Soft Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the classic sweetness of chocolate chips. These cookies are not just any ordinary dessert; they hold a special place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere. The addition of cream cheese creates a unique, moist texture that makes each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations—these cookies can elevate any dessert table and satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or served at a holiday party, they are destined to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Tools and Equipment
Before you begin baking these delightful cookies, gather the following tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Having the right tools on hand will make the preparation and baking process easier, allowing you to focus on creating these delicious cookies.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these Soft Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups chocolate chips
Unsalted butter: The base of the cookie dough, unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Softened butter makes it easier to cream with the sugars.
Cream cheese: This ingredient is key to achieving the soft, moist texture of the cookies. It adds a slight tang and creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar not only provides sweetness but also contributes to the chewiness of the cookies due to its molasses content.
White sugar: Adding white sugar helps achieve a balanced sweetness and contributes to the cookies’ crisp edges.
Egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture, making the cookies tender.
Pure vanilla extract: This ingredient enhances the flavor profile, providing warmth and depth to the cookies.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the main structure-building ingredient. It gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch helps to create a softer texture and contributes to the cookies’ pillowy consistency.
Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a soft center.
Chocolate chips: The star of the show, chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness and richness in every bite.
Preparation Steps
Before you dive into baking, follow these preparation steps to set yourself up for success:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Gather all the ingredients to ensure you have everything ready for mixing.
- Pre-measure your flour, cornstarch, and baking soda for easy incorporation into the dough.
- Chill the dough after mixing for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Tip: Chilling the dough is a crucial step that allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’re prepared, let’s get into the step-by-step instructions for baking these delicious cookies:
- In a stand mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until creamy and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the brown sugar and white sugar to the mixture and beat on medium speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Cover the baking sheet with cling wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once chilled, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Important: The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven, so it’s best to take them out when they still look a bit soft in the middle.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
These Soft Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but can also be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, making them a sweet treat that won’t completely derail your dietary goals.
Here are some health benefits of the key ingredients:
- Butter: Provides essential fatty acids and vitamins A and D.
- Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate (if used) is rich in antioxidants and may have heart health benefits.
- Eggs: A great source of protein and essential nutrients like choline, which is important for brain health.
Common Mistakes and Tips to Perfect the Recipe
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can lead to thin, overly crispy cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Using cold butter: Ensure your butter is softened to create a creamy texture.
- Baking on a hot baking sheet: Always use a cool baking sheet to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Advanced tip: For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful sweet-salty balance.
Storage, Serving, and Reheating Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- To serve, enjoy cookies at room temperature, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to achieve that fresh-baked taste.
Serving suggestion: Pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience!
FAQs and Recipe Variations
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? While you can, using full-fat cream cheese will yield the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? You can omit it, but the cookies may be slightly less soft. Alternatively, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
Can I add nuts to the cookies? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition.
Recipe variations: Consider trying these variations for a unique twist:
- Substitute some of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
- Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries for a fruity touch.
Conclusion
Soft Batch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful balance of flavor and texture that make them a beloved choice for cookie enthusiasts. With their pillowy softness and rich chocolate goodness, they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are a wonderful choice. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a batch of these irresistible cookies today!