The Ultimate Guide to Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a soft, rich, and gooey chocolate chip cookie. Among the countless cookie variations, Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies hold a special place for their unique texture and heavenly taste. These cookies combine the buttery goodness of classic cookies with the creamy richness of cream cheese, making every bite indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with friends and family—these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about crafting these delightful treats.
- 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
Base Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): Provides the foundational buttery flavor and richness. Ensure it’s soft for easier creaming.
- Cream Cheese (¼ cup, softened): Adds creaminess and a slight tang that enhances the cookie’s flavor and texture.
Sweetness
- Light Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed): Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses, contributing to the cookies’ chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): Balances the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
Binding and Flavor
- Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Dry Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): The structural backbone of the cookies.
- Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): Ensures a soft, tender crumb.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly during baking.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon, optional): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
The Stars of the Show
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Chunks (2 ¼ cups): A mix of chips and chunks ensures every bite is packed with melty chocolate goodness.
Instructions
Step 1: Creaming the Base
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, cream cheese, sugars, egg, and vanilla on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. This step incorporates air, resulting in a light and fluffy base that forms the foundation of your cookies.
Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix on low speed until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Step 3: Incorporating the Chocolate
Add the chocolate chips and chunks. Beat the mixture briefly to distribute the chocolate evenly, or fold it in gently with a spatula to avoid breaking the chips and chunks.
Step 4: Shaping and Chilling the Dough
Use a medium 2-inch cookie scoop to form heaping mounds of dough. Flatten the mounds slightly with your palm, place them on a plate, and cover them with plastic wrap. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Chilling is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper. Arrange the chilled cookie dough mounds on the sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for 8–9 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even baking. The cookies will appear undercooked, with pale and glossy centers, but resist the urge to bake longer. They will firm up as they cool, maintaining their soft and chewy texture.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Softened Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened for easy creaming. Cold ingredients won’t blend well, leading to uneven texture.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the cookie’s shape during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld for a richer taste.
- Monitor Baking Time: These cookies are best when slightly underbaked. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Chocolate: While semi-sweet chocolate is classic, you can try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chips for a unique twist.
- Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months for a longer shelf life.