor and texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the filling is smooth and creamy, ready to be added inside the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into approximately 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place a small amount of cream cheese filling in the center. Carefully pinch the dough around the filling to seal it completely inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed cookies on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for the filling to spread smoothly inside the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
- If cookie butter is not available, speculoos spread can be a good substitute.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American