These Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are fluffy and chewy, with a delightful cream cheese twist! Each bite is packed with sweet chocolate chips.
They taste like little bites of happiness! 🍪 I love how easy they are to make—just mix, scoop, and bake. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo with a glass of milk!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This ingredient is key for a soft texture. You can use regular cream cheese or light cream cheese if you’re looking for a lower-fat option, but avoid using fat-free as it can change the texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt in the recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt slightly.
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: I like a mix for a balanced sweetness. If you need a healthier option, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar, although it may darken the cookies.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and additional fiber.
Chocolate Chips: While semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, you can try milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer a different sweetness level. Dark chocolate provides a nice contrast!
How Can I Make Sure My Cookies Stay Soft and Chewy?
Getting those soft and chewy cookies starts with how you mix your ingredients and bake them. Here’s how to succeed:
- Beat butter and cream cheese well until fluffy. This adds air and keeps the cookies light.
- Avoid overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until you see no flour.
- Don’t overbake! Watch for those edges turning golden while the centers stay slightly soft. This creates the chewy texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring. This helps them set and stay soft.
How to Make Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Chips:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. With some cooling time, you can have warm, gooey cookies ready to enjoy in about 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking. Easy peasy!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a mixer, cream everything together until it’s nice and fluffy. This step is key for those soft, chewy cookies!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until they are well mixed into the creamy sugar mixture. Make sure everything is blended nicely!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise properly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
Now it’s time for the chocolate! Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly mixed throughout the dough. You want the chocolate goodness in every bite!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or just a tablespoon, drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows them room to spread while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft—that’s where the magic happens!
9. Cool Your Cookies:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key; warm cookies are a treat, but they’re even better when they’re cool and chewy!
Enjoy your deliciously soft and chewy cream cheese chocolate chip cookies!
Can I Substitute Cream Cheese with Something Else?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar texture. Keep in mind that this might alter the flavor slightly, but it’ll still yield a soft cookie!
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt from the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon. This helps balance the flavors without over-salting your cookies.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking to ensure it’s easier to work with.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
