Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies are soft, gooey, bakery-style cookies filled with a sweet and tangy cream cheese center. These indulgent treats are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie—perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or impressing guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two beloved treats: cookies and cheesecake filling.
Soft, chewy cookie exterior with a creamy surprise in the center.
Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or special occasions.
Freezer-friendly—make ahead and bake as needed.
Rich in flavor, with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cream cheese filling:

Cream cheese (softened)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

For the cookie dough:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

directions

In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop two tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it, and place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling and roll into a ball.
Place on a lined baking sheet, spacing cookies apart. Chill dough balls for 15 minutes before baking.
Preheat oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden around the edges but soft in the center.
Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12–14 large cookies
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill/freeze time: 30–45 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Mini version: Use smaller dough portions for bite-sized treats.
Nutty: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Flavored filling: Mix in lemon zest or cocoa powder to the cream cheese filling.
Stuffed with Nutella: Replace cream cheese with a frozen dollop of Nutella for a chocolate variation.
Double chocolate: Use chocolate cookie dough for an even richer experience.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake frozen dough directly with an added 1–2 minutes of baking time.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey center.

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much during baking.

Can I skip freezing the cream cheese filling?

No, freezing helps keep the filling intact during baking and prevents it from leaking out.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

You can, but homemade dough provides better flavor and texture control.

How do I keep the filling from leaking?

Ensure the cookie dough fully seals the cream cheese ball. Pinch the edges tightly and roll gently.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours or frozen for later use.

What’s the best way to serve these?

Warm, so the filling is soft and gooey. Reheat slightly before serving if cooled.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes—try adding white chocolate chips, toffee bits, or crushed pretzels.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The edges should be golden, and the center should still look slightly soft—it will set as it cools.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Freeze half for future baking.

Is it okay to refrigerate the dough overnight?

Yes, refrigerating overnight enhances the flavor and helps control spread.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Stuffed Cookies are the ultimate upgrade to a classic dessert, delivering a rich, gooey center surrounded by a soft, chocolate-studded cookie. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or indulging at home, these cookies are sure to impress.