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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Notes
- 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.