Name: Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 260g; ½ cup Dutch cocoa powder 50g; 2 tablespoons black cocoa powder 14g; 2 tablespoons cornstarch 16g; 2 tablespoons powdered milk 10g; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup granulated sugar 200g; ½ cup salted butter softened, 113g; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg room temperature; 1 additional large egg yolk room temperature; 2 ounces whole milk room temperature; 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 6 ounces cream cheese 170g, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar 130g; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract; ½ cup chocolate melting wafers (milk, dark, or white)

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s incredibly soft, deeply chocolatey, and creamy in the center—this is exactly why my Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is something special. The combination of rich cocoa with a luscious cheesecake filling creates a treat you won’t want to stop eating.

The image shows a close-up of three round chocolate cookies with a smooth, dark brown texture. Each cookie has thin lines of lighter brown chocolate drizzled on top in parallel stripes. One cookie is in the front and has a bite taken out, revealing a white cream filling inside. The cookies sit on a white plate with a slight shine, placed on a colorful cloth with patterns beneath. The background is blurred but follows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it combines textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet comforting. It’s approachable, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a few during a quiet moment.

Decadent Softness: The cream cheese filling keeps the cookies incredibly moist and tender inside, unlike any standard chocolate cookie.
Deep Chocolate Flavor: Using both Dutch and black cocoa powders layers the chocolate taste for rich complexity.
Simple Yet Impressive: They look elegant with just a drizzle of melted chocolate, making them perfect even for special occasions without requiring fancy decorating skills.
Great to Freeze & Reheat: You can prepare extra batches ahead of time and still enjoy them fresh later.

A close-up image of a woman's hand holding a halved dark chocolate sandwich cookie with a white cream layer in the center. The cookie has two thick, soft textured chocolate layers with a smooth white cream filling running evenly in the middle. The top of the cookie is coated with a thin layer of glossy dark chocolate. In the blurred background, whole similar cookies with chocolate drizzle are placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe has a purpose to deliver that perfect texture and flavor balance. From the cocoa powders to the full-fat cream cheese, these ingredients hold up well together and create those signature soft, fudgy bites.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of Dutch cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of black cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered milk, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of salted butter, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of chocolate melting wafers, a small white ceramic bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla bean paste, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cookie, balancing softness and chew.
Dutch cocoa powder: Adds a rich, smooth chocolate flavor with a bit of acidity mellowed out by alkalization.
Black cocoa powder: Delivers that intense dark hue and deep chocolate strength, making cookies visually striking.
Cornstarch: Helps lighten the cookie’s texture, giving it an almost melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Powdered milk: Enhances richness and adds a subtle creaminess to the dough.
Baking soda: A leavening agent to allow cookies to spread and puff just right.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens evenly and helps create the chewy outer edge.
Salted butter: Brings flavor and tenderness; make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.
Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
Egg and egg yolk: Egg adds moisture and binding, while the extra yolk ensures richness and chew.
Whole milk: Keeps the dough soft and aids the cream cheese filling in melding with the cookie.
Vanilla extract or bean paste: Elevates the overall flavor with sweet, aromatic notes.
Cream cheese: The star of the filling—softened to blend smooth for a luscious cheesecake center.
Powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese and helps it hold shape without graininess.
Chocolate melting wafers: Perfect for drizzling on top, choosing milk, dark, or white adds a gorgeous finishing touch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible the Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe is. Once you master the basic technique, feel free to experiment with add-ins or toppings to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to adjust the chocolate drizzle or even mix in some chopped nuts for crunch.

Variation: I’ve tried adding a hint of espresso powder to the dough once, which really boosted the chocolate notes without tasting like coffee—highly recommend for chocolate lovers!
Dietary tweak: You can swap in a dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-intolerant crowd; just watch the texture as it might vary slightly.
Seasonal touch: Around the holidays, I like folding in mini peppermint chips into the dough for a festive twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together

Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, cornstarch, powdered milk, and baking soda in a medium bowl. I find whisking everything together not only blends the powders nicely but also helps break up any clumps, which makes for a smoother dough later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl or using your stand mixer paddle attachment, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and salt for about a minute until it's light and fluffy. This step is what helps create the right texture, so don't rush it.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Milk & Vanilla

Next, beat in one large egg, then the extra egg yolk, followed by whole milk and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is combined — overmixing can toughen the dough, so stop as soon as it looks smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add half of your dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix gently. Then add the rest and beat until everything is fully incorporated. Watch the texture — it should be soft but able to hold its shape.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until silky smooth. This filling is what gives these cookies their swoon-worthy center, so make sure it’s lump-free.

Step 6: Shape Cookies and Stuff with Filling

Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and flatten them gently into little wells. Spoon in a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese filling into each. Then carefully fold the cookie dough around the filling, sealing edges and rolling into a smooth ball. It’s a little delicate, but don’t worry—you’ll get the hang of it quickly!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place cookies at least 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes, until edges are just set and tops look matte and slightly cracked. Don’t overbake—they should look a little underdone as they firm up while cooling. Let them rest on the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Drizzle Melted Chocolate

Once the cookies have cooled completely, melt your choice of chocolate wafers in brief bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cookies with a piping bag or spoon, and let the chocolate set before serving.

Top Tip

Making these cookies was a game-changer in my baking routine. After a few batches, I picked up some tricks that really make a difference. Here’s what I learned so you can avoid the trial and error stage and get perfect cookies the first time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs, milk, and butter to room temp ensures everything blends smoothly without curdling or lumping.
Don’t Overmix Once Adding Dry: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. The dough should look soft but well mixed.
Seal Filling Well: Use your fingers gently to pinch edges, so filling stays fully enclosed during baking—this prevents leaks.
Cool Before Drizzling: Always let cookies cool completely before adding melted chocolate or it’ll melt and smear.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

chocolate cream cheese cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with these cookies by drizzling melted dark chocolate, which I love for the slight bitterness that balances the sweet cream cheese. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to make the chocolate flavor pop even more—that contrast is delightful.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They’re also wonderful alongside fresh berries or some whipped cream if you want to turn them into a dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I arrange these cookies on tiered serving trays, topping with edible flowers or fresh mint for a festive look. Wrapping a few in cellophane with a ribbon turns them into lovely homemade gifts, which everyone always asks for again!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I find they stay soft and delicious this way. If you want a bit of a firmer outside, a quick pop in the microwave for 10 seconds freshens them up nicely.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

I recommend reheating cookies in short 10–15 second bursts in the microwave to warm the cream cheese center without drying out the cookie. They almost taste freshly baked again with just a little warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the filling?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, I recommend full-fat for the creamiest texture and best flavor in the filling. Low-fat versions can be grainier and less rich.

Why are there two types of cocoa powder in the dough?

The combination of Dutch and black cocoa powder creates a deeply complex chocolate flavor and a gorgeous dark color. Dutch cocoa provides smoothness and acidity balance, while black cocoa adds intensity and richness.

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

Make sure the dough is wrapped and sealed tightly around the cream cheese filling before baking. Pinching edges well and rolling the dough into smooth balls helps prevent leaks. Also, avoid overfilling each cookie.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan butter alternative to make these cookies dairy-free. Textures may vary, so a bit of experimentation with the filling consistency might be needed.

Final Thoughts

I truly adore this Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe because it feels like a cross between my favorite chocolate cookie and a luscious cheesecake all rolled into one bite-sized wonder. Baking these always makes me feel like a kitchen rockstar, and I’m sure you’ll feel the same. Give them a try—you'll love sharing the joy of these creamy, fudgy treats with your friends and family!