These Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are like little pillows of happiness! The secret ingredient, cream cheese, makes them super soft and chewy.
When you bite into one, you’ll find gooey chocolate chips melting in your mouth. These cookies are perfect for sharing, but let’s be real—I often keep them all for myself! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the magic ingredient that keeps the cookies soft and gives them a wonderful texture. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can try using a vegan cream cheese alternative for similar results.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for baking because you can control the salt. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce, but the cookies may not be as rich.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture. If you prefer less sweetness, cut back on the brown sugar or try coconut sugar as a substitute for a slightly different flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is classic, but you can mix in milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your taste. For a fun twist, add nuts or dried fruit!
How Do You Ensure Your Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
The key to the perfect soft-batch cookie lies in a few important steps:
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour. This helps keep the cookies tender.
- Underbake slightly! When they look soft in the center, take them out. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially the cream cheese and butter, to achieve a smoother mixture that blends well.
Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack allows them to set nicely without getting too hard!
How to Make Soft-Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (350 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cookie recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 12-15 minutes of baking time. Add in a few minutes for cooling, and you’ll be indulging in these delightful cookies in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to achieving that soft texture!
3. Add Sugars and Eggs:
Next, add the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to your creamed mixture. Continue to mix until it’s light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to ensure an even distribution in the cookie dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time to fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for a chocolatey bite in every cookie!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop large mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping about 2 inches of space between each ball. This allows the cookies to spread without sticking together.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers still look soft. This will ensure you’re left with that delightful soft-batch texture!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now you can enjoy your soft, creamy, and chewy cookies!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese! Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but your cookies will still be deliciously soft.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Mix in Other Add-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost. Just remember to keep the overall amount of mix-ins similar to the chocolate chips for the best results.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape the cookies! Just be sure not to chill it for too long, or it may become too firm to work with.