METHOD

1. To make the cheesecake filling, place cream cheese, chocolate, flour, vanilla and lemon rind in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Spoon teaspoons of filling onto a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Flatten slightly and freeze for 1 hour or until firm.
2. To make the cookies, place the butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 6–8 minutes or until pale and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla and red food gel. Increase speed to high and beat for a further 2 minutes. Add the flour, cocoa and bicarbonate of soda and mix on low speed until a smooth dough forms. 
3. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line 2 large baking trays with non-stick baking paper. 
4. Roll tablespoons of the dough into balls and use your thumb to make an indent in half the dough balls. Working quickly place a frozen cheesecake ball into each indent. Top with remaining dough balls and press the edges to enclose the cheesecake filling. Roll into balls and press to flatten slightly.  
5. Place extra sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each dough ball in the sugar to coat. Place on prepared baking trays and bake for 15 minutes or until firm to the touch. Set aside on trays for 5 minutes to cool slightly, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 12

Photography: Chris Court