Introduction
Cookies are a universally loved treat, and this recipe for cream cheese chocolate chip cookies takes them to the next level. By incorporating cream cheese into the dough, these cookies achieve a soft, tender texture that’s absolutely irresistible. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar provides a perfect balance of sweetness, while semi-sweet chocolate chips add a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite. This detailed guide will help you create a batch of delicious cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Cream Together Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, packed brown sugar, granulated white sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together on medium speed for 5-7 minutes. The mixture should become mostly smooth, though a few small lumps from the cream cheese are normal.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until the dough starts to come together. The batter will look very clumpy, but that’s okay—it should be easily moldable.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough, mixing until they are evenly distributed. If desired, set aside a few tablespoons of chocolate chips to press into the tops of the cookies before baking.
Step 3: Form the Dough Balls
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a large platter or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Press down slightly on the tops of each dough ball to flatten them a bit. If you set aside extra chocolate chips, press a few into the tops of each cookie now.
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Bake the Cookies: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked—they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to transfer. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Serve: Enjoy the cookies warm from the oven, or store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. These cookies are perfect with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, butter, and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly and results in a more uniform dough.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the step of chilling the dough. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook and set as they cool, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
Variations
This versatile recipe can be customized in various ways to suit your tastes:
- Nutty Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Different Chips: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Spiced Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Storing and Serving
Refrigeration: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the dough balls and bake them as needed.
Freezing: These cookies can also be frozen. Freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake the frozen dough balls directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They make a great addition to dessert platters at parties and gatherings.
Health and Safety
Safe Handling: Ensure that all ingredients, especially dairy products like cream cheese and butter, are fresh and stored correctly to avoid spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Always wash your hands and utensils thoroughly before and after handling the ingredients.
Allergy Considerations: This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten, which can be allergens for some people. If serving to a group, consider making a dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free version if needed. There are many alternatives available, such as dairy-free cream cheese, flax eggs, and gluten-free flour blends, that can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
These Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The addition of cream cheese gives them a soft, tender texture that’s absolutely irresistible. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. By following this detailed guide, you’ll create a batch of cookies that not only taste incredible but also look beautiful and impressive on any dessert table.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, as a gift, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat with your family and friends. Happy baking!