Name: Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24
Ingredients: - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; - ¼ cup cream cheese, softened; - ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; - ¼ cup granulated sugar; - 1 large egg; - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; - 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; - 2 teaspoons cornstarch; - 1 teaspoon baking soda; - ¼ teaspoon salt, optional and to taste; - 2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cookie experience, these Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies might just be your new favorite. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly soft, with just the right amount of gooey chocolate chips melting in your mouth. It’s the addition of cream cheese that takes these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a dreamy texture that’s delightfully irresistible.

I remember a rainy afternoon spent with my grandmother, the smell of vanilla wafting through her cozy kitchen. We mixed the dough together, and I watched her secrets unfold. She’d sneak a dollop of cream cheese into the mix, her eyes twinkling with mischief. When those cookies came out of the oven, warm and inviting, they held the sweet taste of a cherished memory.

How did these cookies come to be?

Softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies have an intriguing blend of American cookie tradition with a twist of lusciousness from cream cheese. Originating from the classic chocolate chip cookie, this variant offers a softer, richer bite. Over time, bakers have refined the recipe, experimenting with different cream cheese-to-butter ratios for the perfect texture. What sets this cookie apart is its unique ability to stay soft longer due to the cream cheese, making it a delightful choice for those craving comfort with an indulgent twist.

What’s in the mix?

Whipping up a batch of Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies is like creating little bites of joy. With each ingredient playing a vital role, these cookies are soft, rich, and absolutely irresistible. Let’s dive into the magic each component brings to the table.

Unsalted Butter 🧈: This helps in creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you don’t have unsalted, you can use salted butter; just skip the extra salt. The fresher, the better to boost that buttery aroma.
Cream Cheese 🍰: Adds a slight tang and extra moisture, making the cookies soft and rich. If you’re out, mascarpone cheese can do the trick, but it’s milder. Opt for a good brand for that creamy finish.
Light Brown Sugar 🍯: It’s all about that molasses flavor, which deepens the sweetness and adds chewiness. Dark brown sugar can be a substitute, but it’ll be richer. Look for tightly packed sugar to ensure freshness.
Granulated Sugar 🍬: Balances the sweetness with its simple sugar goodness. If you’re aiming for a less sweet version, a touch of coconut sugar works, though it changes the flavor. Choose a fine grain for smooth mixing.
Large Egg 🥚: Acts as the binding agent, giving structure. If you’ve run out, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) can work, but the cookies will be denser. Fresh eggs mean fluffier cookies.
Vanilla Extract 🍦: Infuses warmth and sweetness into every bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of almond extract gives a unique twist. Pure vanilla is pricier but worth the depth in flavor.
All-Purpose Flour 🌾: The foundation of our cookie. Whole wheat flour can make it healthier, though they’ll be heartier. Look for unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Cornstarch 🌽: Secret to that soft texture, keeping cookies from spreading too much. If you ever run out, arrowroot powder is a close match. It’s what gives cookies that bakery-style softness.
Baking Soda 🥄: This helps the cookies rise, giving them a nice fluff. Baking powder can stand in, but the texture will alter slightly. Always check the date to ensure it’s fresh for full efficacy.
Salt 🧂: Enhances all the sweet flavors. If you’re cutting back on sodium, just skip it. A pinch of sea salt can elevate the flavors even more.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks 🍫: Our delightful bursts of chocolate. For a twist, try dark or white chocolate chunks. Choose a brand you enjoy eating on its own for maximum yumminess.

Now that you know the roles of each ingredient, it’s time to get baking and indulge in these delicious cookies!

Must-have tools for your cookie adventure!🍽️

Having the right tools can make baking a breeze. Let’s dive into some essentials for your kitchen adventures.

Stand Mixer: This powerhouse saves time and effort, ensuring thorough mixing. If you don’t have one, a hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk can work in a pinch.
Silpat or Parchment Paper: These are lifesavers for non-stick baking. If neither is handy, a light spray of cooking oil on your baking sheet should do the trick.
Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, this is your go-to. A tablespoon measure or even your hands can substitute, though they might require a bit more finesse.
Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies evenly and prevent soggy bottoms, a rack is key. In its absence, a clean, cool surface like a countertop can work temporarily.

Each tool has its role, making your baking smoother and more enjoyable. Enjoy your baking journey!

Crafting your cookie masterpiece👩‍🍳

Step 1: Cream the Base Ingredients
Begin by placing the softened butter and cream cheese into the bowl of your stand mixer, ensuring the paddle attachment is in place. Add both the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract to the mix. Set the mixer to medium-high speed and let it work its magic until the mixture becomes well-creamed, light, and fluffy—expect this to take about 5 minutes. This step forms the creamy backbone of your cookies, so don’t rush it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Pause for a moment to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring every bit gets incorporated. Now, add the all-purpose flour, followed by the cornstarch, baking soda, and a dash of salt if you’re using it. Mix everything at a gentle pace, just until it all comes together—about a minute should do the trick. Be careful not to overmix; you want the flour just integrated to keep that delightful softness in your cookies.
Step 3: Introduce the Chocolate
It’s time to add those glorious chocolate chips and chunks. You can either give them a quick mix with the mixer to distribute or, if you prefer a more hands-on approach, fold them in with a spatula. This ensures the chocolate is evenly spread throughout the dough, giving each bite a delightful burst of chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping mounds of dough and place them onto a large plate. Press them down gently with your palm to flatten them slightly. Wrap the plate in plastic wrap and let your dough chill out in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you’re planning ahead, they can rest for up to 5 days. This chilling step is crucial for achieving that perfect soft texture, so patience is key here.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Arrange the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with a Silpat or give it a quick spray with cooking spray. Place your cookie mounds onto the sheet, ensuring they’re spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the cookies bake for 8 to 9 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges have set and the tops are just beginning to firm up, even if they look a bit undercooked and shiny in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after pulling them from the oven, which helps them finish setting up. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to let them cool completely. This step ensures the cookies have the perfect texture straight through. And there you have it—soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies ready to be devoured!

Mix it up with creative twists

For a gluten-free twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; they turned out just as chewy, with a slightly nuttier flavor. If you’re embracing vegan treats, swap the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives and use a flax egg. These cookies remained soft and delightful, though the texture was a bit more crumbly. For a festive flair, add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, plus white chocolate and dried cranberries. It felt like biting into a cozy holiday memory. In a spicy experiment, I sprinkled in some chili powder—unexpectedly delicious with a delightful kick!

Creative ways to serve and present your cookies

For a dinner party that’ll wow your guests, serve your softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies on a rustic wooden board for a touch of charm. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over them just before serving; it’s like a snow-capped mountain of sweetness! Add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and brightness.

Pair them with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—because, why not? A chic glass of chilled milk or a spot of espresso wouldn’t hurt either! Your guests will be nibbling their way to cookie heaven.

Sip-worthy companions for your cookie delight!

When I whip up a batch of these decadent Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, I love to pair them with a tall glass of ice-cold milk. There’s just something about that classic combo of cookies and milk that feels nostalgic and oh-so-comforting. For those who prefer a little twist, a creamy vanilla almond milk does wonders, adding a nutty depth that plays beautifully with the rich chocolate. And when I’m looking for a caffeine boost, an iced mocha rounds things off perfectly, blending coffee’s boldness with the sweetness of chocolate in a delightful duo.

Keeping your cookies fresh and fabulous!

To keep those Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and delightful, tuck them into an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay scrumptious for up to a week. If you’d like to extend their life, the freezer is your friend; just wrap them individually before storing for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back their freshly-baked warmth—just be sure to let them cool slightly to avoid any hot surprises. Also, always ensure your hands are clean when handling them to maintain their quality and safety.

Avoid these common mistakes 🖐️

One common cookie conundrum is overmixing the dough. This can lead to tough cookies, which no one wants! Gently mix until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.

Another hiccup is skipping the chill time. While it might be tempting to rush, chilling the dough lets the flavors meld and ensures your cookies bake up thick and delightful.

Measuring flour with a heavy hand can also cause issues. Try spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. This ensures you aren’t packing in too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

Lastly, keep an eye on baking time. Cookies continue cooking on the sheet after being removed from the oven. So, even if they seem a bit underdone, trust the process for those gooey centers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What role does cream cheese play in these cookies?

The cream cheese adds a subtle tanginess and extra moisture, resulting in a softer and richer cookie texture that melts in your mouth. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies from good to irresistibly delicious.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to skip the optional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies. Salted butter will add a touch of extra flavor without overwhelming the balance of sweetness.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. Patience pays off with an even better texture and taste!

Can I substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in milk or dark chocolate chips according to your preference. Each type of chocolate will bring a unique flavor profile to your cookies, so you can experiment and find your favorite.

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they are well-sealed to lock in freshness. Enjoy them with a quick reheat in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven experience!

Final bite: savor the sweetness!🎉

Whip up a batch of these delightful Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies and let your taste buds do a happy dance. With their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, chocolatey flavor, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite. Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients—maybe add a handful of nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It’s your creation, after all! Enjoy the process, and remember that baking is as much about the joy it brings as it is about the delicious end result. Happy baking!