These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are like little clouds of happiness! The cream cheese makes them extra soft and chewy, while the chocolate chips add a sweet, melty surprise!
Who can resist a cookie this good? I snack on a couple while they’re still warm. They vanish so fast, I sometimes wonder if I really baked them! 😄
Making these cookies is so easy! Just mix, scoop, and bake. They’re perfect for sharing, but I won’t tell if you keep them all for yourself! Enjoy with a glass of milk—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling saltiness in your dough. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter; just reduce the additional salt by a pinch.
Cream Cheese: This is what makes the cookies super soft! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a similar texture, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this recipe, but if you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can work just fine!
Chocolate Chips: I love using semi-sweet chocolate chunks, but feel free to swap them for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Soft and Chewy?
Getting that soft and chewy texture is all about the right mixing and baking techniques. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Beating the butter and cream cheese together until creamy and fluffy helps incorporate air, giving your cookies a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour; mix just until everything is combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Underbake slightly! Take them out when they look just set; they’ll continue to firm up on the cooling rack.
- Letting them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring helps set the cookie without losing that soft middle.
These tips will help you achieve deliciously soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies every time! Enjoy baking!
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
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (about 270g) semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes around 15 minutes of prep time and about 10-12 minutes to bake. Overall, you should expect to spend about 30 minutes from start to finish before these delicious cookies are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, ensuring an easy cookie release later on.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix them together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This will create that lovely soft texture!
3. Add Sugars:
Now, add in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Beat the mixture again until it becomes fluffy and well combined. You want to incorporate air into the mixture for that perfect chewiness.
4. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla:
Crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix these in until everything is fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough soft and tender!
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Scoop Onto Baking Sheet:
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They should look just set but still soft in the middle; they will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly underbaked!
10. Cool the Cookies:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will ensure they set perfectly!
These cookies offer an irresistibly soft and chewy texture, filled with delightful chocolate goodness and the unique tang of cream cheese. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking to reduce fat content, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture. The cookies might be a little less tender, but they should still taste great!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing!
Can I Add Nuts to This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you love nuts, feel free to add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, along with the chocolate chips. They add a nice crunch and flavor contrast!
How Can I Make These Cookies Smaller or Larger?
If you want smaller cookies, simply use a teaspoon to scoop the dough instead of a tablespoon, and reduce the baking time slightly (around 8-10 minutes). For larger cookies, use a bigger scoop and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time until they’re set!