Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

The Melt-in-Your-Mouth Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Baking soft chocolate chip cream cheese cookies becomes a delightful adventure that promises pure comfort.

Creamy textures blend with rich chocolate in this irresistible treat.

Unexpected ingredients create magic in your kitchen.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore these melt-in-your-mouth delights.

Surprisingly simple techniques ensure perfect results every single time.

Delicate chocolate chips nestled in a tender, velvety dough make everyone smile.

You’ll want to savor each delectable bite of these extraordinary cookies.

Reasons to Crave Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Craft Creamy Texture: Cream cheese transforms these cookies into incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a luxurious, velvety consistency that sets them apart from traditional chocolate chip cookies.
  • Master Simple Technique: Beginner bakers can confidently create these cookies with straightforward steps, minimal equipment, and basic ingredients found in most kitchen pantries.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, these chocolate chip cookies guarantee smiles and satisfaction for both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of rich chocolate and smooth cream cheese flavor.
  • Versatile Baking Experience: Adaptable recipe allows for easy customization by adding nuts, different chocolate varieties, or experimenting with mix-ins to suit personal taste preferences and keep baking exciting.

What Goes Into Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides moisture and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor and helps create an extra soft and tender cookie.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with the cookie's caramelization and soft texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookie dough.
  • Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient that brings rich, sweet chocolate flavor to every bite.
Flour Mixture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives structure to the cookies.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile.
  • Parchment Paper: While not an ingredient, it ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking.

How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies will have the perfect golden base and won’t stick.

Step 2: Create a Dreamy Butter Mixture

Grab your mixer and blend softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip these ingredients until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy consistency. This should take about 3-4 minutes of mixing magic.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until everything looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredient Blend

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure these dry ingredients are perfectly combined.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 6: Sprinkle in Chocolate Goodness

Fold chocolate chips into the dough, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Shape Cookie Drops

Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges and centers that still appear slightly soft.

Step 9: Rest and Set

Remove cookies from oven and let them rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and become more stable.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Once cooled, serve or store in an airtight container for later indulgence.

Smart Tips for Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Cream Cheese Magic: Use full-fat cream cheese for extra richness and tender texture in cookies.
  • Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense cookies that lose their soft appeal.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold chocolate chips gently to ensure even spread without deflating the delicate dough.
  • Temperature Matters: Let ingredients like butter and cream cheese sit at room temperature for smoother blending and better cookie consistency.
  • Cooling Wisdom: Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure before transferring to a wire rack.

Customizing Your Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Nutty Chocolate Chip Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over cooled cookies and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-salty combination.
  • Espresso Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate's rich depth and add a subtle coffee undertone.
  • Coconut Chocolate Chip: Fold in shredded coconut for tropical sweetness and a slightly chewy texture.

Best Pairings for Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Pair Creamy Hot Cocoa: Enhance the soft chocolate chip cream cheese cookies with a rich, velvety hot cocoa that complements the cookie's creamy texture and chocolate notes.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Elevate the dessert experience by adding a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm, soft cookies for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Match with Espresso Martini: Create an indulgent adult treat by pairing the cookies with a smooth espresso martini, which balances the sweetness with a sophisticated coffee kick.
  • Complement with Caramel Macchiato: Enjoy a warm caramel macchiato that echoes the cookie's sweet profile and provides a luxurious, creamy beverage companion.

Save and Store Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Scoop cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag for storage up to 3 months, baking directly from frozen state with slight time adjustment.
  • Pack completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers, storing them for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature for soft, delicious treats.
  • Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain soft by adding a slice of bread to maintain moisture and prevent hardening.

Answers About Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Why use cream cheese in cookie dough?

Cream cheese adds moisture, creates a softer texture, and provides a subtle tangy richness that enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate chip cookies.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can swap chocolate chips with milk, dark, or white chocolate chips based on your preference, or even use chocolate chunks for a more rustic texture.

  • How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensure butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough to maintain the cookie’s structure.

  • Are these cookies good for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in portioned balls or freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.

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Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate chip cream cheese cookies blend creamy richness with classic cookie comfort. Sweet surprises await with each delectable bite, promising a delightful experience you’ll savor from first crumb to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk

Dry/Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
  2. Cream together softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt to create a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Gently fold chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies approximately 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges appear golden and centers look slightly soft.
  9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up.
  10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Cream cheese adds incredible moisture and softness to these classic chocolate chip cookies, creating a more tender texture compared to traditional recipes.
  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, well-blended base that prevents lumpy cookie dough.
  • Avoid overmixing the dry and wet ingredients to maintain a delicate, soft cookie structure that doesn’t become tough or dense.
  • For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to create an equally delicious alternative without compromising taste or texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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