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

How to make New York Cheesecake Cookies?

1. Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F, the perfect temperature to transform dough into golden bites of joy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, and baking powder. This mixture will form the base of your cookies, providing that quintessential graham cracker flavor reminiscent of a classic cheesecake crust.
3. In a medium bowl, unleash the power of your electric hand mixer as you beat the softened butter and brown sugar together. The goal is a fluffy, light mixture that forms the perfect foundation for your cookies. Add the egg white and continue to beat until well incorporated, ensuring your dough will have the ideal texture.
4. Gently fold this buttery mixture into your bowl of graham cracker crumbs, blending until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as the magic of these cookies lies in their tender crumb.
5. In another medium bowl, it’s time to create the cheesecake component. Beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar, egg yolk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of the cookie, offering a rich contrast to the sweet base.
6. With a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, portion out the cookie dough onto a nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly, then press your thumb into the center to create a small well. This indent is where the cheesecake filling will nestle, waiting to surprise and delight with each bite.
7. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the wells you’ve created in each cookie. This step is where the transformation begins, turning a simple cookie into a miniature cheesecake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. You’re looking for a moment when the cookies are lightly golden and the filling just set, a delicate balance that signifies they’re ready.
9. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief rest is crucial, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to settle into perfection.

Serving Suggestions

These New York Cheesecake Cookies are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making for a sublime afternoon treat. They’re also a fantastic addition to any dessert table, offering a unique and elegant option that’s sure to capture the attention and taste buds of your guests.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will last for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week if kept in the fridge.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, both the unbaked dough and the baked cookies freeze well. For the baked cookies, ensure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

Is there a substitute for graham crackers?

In a pinch, digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can be used as a substitute for graham crackers to create a similar flavor profile.

these New York Cheesecake Cookies are a celebration of creativity in the kitchen, a reminder that sometimes, the most delightful dishes come from blending the familiar with the unexpected. So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newcomer, I invite you to try your hand at these little bites of bliss, and perhaps find a new favorite way to enjoy the timeless taste of New York cheesecake.