CHEESECAKE-STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a small bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until thoroughly combined. Chill filling until ready to use.
• Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until blended, about 30 seconds.
• Stir 2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating on low speed, until just blended. Beat in chocolate chips until just combined. Refrigerate dough until chilled, about 30 minutes.
• Use a medium, or 2-tablespoon, cookie scoop to place 8 scoops of the cookie dough on one of the prepared baking sheets, spaced 3 inches apart. Gently flatten each scoop to about 3 inches in diameter. Drop 2 teaspoonfuls of the cream cheese filling in the center of each cookie. Gently wrap the dough around the cream cheese and shape into a ball; press the cookies down slightly. Keep remaining dough and filling chilled.
• Bake the first batch in the preheated oven until golden and set around the edges, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough and cream cheese mixture.