These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are like little clouds of happiness! The secret cream cheese makes them extra soft and chewy, while the chocolate chips melt in your mouth.
Trust me, you won’t be able to eat just one! I like to bake a batch and share with friends—well, mostly. I save a few for my late-night snack cravings! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the recipe! It adds richness and helps keep the cookies soft. If you can’t find cream cheese, try using mascarpone for a similar texture. It works well and adds a different flavor profile.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, as it lets you control the salt level in the cookies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Just make sure it’s softened before blending!
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar provides the perfect sweetness and softness. If you prefer, you can substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic! You can switch to dark chocolate or even milk chocolate, depending on your preference. For a fun twist, try using white chocolate or peanut butter chips.
How Do You Get Cookies That Are Soft and Chewy?
Getting that soft, chewy texture can be tricky, but it’s all about mixing and baking techniques. Here are my tips:
- Cream the butter and cream cheese well: Make sure it’s light and fluffy before adding sugars. This helps incorporate air for a softer cookie.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add flour, mix just until no more flour is visible. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Bake until slightly underdone: Cookies will continue cooking on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven. Aim for slightly soft centers; they’ll firm up while cooling.
- Cool on the sheet first: Allowing them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them maintain their shape and gives you that wonderful chewy texture.
Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. So, in total, you can have these amazing cookies ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer (or a whisk if you’re feeling strong!), cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key for soft cookies!
3. Add the Sugars and Egg
Next, mix in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined and creamy. Then, add the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing everything together until it’s fully incorporated.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and salt in your cookie dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—**don’t overmix!** You want to keep that lovely soft texture.
6. Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula or wooden spoon, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, scoop out rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
8. Baking Time!
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers may look slightly soft. That’s perfect—don’t worry, they will firm up while cooling!
9. Cooling the Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them soft and chewy!
10. Enjoy!
Now for the best part! Enjoy your soft, creamy, and chocolatey cookies. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or your favorite beverage for an awesome treat!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the cookies might not be quite as soft and rich. Regular cream cheese provides a creamier texture that contributes to the cookie’s fluffiness.
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Add Nuts to the Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be a delicious addition. Just fold in about 1/2 cup when mixing with the chocolate chips for added crunch.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two if the dough is chilled.