
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are soft, chewy, and festive with their funfetti flair, but the real magic is in the hidden cheesecake center. Each bite delivers a rich surprise of creamy goodness that balances the sweetness of the cookie dough. They’re easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cheesecake filling:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies recommended)
- Optional: white chocolate chips
Directions
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop small dollops (about 1–2 teaspoons) onto a lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the cookie dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Fold in sprinkles and white chocolate chips if using.
- Assemble the cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a frozen cheesecake center in the middle and fold the dough around it, sealing the edges. Roll gently into a ball.
- Chill the assembled cookies for at least 30 minutes for best results.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chilled cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes or until edges are set and the centers look slightly underdone. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 14–16 cookies. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, plus chilling time. Bake time is 11–13 minutes, and cooling time is around 10 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Chocolate Funfetti: Add cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate version.
- Fruity Twist: Add lemon or strawberry extract to the cheesecake filling.
- Confetti Explosion: Mix extra sprinkles into the cheesecake filling for even more color.
- Mini Version: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats with a teaspoon of filling each.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make the cookies gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese filling. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.
FAQs
Do I have to freeze the cheesecake filling?
Yes, freezing helps keep the filling intact during baking and makes stuffing the cookies easier.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be chilled for up to 48 hours before baking or frozen for later use.
What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Use jimmies (the long, soft sprinkles). Nonpareils may bleed color and alter the texture.
Can I skip the white chocolate chips?
Yes, they’re optional. The cookies are delicious with or without them.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Plain cream cheese works best, but lightly flavored options like vanilla or strawberry can be used for variety.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure to chill the assembled cookie dough balls before baking.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
They’re rich but balanced by the tanginess of the cheesecake filling. You can reduce sugar slightly if preferred.
Can I bake these without chilling?
It’s possible, but they’ll spread more and lose some of the stuffed effect. Chilling is recommended.
Do they need to be refrigerated after baking?
Yes, because of the cheesecake filling, store them in the fridge.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. These cookies freeze well and are great for making ahead in large batches.
Conclusion
Funfetti cheesecake stuffed cookies are the ultimate celebration cookie—colorful, soft, rich, and filled with creamy surprise. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, these cookies deliver a wow factor in both flavor and appearance. They’re simple to make and even easier to love, destined to become a standout favorite in your dessert lineup.
Print
Funfetti Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 14–16 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Funfetti cheesecake stuffed cookies are soft, chewy cookies packed with rainbow sprinkles and filled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake center. These colorful treats are festive, rich, and perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want to surprise someone with something special.
Ingredients
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- For the cookies:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop 1–2 tsp portions onto a lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Scoop 2 tbsp of dough, flatten in your hand, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Seal and roll into a ball.
- Chill the stuffed dough balls for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place chilled dough balls 2 inches apart and bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Freezing the cheesecake filling is essential for easy stuffing and even baking.
- Use jimmies (not nonpareils) to prevent color bleeding.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and keeps the center gooey.
- You can prepare the dough and filling in advance for quick baking later.
- Cookies are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg