Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of cream cheese creates an extra soft and chewy texture, while the balance of butter and cream cheese gives them a rich flavor. Perfectly sweet with just the right amount of chocolate chips, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

  • Wet Ingredients:
    • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
    • ¼ cup (55g) cream cheese, softened
    • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Add-Ins:
    • 1¼ cups (225g) chocolate chips

How to Make Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup softened cream cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup packed brown sugar.
  • Cream together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

  • Add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
  • Beat on medium speed until fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

  • Gently fold in 1¼ cups chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

  • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.

Step 6: Preheat and Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Cool

  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Helpful Tips

  • Softening Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy creaming. If they’re too cold, they won’t incorporate smoothly with the sugars.
  • Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps solidify the fats in the dough, leading to thicker cookies that spread less during baking.
  • Chocolate Chips: You can use a mix of semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference. Adding a handful of chopped chocolate or white chocolate chips can also add a unique twist.
  • Freezing Dough: For convenience, you can scoop and freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

  • A: If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the texture and flavor may slightly differ.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

  • A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture might vary slightly, but the cookies should still be delicious.

Q3: How can I make these cookies extra chewy?

  • A: Adding an extra egg yolk or a tablespoon of honey can make the cookies even chewier. Also, slightly underbaking the cookies can help retain their chewiness.

Q4: How do I store these cookies?

  • A: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep the cookies soft.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Enjoy your Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies with their perfect blend of softness, chewiness, and rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for any occasion!

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