If you’re looking to impress with a cookie that’s both visually stunning and decadently delicious, these Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are just the treat. With a soft black cocoa cookie exterior and a creamy cheesecake filling, they offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and smooth, tangy cream cheese. These cookies are ideal for Halloween, gothic-themed parties, or when you just want to bake something a little more dramatic than your average chocolate chip cookie.
What Makes These Cookies So Special?
These cookies stand out for a few key reasons:
- Bold, dark color: Thanks to black cocoa powder, these cookies have an intense, almost jet-black color—no food coloring required.
- Creamy surprise center: A luscious cheesecake filling hides inside each cookie, creating a fun and delicious contrast to the chocolatey exterior.
- Perfect texture: Slightly crisp edges give way to a soft, chewy center and a creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Impressive presentation: These cookies look like they came straight from a high-end bakery, but they’re totally doable at home.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 6 oz cream cheese (cold)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cocoa Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons black cocoa powder
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup black cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Scoop into small balls (about 2 teaspoons each) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until completely firm. - Prepare the Cocoa Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar and black cocoa powder together in a small bowl. Set aside. - Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, black cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. - Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. - Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla until well combined and the mixture becomes pale and creamy. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated and a soft dough forms. - Assemble the Cookies
Scoop out cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie), flatten each piece slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling completely and roll into a ball. - Coat and Bake
Roll each dough ball in the cocoa sugar mixture and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. - Shape and Cool
Once out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently swirl around each cookie to reshape it into a perfect circle. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Freeze the filling: Don’t skip freezing the cheesecake filling—it ensures it stays intact while baking.
- Use a cookie scoop: For even sizing and perfect results, use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop.
- Shape while warm: A round cookie cutter helps reshape the cookies into bakery-style perfection just after baking.
- Don’t overbake: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Storage & Serving
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
- They also freeze well—just thaw before serving.
Final Thoughts
These Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies are everything a show-stopping dessert should be: rich, bold, dramatic, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them again and again.