Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese: A Soft and Creamy Twist on a Classic

There’s something truly special about a homemade chocolate chip cookie—crisp around the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips. But what happens when you add a creamy twist? These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese take the traditional recipe to the next level. The cream cheese not only enhances the cookie’s texture, making them extra soft and rich, but it also adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate.

This recipe combines all the elements of a classic chocolate chip cookie but with a soft and creamy twist that will quickly become your new favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. The cream cheese helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, ensuring a thicker, more decadent texture that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Incredibly Soft and Chewy

Thanks to the cream cheese, these cookies are ultra-soft and chewy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to beat.

2. Rich Flavor

The combination of butter and cream cheese gives the cookies a rich, creamy flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the sugars and the tangy notes of the cream cheese.

3. Easy to Make

With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are quick and easy to prepare. Just mix, chill, bake, and enjoy!

4. Loaded with Chocolate Chips

Each bite is packed with semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating the ideal ratio of cookie to chocolate for chocolate lovers.

5. Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are great for baking ahead and sharing with friends, family, or coworkers. They make a perfect addition to any gathering or celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

  • Milk Chocolate Chips: If you prefer milk chocolate over semi-sweet, feel free to swap in milk chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie.
  • Add-ins: Mix in other treats like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), toffee bits, or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
  • Double Chocolate: For a chocolate lover’s dream, you can add cocoa powder to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for a dairy-free version of these cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they stay thick and chewy.

Step 3: Preheat and Shape

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so be careful not to overbake.

Step 5: Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a cold glass of milk.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape into balls and preventing excessive spreading during baking.
  • Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking. They should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking will result in firmer cookies.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This will ensure a smooth dough and proper mixing.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated to avoid dense cookies.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a sweet treat for an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or bring them to a gathering to share with others. They’re a great pairing with a cup of coffee, milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will bring back the soft, chewy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While cream cheese gives the cookies their signature soft texture, using mascarpone or ricotta cheese might give a similar result, though the flavor will differ slightly.

2. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. This prevents the dough from getting too soft and spreading excessively while baking.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

4. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts are great additions for some extra texture and flavor.

5. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute, try using mascarpone cheese or a thick Greek yogurt. Both will give you a similar creamy texture.

6. Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

You can substitute coconut oil for butter, but the flavor of the cookies will be slightly different. Coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor.

7. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.

8. How do I store the cookie dough?

If you have extra dough, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly before refrigerating or freezing.

9. Can I use dark chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor.

10. How can I make these cookies crispier?

If you prefer a crispier cookie, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking. You can also bake them a bit longer, but be careful not to overbake them.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese are a must-try for any cookie lover. The combination of butter and cream cheese gives them a rich, soft texture that’s simply irresistible. With a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors and plenty of chocolate chips, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night at home, these cookies will hit the spot every time. Enjoy!

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Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese: A Soft and Creamy Twist on a Classic


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  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 24 cookies

Description

These ultra-soft chocolate chip cookies are rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a subtle tang from cream cheese. The dough is chilled for extra thickness, and each bite is loaded with gooey semi-sweet chocolate chips. The perfect cookie for any occasion!


Ingredients

  • Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a thicker texture.
  • Feel free to use dark chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate for variety.
  • For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans.

Instructions

  • Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
  • Preheat and shape: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  • Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk! These cookies are ultra-soft, rich, and loaded with chocolate chips. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and makes them extra creamy!

Notes

  • Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a thicker texture.
  • Feel free to use dark chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate for variety.
  • For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

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