These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are wonderfully chewy and packed with chocolatey goodness. The cream cheese makes them extra soft and delicious!
I love how these cookies just melt in your mouth. They disappear so fast at home that I sometimes hide a few just for myself! 😄 Grab a glass of milk, and enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is essential for controlling the saltiness. However, you can use margarine if you need a dairy-free option. I’ve tried both, and both yield yummy cookies!
Cream Cheese: This gives the cookies their signature softness. If you want a lighter option, you can swap it for Greek yogurt, though it won’t have the same richness.
Sugars: Granulated and brown sugar add sweetness, with brown sugar providing moisture. You can use coconut sugar for a healthier twist, but the cookies might be a bit less soft.
Chocolate Chips: Any kind of chocolate chips works great! Dark chocolate adds richness while milk chocolate brings sweetness. You can also use white chocolate for a fun twist.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft?
Keeping your cookies soft is all about the timing and mixing. Here are some tips:
- Make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Just mix until you don’t see flour.
- Don’t overbake! Take them out when the edges are light golden and the centers look a bit underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up on the cooling rack.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps them set without getting too hard.
By following these steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious!
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) brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) chocolate chips or chunks (semisweet or dark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 to 12 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool. All in all, you’ll be indulging in delicious cookies in less than 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temp is perfect for soft cookies! While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butters:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key to get that soft texture!
3. Add the Sugars:
Next, add in both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined and creamy. You want that sugar fully mixed in!
4. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla:
Now it’s time to crack in the egg and add the vanilla extract. Mix them in until everything is thoroughly combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can toughen your cookies!
7. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop generous tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart—they will spread a bit while baking!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for slightly golden edges with soft centers. Remember, they will firm up as they cool.
10. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will keep them soft!
11. Enjoy!:
After they’ve cooled, grab one (or two!) and enjoy your soft, creamy cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. Don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh!
These cookies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, with their tender texture and melty chocolate making them absolutely irresistible!
Can I Use Light Cream Cheese Instead of Regular?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese! It will still provide that soft texture, but the cookies may be slightly less rich. They’ll still taste delicious!
What Can I Substitute for the Egg?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until gel-like). These alternatives will maintain moisture in the cookies!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Place layers of cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even mix in some dried fruit. Just be mindful not to exceed the total volume; stick to the same amount as the chocolate chips for best results!
