These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a real treat! The cream cheese gives them a soft and chewy texture that will make you want to have just one more—trust me!
Whenever I bake these, my house smells heavenly! They pair perfectly with a tall glass of milk. Just make sure to share… or not! I won’t tell if you keep them all to yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in your cookies. If you only have salted butter, just omit the salt from the recipe or reduce it slightly.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the secret to the soft texture in these cookies. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a similar texture and moisture.
Sugars: The mix of granulated and brown sugar provides a nice balance of sweetness and chewiness. You can substitute coconut sugar for a slightly healthier option, but it may alter the cookie’s color and flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but for gluten-free cookies, you could use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xantham gum for the best results!
Chocolate Chips: I love semisweet chips for that classic flavor, but you can swap them with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference!
How Do You Cream Butter and Cream Cheese Together Properly?
Creaming butter and cream cheese together is key for great texture. It helps incorporate air, making your cookies light and fluffy! Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure both ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Beat them together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl if necessary to ensure all ingredients are combined evenly.
Take your time with this step, as it sets the foundation for your cookies’ texture. Enjoy the process, and soon you’ll have delicious cookies to share!
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 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Optional: a few extra cream cheese dollops for topping before baking
Time Needed:
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10-12 minutes for baking, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Allow some extra time for cooling, as they’ll be too soft to handle right out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent your cookies from sticking!
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Sugars:
Next, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to your creamed mixture. Beat well until everything is light and creamy. This step is key as it’ll incorporate air and help your cookies rise!
4. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Now, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until the egg is fully incorporated. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookies!
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks until they’re evenly spread throughout the dough, creating delicious pockets of chocolate in each bite!
8. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a large spoon or a cookie scoop, scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop.
9. Optional Cream Cheese Topping:
If you want, you can add a small dollop of cream cheese on top of each cookie dough ball. This will create an extra creamy texture and look lovely!
10. Bake the Cookies:
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to see lightly golden edges, but ensure the centers remain soft. They will continue to set as they cool!
11. Cool Down:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This will make them easier to transfer without breaking. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Enjoy Your Cookies:
Your soft-batch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are ready! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
The result? Thick, soft, and chewy cookies with delightful pockets of cream cheese that add moisture and fabulous flavor. Happy baking!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese Instead of Regular Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese! Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture, making the cookies a bit less rich. They will still be delicious and soft!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg in This Recipe?
If you want to make these cookies egg-free, you can use a flax egg or a chia egg as a substitute. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, and then add it to the mixture as you would an egg.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or even some dried fruit for extra flavor. Just remember to adjust the chocolate chips accordingly to maintain the balance!
