Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Warm and Chewy Delight

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a fresh batch of cookies—especially when they’re warm, chewy, and packed with rich flavor. These Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies take that experience to a whole new level. Combining the richness of cream cheese with the classic chocolate chip goodness, these cookies have a unique texture that is soft, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re a chocolate chip cookie aficionado or a newbie baker looking for a recipe that guarantees success, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.

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The Secret Ingredient: Cream Cheese

One of the key features of these cookies is the inclusion of cream cheese. While traditional chocolate chip cookie recipes use butter as the primary fat source, the addition of cream cheese imparts a rich, slightly tangy flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate chips. The cream cheese also contributes to the cookies’ signature soft texture, making them incredibly tender and thick.

The subtle richness of the cream cheese enhances the flavor profile of the cookies while keeping them from becoming too greasy or flat. Together with butter, they create the perfect base for a chewy yet delicate cookie.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these cookies so delicious.

For the Dough:

• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened) – Butter is essential for creating the right texture in cookies, and using unsalted butter ensures that we can control the level of salt in the dough.
• Cream cheese (¼ cup, softened) – Adds richness, flavor, and contributes to the soft, pillowy texture.
• Light brown sugar (¾ cup, packed) – Brown sugar brings a depth of flavor and moisture to the dough, creating that caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup) – Balances out the brown sugar and contributes to the cookies’ delicate texture.
• Egg (1 large) – Provides structure and moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons) – Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups) – The backbone of the dough, providing structure.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons) – Cornstarch ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy by reducing gluten formation.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookies rise slightly while contributing to the spread.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon, optional) – Salt enhances the sweetness and flavor, though you can leave it out if you prefer.

For the Mix-ins:

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 ¼ cups) – These are the star of the show, giving the cookies their rich, indulgent taste. You can use a combination of chips and chunks for added texture and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we know what goes into these decadent cookies, let’s walk through the process of making them. From creaming the butter and cream cheese to baking the perfect batch, each step is simple and straightforward, ensuring that anyone can bake these cookies with ease.

Step 1: Creaming the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

Start by placing the unsalted butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. If you don’t have a stand mixer, an electric hand mixer works just fine. Beat these ingredients together on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. The mixture should become light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is essential for achieving the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and cream cheese mixture is fluffy, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients together, while the vanilla adds that warm, aromatic sweetness that everyone loves.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt. Once the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, gradually add them to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the flour is incorporated. The dough will likely be somewhat thick at this point.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Once the dough is ready, it’s time to fold in the chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. You can do this step using the mixer on low speed or by hand with a spatula. The chocolate should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Here’s the key to making these cookies soft and thick: chill the dough. Divide the dough into 28 equal portions using a 2-inch cookie scoop and place them onto a large plate. Flatten each mound slightly with your palm, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they remain thick and chewy.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Once your dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or spray it with cooking spray. Place the chilled dough mounds on the sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes. The edges should be set, but the tops will remain slightly glossy and undercooked. Be careful not to overbake them; they will firm up as they cool, so it’s better to take them out a little underdone. This will give them the perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without becoming too crisp. Enjoy them while they’re still warm and gooey, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients: For the best results, ensure that the butter and cream cheese are softened. This will allow them to cream together properly, giving the cookies their signature texture.
• Experiment with mix-ins: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to mix things up! You can use a combination of milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or even M&M’s for a fun twist.
• Make ahead: You can store the dough in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for later. Simply scoop out and bake fresh cookies whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Variations to Try

• Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy, chocolatey dough.
• Make it festive: Add colored M&M’s or sprinkles to the dough to make these cookies perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Double the cream cheese: For an even richer cookie, try adding an extra tablespoon of cream cheese to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cold glass of milk: These cookies are best enjoyed with a cold, refreshing glass of milk to complement the sweetness of the chocolate and the creamy texture of the dough.
• Serve with ice cream: For a decadent dessert, place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies to create a dreamy ice cream sandwich.

Conclusion

These Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply as a personal indulgence, their chewy texture, rich flavor, and gooey chocolate center will make them a favorite. With the addition of cream cheese, these cookies stand out from the typical chocolate chip cookie recipe, offering an irresistible twist on a beloved classic. So go ahead—bake up a batch and enjoy the soft, sweet, and utterly delicious result. You won’t regret it!