Easy New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy New York Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweetness of graham cracker cookie dough. They’re perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings with a delightful bite-sized treat that’s both soft and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour (for cookie dough)
• 0.75 cup graham cracker crumbs (for cookie dough)
• 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 (for cookie dough)
• 0.25 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for cookie dough)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened; for filling)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 tbsp sour cream (for filling)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
• 0.5 tsp lemon zest (optional; for filling)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling; helps set)
• 0.25 cup graham cracker crumbs (for topping)
• 0.25 cup strawberry jam (optional; for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Make the filling by beating together cream cheese, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, lemon zest (if using), and 1 tbsp flour until smooth. Refrigerate while preparing the dough.
3. Step 3: Cream the softened butter with 0.75 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Beat in the egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1.75 cups flour, 0.75 cup graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms.
6. Step 6: Scoop dough into 24 portions (about 1.5 tablespoons each), roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets. Press a deep indent into the center of each ball with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon.
7. Step 7: Spoon or pipe about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into each indent. If desired, add a small dot of strawberry jam on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 0.25 cup graham cracker crumbs.
8. Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the best texture, chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the creamiest, richest flavor.
• Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry jam to vary the topping flavor.
• Press the indent firmly to hold more filling without spilling over during baking.
• Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can improve texture and prevent spreading.

Storage

Store these cheesecake cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheat slightly at room temperature or enjoy chilled for the best creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, but the texture and flavor may differ from the classic cheesecake taste.

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking during baking?

Make sure to press a deep enough indent in the dough and refrigerate the filling before piping. Adding the tablespoon of flour to the filling helps it set and reduces leakage.

Easy New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 60 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Easy New York Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of classic cheesecake with the buttery, crumbly texture of graham cracker cookie dough. This delightful treat features a soft, moist cookie base with a luscious cheesecake filling topped with graham cracker crumbs and optional strawberry jam for an added burst of sweetness. Perfect as a dessert or an indulgent snack, these cookies are simple to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Dough

• 1.75 cup 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, sour cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, lemon zest if using, and 1 tbsp flour until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Place the filling in the refrigerator to keep chilled while you prepare the cookie dough.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, 0.75 cup granulated sugar, and 0.25 cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
6. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, which can toughen the cookies.
7. Form cookie dough balls: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, divide the dough into 24 portions, about 1.5 tablespoons each. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for spreading. Press a deep indent into the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create a well for the filling.
8. Add filling and toppings: Pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling into each indentation. 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 for added texture and flavor.
9. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and just lightly golden, while the centers remain soft and creamy.
10. Cooling and chilling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best cheesecake texture, refrigerate the cookies for an additional 20 to 30 minutes before serving.
11. Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 2 months to maintain freshness and flavor.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough and filling.
• If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush graham crackers in a zip bag with a rolling pin or use digestive biscuits as a substitute.
• Do not overbake; the centers should remain soft to maintain the classic cheesecake texture.
• The lemon zest in the filling is optional but adds a subtle brightness that complements the cream cheese flavor.
• Chilling the cookies after baking ensures that the cheesecake filling firms up nicely and enhances the overall texture.
• For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, but note texture and flavor will differ.
• Adding strawberry jam on top is optional and adds a fruity contrast to the rich cheesecake flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: New York Cheesecake Cookies, Cheesecake Cookies, Graham Cracker Cookies, Dessert Cookies, Cream Cheese Cookies, Easy Cheesecake Recipe