New York Cheesecake Cookies bring the creamy, indulgent flavor of New York-style cheesecake into a bite-sized, portable form. Imagine savoring the rich taste of cheesecake in each delicate cookie bite. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or simply enjoy a delicious treat, these cookies are the perfect sweet indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Preparing the Cheesecake Cookie Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate, larger bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, pure vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing; stop as soon as the dough forms.
- Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set the cheesecake filling aside.
Assembling the Cheesecake Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop approximately one tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process, spacing the dough balls about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling. Be cautious not to overfill.
Baking the Cheesecake Cookies:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Garnishing the Cheesecake Cookies:
- Once the cookies are cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Serving:
- Serve your New York Cheesecake Cookies as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Variations and Tips
- Fruit Swirl: Add a teaspoon of your favorite fruit preserves or pie filling to the cheesecake filling for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds over the cheesecake filling before baking for added crunch.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough; it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re delicious chilled!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and cheesecake filling in advance and assemble the cookies just before baking.
Conclusion
New York Cheesecake Cookies offer all the creamy, tangy goodness of a classic cheesecake in a delightful, bite-sized form. These cookies are perfect for when you want a taste of cheesecake without the hassle of baking a whole cake. Share them with friends and family or savor them as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy each bite of these mini desserts with big flavor!
