Prep & Dough

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.

Cream wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla, egg, and yolk.

Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.

Chill dough (optional, but recommended for 30 minutes for easier handling).

Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Assemble Cookies

Form dough balls (about 2 tbsp each). Flatten slightly and make a well in the center.

Fill each with 1 tsp cheesecake mixture, then seal with more dough to fully enclose.

Optional: Sprinkle with flaky salt before baking.

Bake & Cool

Bake for 15–18 minutes until edges are golden but centers are soft.

Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.