Irresistible Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie: The Ultimate Cookie & Cheesecake Hybrid Dessert
Prepare yourself for a dessert experience that transcends ordinary sweets. Imagine the perfect blend of a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie and a rich, creamy cheesecake, all baked to perfection in a single skillet. This Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a culinary masterpiece, featuring crispy edges, a soft, chewy cookie interior, and an irresistibly smooth, tangy cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s truly the ultimate treat for anyone who can’t decide between a classic chocolate chip cookie and a decadent cheesecake!
The combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake has never tasted so incredible. This deep-dish delight brings together two beloved desserts into one harmonious, awe-inspiring creation. It’s a showstopper that promises to impress, whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as a cozy night-in indulgence.
Why This Cheesecake Skillet Cookie is a Must-Try
Have you ever laid eyes on anything so utterly beautiful and tempting? Probably not. And for good reason! This particular skillet cookie holds a special place in our hearts – it’s designed for both the most devoted cookie enthusiasts and the most passionate cheesecake aficionados. Why choose one when you can have the best of both worlds, flawlessly combined into a single, sensational dessert?
The journey to perfecting this recipe spanned several weeks of delightful experimentation. My children, ever-eager taste testers during their school holidays, were instrumental in this process. They happily “hoovered” down entire skillets, stuffing their faces with every iteration until the recipe achieved absolute perfection. Their honest critiques and enthusiastic approvals were the fuel that drove this delicious endeavor, ensuring that every layer, every flavor, and every texture was just right.
This culinary adventure began quite innocently. The kids, craving my famous Nutella Stuffed Skillet Cookie, were met with the horror of an empty Nutella jar. In a moment of creative improvisation, I scanned the refrigerator for alternative fillings. Lo and behold, a block of cream cheese practically begged to be included in this cookie party. And why not? I’ve had great success with similar hybrid desserts in the past, like my Lemon Blueberry Cake with a Cheesecake layer and the incredibly popular Peanut Butter Cheesecake Stuffed CHOCOLATE Cake. The idea of a cheesecake-stuffed cookie was simply too good to resist, and the results speak for themselves.
Crafting Your Own Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie
How to Make a Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Creating this magnificent dessert is simpler than you might imagine, and the steps are incredibly rewarding. The process involves two main components: a luscious cheesecake filling and a classic, buttery chocolate chip cookie dough. Each element contributes uniquely to the final symphony of flavors and textures.
First, you’ll prepare your cheesecake mixture. It should be smooth, creamy, and wonderfully rich. Once that’s ready, you’ll move on to the cookie dough, which will form the foundation and the crowning glory of your skillet cookie. Isn’t it already looking beautiful, even in its raw form?
The magic truly begins when you divide the cookie dough. This strategic step ensures you have enough dough for both the base and the top layer, encapsulating that dreamy cheesecake filling perfectly.
Next, you’ll gently press half of your rich cookie dough into your prepared skillet. A well-greased cast iron skillet or even a pie dish works wonderfully for this. This bottom layer will bake into a delightfully chewy and slightly crisp base that holds all the deliciousness within. Once the base is set, carefully pour your smooth cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough, spreading it evenly to create a luxurious, creamy layer.
Now for the artistic part! With the remaining cookie dough, take tablespoon-sized pieces and flatten them into small discs (or wonderfully unique, “weird shapes” like I often do!). Carefully place these dough pieces over the cheesecake mixture, ensuring it’s mostly covered. Don’t worry if it’s not absolutely perfect or if there are gaps; as it bakes, the dough will spread and melt together, forming a continuous, beautiful top layer that perfectly encases the cheesecake. This technique ensures a stunning presentation and an even distribution of cookie and cheesecake in every bite, culminating in what I believe is the most beautiful skillet cookie you’ll ever bake.
Baking to Perfection and Serving with Love
Once assembled, your skillet cookie is ready for its transformation in the oven. The aromas that will waft through your kitchen are nothing short of intoxicating – a blend of warm vanilla, melting chocolate, and sweet cream cheese. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the cookie is set, yet still delightfully soft in the center.
The cooling process is crucial for the cheesecake layer to set properly, but for the ultimate experience, a warm slice, fresh from the skillet, is pure bliss. Divide this masterpiece into 16 generous slices. This is a dessert so special, it should only be shared with your closest friends and family – those who truly deserve such a heartwarming and indulgent treat. Or, for an even more decadent experience, smother it in scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream and serve it directly from the warm skillet. The contrast of warm cookie, cool ice cream, and creamy cheesecake is simply divine!
Ah, cheesecake. You truly complete me. And when combined with a perfect chocolate chip cookie, it creates a symphony of flavors that is truly unforgettable. Whatever way you choose to enjoy this skillet cookie – warm or chilled, plain or à la mode – you absolutely cannot go wrong!
Watch Us Make It Right Here!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie
Ingredients
CHEESECAKE FILLING:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/3 cup powdered sweetener or powdered sugar
- 1 egg large
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
COOKIE DOUGH:
- 1/2 cup light butter or your spread of choice, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar or a natural sweetener
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 egg large
- 1 1/2 cups flour plain or all purpose
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup dark semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 175c | 350° F. Line an 8-inch cast iron skillet (or pie dish) with baking/parchment paper and set aside.
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In a small bowl, prepare the cheesecake filling first. Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla with a beater until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (or spread of choice), both brown and granulated sugars (or natural sweetener), and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the large egg until thoroughly combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, and salt – mixing them into the wet ingredients with your hands to form a cohesive cookie dough. If the dough feels too sticky or wet, incorporate an extra tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve a consistency that can be easily formed into a ball and handled. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of the dark semi-sweet chocolate chips.
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Press exactly half of the prepared cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your lined skillet (or pie dish) to create a solid and delicious base. Carefully spread the reserved cream cheese mixture over this cookie dough base, ensuring an even layer. With the remaining cookie dough, take tablespoon-sized portions, flatten them slightly in the palms of your hands to form discs, and arrange them artfully over the cream cheese mixture until the cheesecake layer is completely covered. Don’t worry about perfection; these dough “patches” will spread beautifully during baking, seamlessly merging to form a continuous, golden-brown top crust. Sprinkle the top with the remaining chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
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Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie are golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch when gently pressed. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the skillet for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For the cheesecake layer to fully set, it’s best to refrigerate the skillet cookie for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled. Alternatively, for an immediate warm and gooey experience, serve it straight from the skillet after a brief cooling period.
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Cut into 16 delightful slices. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tips for Achieving Skillet Cookie Perfection
To ensure your Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie turns out flawlessly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the cheesecake filling and the cookie dough, make sure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter and dough that combine easily and bake evenly.
- Don’t Overmix the Cookie Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cookie rather than a soft, tender one.
- Perfect Spreading of Cheesecake: Ensure your cheesecake mixture is evenly spread over the cookie base. This guarantees a consistent creamy layer throughout your dessert.
- Patchwork Top Layer: Don’t be concerned if the top cookie dough layer looks like patches. As the cookie bakes, the dough will spread and merge, creating a beautiful, unified crust.
- Cooling is Key: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the skillet cookie to cool (and ideally chill) helps the cheesecake layer set completely, resulting in cleaner slices and a more defined texture.
- Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Dark semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a wonderful contrast to the sweet dough and tangy cheesecake. Feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix!
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
This Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie is delightful for several days after baking, making it a great make-ahead dessert or a treat to enjoy throughout the week.
- Storage: Once completely cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: If you prefer it warm after chilling, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, or warm a larger portion in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until just warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked and cooled skillet cookie. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, or warm gently in the oven.
Exciting Flavor Variations to Explore
While the classic chocolate chip and cheesecake combination is undeniably perfect, this recipe offers a fantastic canvas for creative variations:
- Berry Cheesecake Swirl: Swirl a tablespoon or two of berry jam (raspberry or strawberry work beautifully) into the cheesecake layer before topping with cookie dough for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished skillet cookie (especially when serving with ice cream) for an extra decadent touch.
- Peanut Butter Bliss: Mix 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter into the cheesecake filling for a rich peanut butter cheesecake layer.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cookie dough can add a warm, comforting note, especially during cooler months.
This Cheesecake Stuffed Skillet Cookie is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to indulge in pure comfort and joy. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, fosters togetherness, and creates lasting memories. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to bake a dessert that will earn you rave reviews and requests for more!
