These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a real treat! With a creamy touch from cream cheese, they stay super soft and chewy.
Who doesn’t love warm cookies straight from the oven? I can’t resist sneaking a few as they cool—it’s kind of my thing! 🍪
I enjoy making these for special occasions, but honestly, they’re great anytime. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up—just mix, scoop, and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of my cookies. If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt slightly.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show! It gives the cookies their softness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using low-fat cream cheese. Dairy-free cream cheese can also work if needed.
Sugars: The combo of granulated and brown sugar creates a great texture. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you prefer a healthier option, but the cookies might be a bit darker in color.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate is classic, but feel free to mix in dark chocolate or even white chocolate. For a fun twist, try adding peanut butter chips or nuts!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft?
To keep these cookies wonderfully soft, focus on two main points: baking time and cooling method. Overbaking is a common pitfall!
- Keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges are just slightly golden and centers look soft.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. This helps them firm up without becoming hard.
- Storing the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread can also help maintain their softness!
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
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow additional time for cooling, and you’re looking at about 30-40 minutes in total to get those delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Butters:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key to getting that soft texture!
3. Add the Sugars:
Next, add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat the mixture again until it’s light and fluffy, which will help give your cookies the perfect sweetness and texture.
4. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla:
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds moisture and flavor!
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, and helps your cookies rise nicely.
6. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make cookies tough!
7. Add the Chocolate:
Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips gently, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
8. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart as they will spread while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the centers to look slightly underbaked—this is what keeps them chewy and soft!
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up just right!
11. Enjoy!
Serve those delectable cookies warm or at room temperature! Pair them with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate treat!
These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, soft, and bursting with rich melted chocolate pockets, thanks to the cream cheese. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes! Low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute and will still provide a lovely softness to the cookies. Just ensure it’s softened to blend easily with the butter.
What If I Don’t Have Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar, although the cookies might be slightly less chewy. For a closer flavor, try mixing granulated sugar with a little molasses (1 tablespoon of molasses for every cup of granulated sugar) to mimic brown sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer bag.
Can I Add Nuts to the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! If you love nuts, feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor!
