Introduction
Welcome to a world of delightful indulgence! Nothing quite compares to the warmth that fills a home when you bake a batch of cookies, and these Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies truly hit the mark. With a tender, chewy texture and a rich, creamy flavor, each bite delivers a sweet, buttery embrace that will leave you craving more. Using cream cheese in the dough gives these cookies an extra layer of richness that balances perfectly with the melting chocolate chips. Get ready to fall in love with this delightful twist on a classic cookie!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a soft, luscious cookie dough!
- Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, allowing them to disperse throughout the dough for those delightful bursts of chocolate in every cookie.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistibly good!
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sight of those soft, chewy cookies!
Notes or Tips
For a touch of elegance, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie just before baking. This will enhance the sweetness and create a delightful contrast. If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to swap in milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe relies heavily on the creaming method, which incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise and giving them a light texture. Also, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature to guarantee a smooth blend, particularly the cream cheese and butter. Lastly, do not skip parchment paper — it helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can be kept for up to 3 months. Remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
What if I don’t have cream cheese? If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with an equal amount of softened mascarpone or even Greek yogurt, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Conclusion
These Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat any time of year, ideal for sharing with friends or cherishing on your own with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The combination of cream cheese and chocolate results in a cookie that is irresistibly soft and chewy, offering a comforting bite that feels just like home. So gather your ingredients and get baking — happiness is just a cookie away!