If you’ve been searching for a delightful treat that perfectly balances rich, creamy cheesecake with the warm, spiced cookie butter flavor, look no further than this Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a sublime combination of soft, buttery dough wrapped around a luscious cream cheese center that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or just because, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that impresses everyone with both its taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe comes from simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that perfect bite. From the richness of butter to the creamy tang of cream cheese, every element contributes to the cookies’ irresistible flavor and tender texture.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides a rich, tender base and buttery flavor that makes the cookie dough luscious.
- 1 cup cookie butter: The star of the recipe, offering a spiced, caramelized flavor that’s uniquely addictive.
- 1/2 cup white sugar: Balances sweetness and creates lightness when creamed with the butter.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and gives structure to the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a warm aromatic note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the necessary body and chewiness to the dough.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and maintain a soft texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the cookie butter’s flavor.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Creates the smooth and tangy cheesecake center for a melt-in-your-mouth surprise.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and keeps it silky smooth.
How to Make Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures an even bake and easy cleanup, while helping your cookies come off the tray perfectly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cookie Butter, and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cookie butter, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the batter, which is key to getting your cookies soft and tender rather than dense.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, combining until smooth. These ingredients add moisture and enhance the depth of flavor in the cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough—this keeps cookies soft!
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This tangy filling is what takes these cookies to a whole new level of indulgence.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies with Filling
Roll your cookie dough into balls roughly 1.5 tablespoons each. Flatten them slightly, then place a dollop of the cream cheese filling in the center. Pinch the dough tightly around the filling to seal it in, making sure none of the creamy center leaks out.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Arrange cookies on your prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a lovely golden color. The scent wafting from your oven at this stage is absolutely heavenly!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set nicely while keeping that soft texture we all adore.
How to Serve Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are spectacular on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate them beautifully. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed speculoos cookies on top to highlight the cookie butter flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Serve these with a cup of rich coffee, spicy chai tea, or smooth hot chocolate for a perfect pairing. Their sweet and spiced profile complements warm beverages wonderfully, making any coffee break feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful dessert platter, arrange the Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe around bowls of whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a warm caramel sauce for dipping. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie platters or gift boxes, adding a luxurious touch that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their soft texture and rich flavor. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is fine, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Baked cookies stay good for up to two months frozen and thaw perfectly overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to revive their softness and bring that creamy center back to life. This trick makes them taste freshly baked even days later.
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter instead of cookie butter?
Peanut butter has a distinct flavor and texture that’s different from cookie butter, so while you could substitute it, the unique spiced caramel notes of cookie butter are what make this recipe truly special. For the best results, stick to cookie butter.
Is cream cheese filling necessary?
The cream cheese center adds the cheesecake element that makes these cookies stand out. Without it, you’d have a lovely cookie but miss that luscious surprise inside. If you must skip it, expect a different texture and flavor profile.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Try using vegan butter, a flax egg substitute, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. While the result will differ slightly, you can still enjoy a delicious plant-based twist on this Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
Can I make smaller cookies with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust baking time accordingly — smaller cookies will bake faster, so check them at around 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.
What’s the best way to prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Make sure your cream cheese is well chilled and hardened before filling the cookies, and pinch the dough firmly around it to seal completely. This seal is the key to keeping the filling inside during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, sweetness, and a touch of indulgence to your baking rotation. Once you try these tender, creamy-filled delights, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. So gather your ingredients, bake a batch, and savor every moment of this delicious experience with friends and family!
Print
Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the warm, spiced taste of cookie butter for a soft and indulgent treat. Featuring a buttery cookie base filled with a smooth cream cheese center, these cookies are perfect for a unique dessert or an impressive snack to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cookie butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cookie butter, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well to combine and add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, creating the rich filling for the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. Flatten each ball slightly and place a small spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center. Carefully pinch the dough around the filling to seal it completely inside.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the cookies to set properly.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not over-bake the cookies to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
- You can refrigerate the dough before baking if it becomes too soft to handle.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
