Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies: The Ultimate Treat for Cookie Lovers

There’s something truly special about freshly baked cookies. The moment you pull them out of the oven and inhale their sweet aroma, it’s almost impossible to resist indulging in one—or two! But not just any cookie can deliver that soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves you craving more. Enter the Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookie. This recipe, known for its rich texture and irresistible flavor, is a must-try for any cookie lover. What makes these cookies stand out is the clever use of cream cheese, which adds an unexpected depth of richness and moisture. Combined with the classic combination of chocolate chips and chunks, these cookies are a dream come true. Whether you’re looking for the perfect treat for a family gathering, an afternoon snack, or just a special dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies will not disappoint.

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This Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is easy to make, even for beginners, and only requires a handful of simple ingredients. The result? Soft, chewy cookies with slightly crisp edges and a rich, buttery flavor. The cream cheese gives the dough a creamy texture that’s impossible to replicate with regular cookie recipes. As you bite into the cookie, you’ll experience a soft, pillowy center that contrasts perfectly with the gooey pockets of semi-sweet chocolate. These cookies are also wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite add-ins, whether it’s colorful M&M’s, chopped nuts, or a mix of different types of chocolate. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to make these delightful cookies, provide helpful tips for achieving the best results, and even offer some variations you can try to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, we’re confident that this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe will soon become one of your favorites.

The Secret Ingredient: Why Cream Cheese Makes These Cookies Special

At the heart of this recipe is the use of cream cheese, which might seem like an unusual addition to a classic chocolate chip cookie dough, but it’s the key to achieving that perfect, soft texture that makes these cookies stand out from the rest. Cream cheese helps keep the cookies moist and adds a slight tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate chips. Unlike butter alone, which can lead to cookies that spread too much, cream cheese creates a dough that’s thick and holds its shape during baking. This results in a cookie with a soft, slightly chewy center and crispy edges—a texture that is absolutely irresistible. Additionally, cream cheese enhances the flavor profile of the cookies, contributing a richness and depth that you just can’t get from butter or oil alone. It’s a small twist on a classic cookie that elevates it to something truly extraordinary.

Another aspect of these cookies that makes them special is the combination of chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. The chips melt perfectly, leaving behind gooey pockets of chocolate, while the chunks add a bit more texture and a satisfying bite. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that every chocolate lover will appreciate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the process of making these cookies, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry, these are all common items that you probably already have in your kitchen!

• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): The butter is a crucial ingredient in cookie recipes, as it helps create a tender texture and contributes to the cookies’ rich flavor. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dough.
• Cream Cheese (¼ cup, softened): This is the game-changer for these cookies. Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and a slight tanginess that balances out the sweetness.
• Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Brown sugar adds moisture to the dough and a slight molasses flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Granulated sugar helps create the right balance of sweetness and aids in achieving the crisp edges of the cookies.
• Large Egg (1): The egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies and adds a comforting, aromatic essence.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): The flour provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly—too much flour can lead to dense cookies, while too little can result in a cookie that falls apart.
• Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Cornstarch is the secret to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It helps tenderize the dough and prevents the cookies from becoming too firm.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly during baking, ensuring they don’t become too flat.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon, optional): Salt helps balance the sweetness of the cookies. If you’re using salted butter, you may not need to add extra salt.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks (2 ¼ cups): The star of the show! The combination of chocolate chips and chunks provides a delightful mix of melted and solid chocolate in each bite.

Instructions: How to Make Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these delectable cookies. The steps are simple, and with a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with a batch of the most delicious cookies you’ve ever had.

1. Creaming the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

Start by placing the softened butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial for achieving a soft, chewy cookie texture. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer or even beat the ingredients by hand, although it will take a little longer.

2. Add the Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue mixing until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.

3. Mixing in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Chunks

Once the dough is ready, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks. If you’re using a stand mixer, you can mix them in briefly on low speed. Alternatively, you can fold them in by hand with a spatula for more control.

5. Chilling the Dough

This step is non-negotiable—chilling the dough is crucial for the texture of the cookies. Scoop the dough into 2-inch mounds using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Place the dough mounds on a large plate, flatten them slightly with your palm, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days. The longer the dough chills, the better the cookies will be, so don’t be tempted to skip this step.

6. Baking the Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent the cookies from sticking. Arrange the chilled dough mounds on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to set. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look slightly undercooked in the center.

7. Cooling and Storing the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures that the cookies don’t fall apart. If you have any leftover dough, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for later use. The baked cookies will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips for Perfect Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Chill the dough: As mentioned, this step is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Cold dough also ensures that the cookies stay thick and chewy.
• Use high-quality chocolate: The chocolate is a major component of the cookies, so choose a good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor. You can even experiment with different types of chocolate—dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are set. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t be tempted to leave them in the oven for longer than necessary.
• Add-ins: Feel free to customize the cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even some M&M’s for a colorful twist can all be great additions.

Variations to Try

• Nutty Softbatch Cookies: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts, for extra texture and flavor.
• Double Chocolate Chip: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to make a double chocolate version of these cookies.
• M&M Softbatch Cookies: For a festive or fun twist, fold in some M&M’s along with the chocolate chips for an extra pop of color and sweetness.

Conclusion

Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of what a great cookie should be—rich, indulgent, and perfectly balanced. The addition of cream cheese is the secret to creating a soft, tender texture that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, looking for a new go-to treat, or just in the mood for something sweet, these cookies will not disappoint. The best part is that they are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So go ahead, try out this recipe, and get ready to enjoy a batch of the most delicious cookies you’ve ever made!