It’s the beginning of June and the days just keep getting longer and hotter. Being pregnant during the summer is not fun. It’s hot and sweaty and no matter what I do I am just constantly in a state of hot.

I can be bathing in a pool of ice water right now and still be sweating my little (big) booty off.

Which I actually have been bathing in a pool of ice water. Well, not really, the water is slightly cold from the hose and it’s a kiddie pool for the toddler.

But I do have to be thankful because the last time I was pregnant during the summer was 10 years ago when I was pregnant with my oldest. Our second baby was born in the spring and so I was pregnant all winter.

What are Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies?

Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies are indulgent double chocolate cookies loaded with cocoa powder and chocolate chips, finished off with a mascarpone drizzle.

They offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, combining the richness of chocolate with the smoothness of cheesecake.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

These cookies are not just delicious but also easy to make. The addition of cream cheese in the dough gives them a unique, creamy texture that sets them apart from regular chocolate cookies.

Plus, the mascarpone glaze adds an extra layer of decadence that makes these cookies truly special.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the cookies.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve a slightly crisp exterior.
• 8 oz cream cheese: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their cheesecake-like creaminess.
• 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• 1 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses the cookies with a rich chocolate flavor.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

GLAZE

• 4 oz mascarpone cheese, softened: Adds a creamy, tangy finish to the cookies.
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze without making it too heavy.
• 1 Tbsp milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract: Complements the mascarpone with a hint of warmth.

Substitutions & Additions

• Butter: You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. This will slightly alter the flavor but still provide the necessary fat content.
• Brown Sugar: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Coconut sugar will add a caramel-like flavor, while maple syrup will make the cookies slightly more moist.
• Cream Cheese: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan cream cheese. The texture will remain creamy, but the flavor might be slightly different.
• Egg Yolk: Replace with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan alternative. This will help bind the ingredients similarly to an egg yolk.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a richer, darker chocolate flavor.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Substitute with dark chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips to cater to different dietary preferences.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Use cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese for the glaze if mascarpone is unavailable. The glaze will still be creamy and delicious.
• Milk: Any plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) can be used in place of regular milk for the glaze, maintaining the same consistency.

How to Make this Recipe

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and mix until well combined. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze by mixing together the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies may look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven, but they will continue to set as they cool.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Suggestions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Recipe FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the glaze? Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese if you prefer.
2. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a great addition to these cookies.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done? The edges should be set, and the centers should still be slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

These Chocolate Cheesecake Cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. With their rich chocolate flavor and creamy cheesecake texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how they turned out in the comments below!