New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy desserts but also crave a delightful cookie experience, this New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine the luxurious, tangy flavor of a classic New York cheesecake captured in every bite-sized cookie, perfectly balanced with a buttery graham cracker crust base and a luscious cream cheese filling. These treats are simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, creating a bakery-worthy snack that’s sure to impress friends or simply delight yourself on any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward but essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the crisp graham cracker crumbs providing structure and flavor, to the cream cheese filling delivering that unmistakable cheesecake tang. Combining pantry staples with just a few fresh touches, you’ll have all you need to whip up these show-stopping cookies.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Adds a crunchy, slightly sweet base that mimics a cheesecake crust perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookie dough, allowing it to hold shape during baking.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise lightly for a tender texture.
- Butter, softened: Provides richness and moisture, ensuring cookies are soft but sturdy.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor and contributes to cookie chewiness.
- Large egg, separated: The white binds the dough while the yolk enriches the cheesecake filling.
- Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the filling, offering that creamy, tangy cheesecake taste.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling, balancing the tang of the cream cheese.
- Lemon zest: Adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
How to Make New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Getting your oven to the perfect temperature before you start baking will help your New York Cheesecake Cookies bake evenly and develop a gorgeous, delicate texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, toss together the graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, and baking powder to ensure an even mix. Now add your softened butter, brown sugar, and egg white to the dry mixture. Beat on high speed until this blends into a smooth, cohesive dough that’s just soft enough to shape but firm enough to hold its form. This step is where magic begins, as the dough comes together with just the right texture to cradle the cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Divide your dough into even balls about one tablespoon each – this will make roughly 36 cookies. Gently flatten each ball with your palm, then press your thumb into the center to create a small well. This indentation is key because it will hold all that delicious cheesecake filling without spilling during baking.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and reserved egg yolk. Beat them together until you achieve a silky smooth, creamy filling free of lumps. This mixture is the star that transforms the cookie into a luscious cheesecake bite.
Step 5: Fill the Cookies
Spoon a modest dollop of the cheesecake filling into each cookie’s indentation. Be careful not to overfill, or you risk the filling oozing out when baked. Just enough for a generous taste of cheesecake in every bite will do beautifully.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the filled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between each to allow gentle spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies look set and the edges are just faintly golden. This baking time ensures cookies remain tender but fully cooked, while the filling sets perfectly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cooling helps the cheesecake filling set fully and makes the cookies easier to handle, letting you enjoy them without fear of breaking that creamy center.
How to Serve New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the cookies or add a few fresh berries on top. A light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon can enhance both flavor and presentation, making your New York Cheesecake Cookies feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte to balance the tang and sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a glass of chilled milk also make beautiful accompaniments that complement the rich cream cheese filling perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cheesecake cookies on a tiered serving tray for a stunning dessert display at tea parties or celebrations. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra cheesecake filling inside for a decadent twist, turning this recipe into mini cheesecake cookie sandwiches that will wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your New York Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture retention, especially to keep the filling creamy but firm, refrigerating them is recommended if you need to keep them longer, up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to make these cheesecake cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To warm your cookies without melting the cheesecake filling too much, gently heat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make the cream cheese filling too runny, changing the delightful texture you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, the texture and richness of the filling may be slightly affected. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy consistency and flavor for authentic cheesecake taste in these cookies.
What if I don’t have graham crackers for the crumbs?
If graham crackers aren’t available, digestive biscuits or any mildly sweet plain cookies crushed finely work as good substitutes. Just aim for something that offers a slightly sweet, crumbly base to keep the cookie crust authentic.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures similarly, and verify that your graham cracker crumbs are gluten-free as well. This way, you can still enjoy the wonderful flavors of the New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe without gluten.
How long do these cheesecake cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cookies stay fresh for up to one week. Because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is key to maintaining their delicious texture and safety.
Is it okay to add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the dough or swirling in fruit preserves into the filling can personalize the cookies and introduce exciting new flavors. Just be mindful of adding too much moisture, which could affect baking times.
Final Thoughts
This New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is truly a joy to make and an even greater pleasure to eat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these cookies combine the best of both worlds: cookie crunch and cheesecake creaminess in every bite. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
New York Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These New York Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of classic cheesecake with the crunch of a graham cracker cookie base. Soft and tender with a delightful tangy cream cheese filling, these cookies are perfect for dessert or a special treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they capture the essence of a cheesecake in a convenient cookie form.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, white only (reserve yolk for filling)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Egg yolk (from separated egg above)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the dough and filling for optimal baking results.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Add in softened butter, brown sugar, and the egg white. Beat the mixture on high speed until it fully comes together into a cohesive dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Divide the dough into even-sized balls, approximately 1 tablespoon each to make about 36 cookies. Flatten each ball slightly using your palm and create an indentation in the center using your thumb to hold the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and reserved egg yolk together. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
- Fill the Cookies: Spoon a small amount of the prepared cream cheese filling into the thumbprint indentation of each shaped cookie dough ball.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the filled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set and the edges start to turn very lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling allows the filling to set properly and makes the cookies easier to handle and enjoy.
Notes
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Do not overfill the indentation to prevent the filling from spilling over during baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely for the best texture and flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a twist, add a few fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate on top once cooled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
