New York Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of classic cheesecake flavors and quintessential cookie texture, making them a truly irresistible treat for dessert lovers.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s reminiscent of the creamy, rich decadence of traditional New York cheesecake. These cookies are not your average dessert; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, expertly crafted to bring the best of both cookies and cheesecake into one bite-sized masterpiece.
The base of New York Cheesecake Cookies starts with a rich, buttery dough that’s infused with cream cheese, which is the defining ingredient of classic cheesecake. This cream cheese not only elevates the flavor but also contributes to the cookie’s irresistible softness and moistness.
The cookie dough is often sweetened with a balance of granulated and brown sugar, which not only provides a delightful sweetness but also enriches the flavor profile with a hint of caramel-like depth.
To achieve that authentic cheesecake taste, vanilla extract is a key ingredient, delivering warmth and essence that echoes the flavors of a traditional cheesecake. Many recipes also incorporate a touch of sour cream or yogurt,
adding a slight tanginess to mimic the signature flavor of New York-style cheesecake. This unique combination of ingredients creates a cookie with a distinctively creamy interior that melts in your mouth.
As you bake these cookies, a delightful aroma fills the kitchen, reminiscent of a bakery specializing in cheesecakes. Once cooked, they take on a beautiful golden hue, showcasing a slightly crisp edge that gives way to a soft, chewy center.
To enhance the cheesecake experience, many recipes include mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or fruit preserves—such as cherry or blueberry—either mixed into the dough or swirling through the cookies, emulating the toppings commonly found on cheesecakes.
In summation, New York Cheesecake Cookies are a scrumptious treat that combines the best elements of two beloved desserts into one delightful package. With their rich, creamy centers, slight tang, and sweet undertones,
these cookies are a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys the classic flavors of New York cheesecake but craves the convenience and portability of cookies. They are bound to become a favorite in any cookie-loving household!
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄4 cup graham crackers, finely crushed (1 sleeve)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg, separated
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, flour and baking powder.
2: In a medium bowl, beat together the butter with the brown sugar using an electric hand mixer.
3: Add the egg white and beat until well combined. Add to the graham cracker crumbs and blend until just combined.
4: In a separate medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest and vanilla until well combined.
5: Set aside. Using a small ice cream scoop, scoop out the cookie dough and place on a nonstick or parchment lined baking sheet. (If you do not have an ice scoop, then measure out the dough into scoops of about 2 tablespoons.) Flatten slightly, pressing your thumb in the center of the ball to create a small bowl shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.
6: Spoon the cream cheese into the indents in the cookies. Bake until the filling is barely set and the cookies are lightly golden, 12 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets before removing them and cooling completely on a wire rack.