Introduction
Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’ve ever craved a cookie that’s both soft and rich, then you’re in for a delightful treat with these Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine biting into a warm cookie that melts in your mouth, with a luscious cream cheese base that elevates the classic chocolate chip experience. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an ultra-tender dough that holds soft, gooey chocolate chips, making every bite a dream come true. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until everything is well combined and you achieve a creamy texture.
- Beat in the egg along with the vanilla extract, ensuring they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, bringing some lightness to your dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding that burst of chocolatey goodness.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape while still being soft!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking to enhance that sweet and salty flavor profile. Also, for an equally delightful variation, consider mixing in nuts or swapping chocolate chips for butterscotch chips. Enjoy these cookies freshly baked, or store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for days!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and cream cheese, use room temperature ingredients for the best results, as this helps create a light and fluffy mixture. Properly measuring flour using the spoon-and-level method can help prevent overly dense cookies. Make sure not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet while cooling.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt, but it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a splendid addition to any dessert table or casual gathering. With their delightful texture and rich flavor, they are sure to become a favorite amongst friends and family alike. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a warm, homemade batch of pure bliss. Happy baking!