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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
