Ingredients:
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 Large Egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 8 Oreo Sandwich Cookies, roughly chopped (for dough)
- 8 oz block Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Confectioners’ (Icing) Sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for filling)
- 6 Oreo Sandwich Cookies, roughly chopped (for filling)
- 6 Oreo Sandwich Cookies, coarsely crushed (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the Oreos: Roughly chop the required quantities of Oreos for the dough (8) and the filling (6). Set aside the 6 for garnish.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Scrape down the bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Mix in Dry: Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed, mixing only until just combined—a shaggy dough should form.
- Fold in Oreos: Fold in the 8 chopped Oreos with a spatula.
- Chill (Crucial Step): Wrap the dough tightly in plastic film and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 45 minutes. This prevents spread.
- Preheat and Scoop: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough (about 2 Tbsp each).
- Form the Cups: Roll the dough into smooth balls. Place them on the prepared sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Use the back of a measuring teaspoon (or your thumb) to gently press a deep indentation into the center of each dough ball, creating a ‘nest’ or cup.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown and the centers are slightly puffed.
- Cool and Deepen: Immediately upon removing from the oven, gently use the back of the spoon again to press down the indentation one last time, ensuring a good well for the filling.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before filling.
- Make the Filling: In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Fold in Oreos: Gently fold in the 6 chopped Oreos reserved for the filling.
- Fill Cookies: Spoon or pipe about 1–1.5 teaspoons of the cheesecake filling into the center of each cooled cookie cup.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos over the filling. Place the finished cookies back into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the cheesecake filling is firm and set.