Soft & Gooey Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories of childhood baking adventures dance through my mind whenever I whip up these delectable chocolate chip cream cheese cookies.

Soft cream cheese adds magical moisture to every delightful bite.

Creamy textures mingle with crisp edges, creating an irresistible contrast that makes taste buds sing.

Classic ingredients combine in unexpected ways, promising pure comfort and joy.

Baking becomes an intimate experience when you craft these morsels with love and attention.

Delicate yet robust, these cookies invite spontaneous smiles and happy moments around the kitchen counter.

One taste will convince you these are not just another cookie – they’re pure happiness.

Why Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Are Special

• Savor Simplicity: These cookies require basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Chocolate chip cookies are universally loved, guaranteed to bring smiles at potlucks, family gatherings, school events, and casual get-togethers with their classic, comforting flavor.
• Customize with Creativity: Bakers can easily personalize the recipe by adding nuts, switching chocolate chip varieties, or experimenting with different mix-ins like dried fruit or alternative sweeteners to match personal preferences.
• Quick Comfort Baking: With minimal preparation steps and a short baking window, these cookies deliver delicious homemade goodness without requiring extensive time in the kitchen, perfect for spontaneous baking moments.

What You’ll Need For Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the cookies.
• Butter: Provides richness, flavor, and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that contribute to the cookie's flavor and help create a crisp exterior.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cookies.

• Chocolate Chips, Nuts: Add extra flavor, texture, and interest to the cookies.

How To Bake Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and grab some parchment paper to line your baking sheets. This trick helps cookies slide off easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend until everything looks perfectly combined and consistent.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Watch the mixture transform into a pale, airy delight.

Step 4: Add Egg Magic

Drop eggs into the creamy mixture one at a time. Blend thoroughly after each addition to keep everything smooth and beautiful.

Step 5: Splash Of Flavor

Pour in vanilla extract and mix until it disappears completely into the wet ingredients.

Step 6: Combine Wet And Dry

Slowly add flour mixture to wet ingredients. Stir gently to keep the cookie dough tender and avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Sprinkle In Goodies

Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts. Distribute evenly so every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Drops

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and centers that are set but still soft.

Step 10: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before devouring.

Baking Tips For Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which guarantees consistent texture and taste in every batch.
• Soften Cream Cheese Strategically: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing, creating smoother, more evenly blended dough.
• Prevent Overmixing Carefully: Stop stirring as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture without developing tough gluten.
• Control Cookie Size Uniformly: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing, ensuring even baking and attractive presentation of each cookie.
• Store Smartly for Freshness: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Fun Ideas For Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the same delicious treat.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Swap cream cheese and butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and rich, toasted flavor that complements the chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies: Reduce granulated and brown sugar amounts, substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a more diabetic-friendly cookie option.

What Pairs Well With Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: Rich, velvety cappuccino complements the chocolate chip cookies' sweetness, creating a harmonious flavor balance that enhances the dessert experience.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, freshly baked cookies, offering a luxurious textural experience.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: The buttery caramel notes in the macchiato highlight the cookie's brown sugar undertones, delivering a decadent and indulgent pairing.
• Serve with Cold Milk: Classic cold milk cuts through the cookie's richness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser and traditional comfort food combination.

Best Way To Store Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Wrap raw cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before baking.
• Pack completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers with wax paper separating layers, storing up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Warm individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and slightly melt chocolate chips, enjoying a just-baked taste.

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Questions

• What makes cream cheese different in this cookie recipe?

Cream cheese adds extra moisture and creates a softer, more tender texture compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies, resulting in an incredibly rich and smooth cookie.

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Regular full-fat cream cheese works best for achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Low-fat versions might alter the cookie’s consistency and richness.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and centers that appear set but still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Why should I avoid overmixing the dough?

Overmixing can develop excess gluten, making cookies tough and dense instead of soft and tender. Gently mix just until ingredients are combined for the best texture.

Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate chip cream cheese cookies blend creamy richness with classic chocolate charm. Smooth cream cheese creates tender texture while chocolate chips deliver sweet, irresistible moments you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix-Ins:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for smooth cookie release and easy cleanup.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture that will ensure even texture throughout the cookies.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together softened cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract, mixing until completely integrated into the wet ingredients.
6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
7. Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading during baking.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown and centers appear set but slightly soft.
10. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Cream cheese adds incredible moisture and tangy richness, creating a softer, more tender cookie texture compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies; gently fold ingredients until just combined for the most delicate crumb.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same delightful cookie experience.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and enhance the cookies’ flavor depth and structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg