Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite
Cookies have always been a go-to treat for many, and chocolate chip cookies, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts. They are a staple in many households, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and nostalgia. Today, we bring you a slightly healthier version of this beloved classic: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies. This recipe replaces the traditional butter with margarine and cream cheese, resulting in cookies that are moist, cake-like, and absolutely delicious. Submitted by Melissa Marsh and updated in July 2022, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful creation.
The Ingredients That Make the Magic
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese: Cream cheese is the star ingredient here, providing a rich, creamy texture that makes these cookies incredibly moist.
- 1 cup margarine: Used as a butter substitute, margarine helps to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining the desired consistency.
- ¾ cup white sugar: The classic sweetener, adding the perfect amount of sweetness to the cookies.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and a slight hint of molasses that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
- 1 egg: Essential for binding the ingredients together and contributing to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise, giving them a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips: The star of the show, milk chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness and a creamy texture to every bite.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation. This recipe is straightforward and perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C): Ensuring your oven is properly preheated is crucial for even baking.
- Grease cookie sheets and set aside: Lightly greasing the cookie sheets prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal once baked.
- Combine cream cheese, margarine, white sugar, and brown sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and margarine until well blended. Add both sugars and continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Blend in egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating well until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients and mix well: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the milk chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets: Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes: Bake until the edges are slightly browned and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool on wire racks: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
The Science Behind the Ingredients
Understanding the role of each ingredient can help you become a better baker. Let’s explore why this recipe works so well.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a tangy richness to the cookies, making them incredibly moist and tender. Its high fat content also contributes to the soft, cake-like texture.
- Margarine vs. Butter: Margarine, which has a higher water content and less saturated fat than butter, results in cookies that are lighter and softer. This substitution makes the cookies slightly healthier without compromising on taste.
- Sugar: The combination of white and brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also affects the texture. White sugar helps the cookies spread, while brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content.
- Baking Powder: As a leavening agent, baking powder releases carbon dioxide during baking, causing the dough to rise and become fluffy.
- Chocolate Chips: Using milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Even a simple recipe can benefit from a few expert tips. Here are some pointers to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, margarine, and egg are at room temperature before you start. This allows for better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Measuring Flour: Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Packing the flour can lead to dense, dry cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be slightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
Nutritional Information
While these cookies are a healthier option compared to traditional recipes, it’s still important to enjoy them in moderation. Here is a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (2 cookies):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Variations to Try
One of the joys of baking is experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few variations you can try with this recipe:
- Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in 1 cup of dried cranberries or raisins along with the chocolate chips for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- White Chocolate Raspberry: Substitute the milk chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic cookie recipe, offering a slightly healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. The use of cream cheese and margarine results in moist, cake-like cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk or pack them up for a sweet treat on the go. Happy baking!