These Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat! They’re super soft and chewy, thanks to the cream cheese that makes them extra special and tasty.
Honestly, who can resist a chocolate chip cookie? I always find myself sneaking a few as they cool. Just remember to share (or not)! 😄 I love enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This helps control the saltiness of your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt slightly. I love using butter for that rich flavor, but coconut oil is a tasty vegan option too!
Cream Cheese: It adds incredible creaminess and keeps the cookies soft. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. I’ve found that vegan cream cheese can work just as well without changing the texture too much.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only sweetens but adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can mix granulated sugar with a little molasses for a similar effect, or just use all granulated sugar but cookies might be slightly less chewy.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are my favorite because they balance well with the sweetness of the cookies. You could also use dark chocolate chips for more intensity or milk chocolate for a sweeter option. Even butterscotch or white chocolate can give a fun twist!
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
To achieve those soft and chewy cookies, focus on two key points: the mixing method and baking time. Creaming the butter and cream cheese thoroughly helps get air into the batter, while not overmixing once you add the dry ingredients ensures your cookies won’t be tough.
- Mix until just combined after adding flour; a few lumps are fine!
- Bake until the edges are lightly golden but the centers look underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them helps maintain softness.
How to Make Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Chips:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 10-12 minutes for baking. To cool, you’ll need an additional 5 minutes on the baking sheet. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes to enjoy these soft and creamy cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create that soft texture in the cookies!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat well until everything is fully combined—this will add great flavor to your cookies!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps in the flour for an even texture.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined—try not to overmix, as it can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time for the delicious part! Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
7. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Time to Enjoy!
Dig into your deliciously soft and creamy chocolate chip cookies! They’re perfect for sharing or just enjoying on your own with a glass of milk.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, you can use sour cream or mascarpone cheese as a substitute. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the flavor and texture, but your cookies will still be delicious!
How Can I Make These Cookies Chewier?
To make your cookies chewier, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Also, you can increase the brown sugar slightly while reducing the granulated sugar for more chewiness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix things up by using dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips. You can also add nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture!
