Hey there, fellow baker! Is there anything better than the amazing smell of cookies fresh from the oven? That warm scent just makes a place feel like home. For me, baking is all about making people happy and creating sweet memories. It’s a passion that started when I was little, dreaming of delicious desserts.
Today, I’m super excited to share a recipe that takes your favorite classic and makes it even better: cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. You heard that right – we’re adding cream cheese! This isn’t just any cookie; it’s a game-changer. Cream cheese is my secret ingredient.
It makes these cookies incredibly soft, wonderfully chewy, and bursting with rich, delightful flavor. It truly elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie experience. If you’ve been looking for a cookie recipe that stands out from the rest and leaves everyone asking for your secret, you’ve found it right here.
These cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any moment. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a fun gathering with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Get ready to bake some magic!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Amazing Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ready to bake some deliciousness? To make a batch of these super soft and chewy cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need some everyday baking staples. And don’t forget that special ingredient, the cream cheese! Getting all your ingredients ready before you begin makes baking smooth and enjoyable.
It’s super important that both your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This tiny detail is key! It helps them mix together perfectly, giving your cookie dough a lovely smooth texture. This step ensures your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly tender every time.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup full-fat cream cheese, softened (avoid using fat-free, light, or whipped cream cheese! Full-fat block cream cheese is best for texture and flavor in these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies)
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I love Ghirardelli for their melty goodness)
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips (again, Ghirardelli is a top choice for a deeper chocolate flavor in these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies)
Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Are you ready to turn simple ingredients into something truly magical? Baking these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies is such a joyful experience from beginning to end. Just follow these easy steps, and soon you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey cookies. A little bit of care in each step makes a big difference, so let’s get baking!
- Prep Your Oven and Pans: First, let’s get things ready. Turn your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Then, grab two large baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This paper is a baker’s best friend! It stops the cookies from sticking and makes cleaning up a breeze. Plus, it helps your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies bake nice and evenly.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, take your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good whisk together. The cornstarch might seem like a small detail, but it’s a secret ingredient for making these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies extra soft and wonderfully chewy! Once mixed, set this bowl aside for a moment.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Now for the creamy part! In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This part usually lasts between 2 and 3 minutes. This step is super important because it adds air, which gives your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies their tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, crack in that large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix them into the creamed butter and sugar just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here! You simply want all these wet ingredients to blend smoothly into one delicious mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Now, slowly add the dry ingredients that you whisked earlier into your wet mixture. Turn your mixer on a low speed. Mix only until you no longer see any streaks of flour. Once the mixture just comes together, stop mixing immediately. Overmixing can make cookies tough, and we’re aiming for those wonderfully soft, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese chocolate chip cookies!
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: With a spatula, gently fold in both the semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips. You want to make sure they are spread out nicely throughout the dough. Imagine those delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every single bite! We want plenty of those in our cream cheese chocolate chip cookies.
- Scoop the Dough: Time to get those cookies onto the tray! Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop if you have one, or just two spoons, to drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave approximately 2 inches between each cookie for even baking. They will spread out a bit as they bake, so give them room to grow!
- Bake to Perfection: Pop your baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake your cookies for about 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges look lightly golden brown, but the centers still seem a little soft. Remember, cookies keep baking a little even after you take them out of the oven. This is especially true for these perfect cream cheese chocolate chip cookies!
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This cooling time helps them firm up so they don’t break when you move them. Carefully move them to a wire rack and let them cool fully. After that, it’s time to enjoy your warm, gooey, and utterly delicious cream cheese chocolate chip cookies!
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want to make sure your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies turn out amazing every single time? I’ve learned a few simple tricks over the years that make all the difference. These little tips can take your cookies from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This might sound small, but it’s super important! Ensure both your butter and cream cheese are fully softened before using. When they are at room temperature, they mix smoothly with the sugars. This creates an airy, creamy base for your dough, which is vital for soft, tender cream cheese chocolate chip cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added the flour to your wet ingredients, mix only until everything is just combined. As soon as you no longer see dry streaks, stop! Mixing too much makes the gluten in the flour stronger, which can lead to tough cookies. We want soft, wonderfully chewy cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, so resist the urge to keep blending.
- Chill Your Dough (Optional, but Recommended): For cookies that are thicker, chewier, and have an even richer flavor, chill your cookie dough. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours. This also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It’s a game-changer for perfect cream cheese chocolate chip cookies.
- Cornstarch Magic: That little bit of cornstarch in our recipe is my secret weapon. It helps make these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies incredibly soft and tender. It’s one of those hidden gems that elevates the texture without changing the flavor.
- Proper Storage: To keep your delicious cream cheese chocolate chip cookies fresh and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for about 3 to 4 days, perfect for enjoying all week long!
Recipe Variations for Your Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
One of the best things about a fantastic cookie recipe is how easy it is to make it uniquely yours! While these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are already amazing just the way they are, I truly encourage you to get creative and experiment a little. The joy of baking comes from experimenting and enjoying the process!
Here are some tasty ideas to switch up your next batch:
- Nutty Goodness: For an extra layer of flavor and a lovely crunch, try adding ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to your dough. Just fold them in along with your chocolate chips.
- Double Chocolate Delight: Want even more chocolatey goodness? Swap out the semi-sweet and bittersweet chips for white chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks for a different, rich flavor blend in your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. If you’re into trying different flours, you might also love my Almond Flour Chocolate Cookies.
- Sprinkle Fun: Make your cookies festive and joyful by folding in ½ cup of colorful sprinkles with the chocolate chips. These cream cheese chocolate chip cookies will instantly become perfect for birthdays or holiday celebrations!
- Spice it Up: For a warm, comforting twist, especially during cooler months, add a small pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg to your dry ingredients. These spices add a cozy touch to your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies.
- Different Chocolates: Don’t be afraid to mix up your chocolate choices! Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie, or chop up your favorite chocolate bars for bigger, super gooey pockets of chocolate in your amazing cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. Or if you prefer tiny treats, my recipe for Little Chocolate Chip Cookies is also a hit!
A Personal Story: My Love for Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking has always been my true happy place, a special way for me to connect with people and create warm, lasting memories. There’s something truly magical about turning simple ingredients into a delightful treat. I still vividly remember the very first time I decided to try something new with my trusted chocolate chip cookie recipe.
It was a cold, snowy afternoon, and I was just looking for a way to make my usual cookies even softer, even more utterly irresistible. I spotted a block of cream cheese sitting in the fridge. I thought, “Why not give it a try?” It felt like a small, fun experiment to make the ultimate soft-baked cookie.
My family, usually my biggest fans, looked at me with a bit of doubt when I announced my plan for these “new and improved” chocolate chip cookies. My younger sister, who is famously hard to impress, actually rolled her eyes! But as the sweet, buttery aroma started to fill our kitchen, their doubt slowly faded into curious anticipation.
When that first batch of cream cheese chocolate chip cookies finally emerged from the oven, perfectly golden and slightly puffed, I knew I had found something special. That first bite was pure magic. They were so incredibly tender and rich, with the perfect balance of sweet cookie and gooey chocolate. My sister even gasped – truly!
From that day on, these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies quickly became our household’s most requested treat. They symbolized how a little bit of playful experimentation in the kitchen can lead to truly wonderful discoveries. It just goes to show, sometimes the very best recipes come from stepping a little outside the usual box!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does cream cheese do in cookies?
Cream cheese is a wonderful addition to cookies! It brings extra moisture and richness, and a slight tangy flavor that beautifully balances the sweetness. This special ingredient helps create a wonderfully soft and super chewy texture, making the cookies feel like they melt in your mouth. It also helps your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies stay soft for longer and can even stop them from spreading too much, giving you perfectly plump cookies.
Can you put cream cheese in chocolate chip cookies?
You absolutely can! As you’ve seen in our recipe, adding cream cheese to chocolate chip cookies isn’t just possible, it’s highly recommended. It takes the classic chocolate chip cookie to a whole new level, giving it a very tender crumb and a delightful depth of flavor. Many bakers consider cream cheese a secret weapon for making truly superior cream cheese chocolate chip cookies.
Can I add cream cheese to cookie dough?
Yes, you can and definitely should add cream cheese directly into your cookie dough! The best way to do this is by creaming the softened cream cheese together with the butter and sugars right at the start of the mixing process. This makes sure it blends perfectly into the dough, spreading its magic evenly. Just remember to use full-fat block cream cheese for the best taste and texture in your cream cheese chocolate chip cookies.
What are Snoop Dogg cookies?
“Snoop Dogg cookies” usually refer to cookie recipes shared or made popular by the artist Snoop Dogg himself. You might find them in his cookbooks or cooking shows. While they are often a twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, they might have unique ingredients or styles. However, they don’t typically include cream cheese. Adding cream cheese to his cookie recipes could certainly make them even softer and richer! Our cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are a unique recipe focused on that creamy, tender addition.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, friends – the ultimate recipe for cream cheese chocolate chip cookies! I really hope you have as much fun baking and sharing these amazing treats as I do. To me, they’re more than just simple cookies; they’re tiny bites of pure happiness that bring smiles and bring people closer.
That special touch of cream cheese truly makes all the difference. It gives these cookies an unbeatable softness and a rich, tender texture you won’t forget. So, go ahead, get your hands a little messy, put on your favorite tunes, and enjoy your time in the kitchen. Happy baking, everyone! May your homes always be filled with the wonderful smell of fresh-baked cream cheese chocolate chip cookies!
Print
Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, these cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain.
6. Fold in both semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips with a spatula.
7. Scoop dough using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop and place on baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to 24 hours enhances flavor and texture. For variations, add chopped nuts, white chocolate, spices like cinnamon, or sprinkles. Use full-fat block cream cheese for best results. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, soft chocolate chip cookies, chewy cookies, cookies with cream cheese, homemade chocolate chip cookies, baking with cream cheese