Table of Contents
Table of Contents
- Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
- Substitutions and Additions
- How to Make This Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- How to Serve
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- Jump to Recipe
Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the extra richness and tenderness that cream cheese brings. The cream cheese keeps the dough moist and yields cookies with soft, slightly chewy centers and golden edges. If you enjoy cookies with a tender, almost cake-like crumb and pockets of gooey chocolate, this recipe will become a staple.
Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
You will need the following:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Substitutions and Additions
Vanilla: Clear or dark vanilla extract both work. Clear vanilla preserves a paler dough color, while dark vanilla adds a deeper aroma and slight tint. Choose based on your preference.
Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or butterscotch chips to vary the flavor. You can also mix different types for texture contrast.
How to Make This Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Cream butter and cream cheese: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth. Scrape down the bowl as needed. (Pro tip: both should be at room temperature and softened, not melted.)
- Add sugars and vanilla: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium for 1½ to 2 minutes until the mixture is light and well combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Incorporate the egg: Reduce the mixer to low and add the egg. Mix until there are no visible streaks of egg yolk. Scrape the bowl again.
- Add dry ingredients: With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture in about half-cup increments, mixing only until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in chocolate: Use a large spoon to stir in the chocolate chunks and chips until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent excessive spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough finishes chilling. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Portion the dough: Use a 1½ tablespoon scoop to portion the dough, roll lightly into balls, and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft. Baking time will vary slightly by oven and cookie size.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 1 to 2 minutes to set, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve
These cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm so the chocolate is still soft. Serve them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a favorite hot or iced coffee. They also make a comforting addition to dessert plates or cookie trays when entertaining.
Storage
At room temperature: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep at room temperature for up to several days to preserve softness.
In the refrigerator: Store in an airtight container if you prefer a firmer texture; bring to room temperature before serving if desired.
In the freezer: These cookies freeze well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic: rich, tender, and filled with chocolate. The subtle tang and creaminess from the cream cheese keep the centers soft and give the cookies a lovely depth of flavor. With golden edges and gooey centers, they’re a satisfying homemade treat for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes. Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can be stirred in—about ½ cup will add pleasant crunch without overwhelming the cookie.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes. Properly wrapped or stored in an airtight container, the cookies will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
You can use any type of chocolate chip you prefer. Mix and match chips or chunks to customize the flavor.
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Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies with a tender crumb and rich chocolate pockets thanks to cream cheese in the dough.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Chill Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
Servings: About 42 small cookies (adjust size as desired)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Sift together flour, cornstarch, and baking soda; set aside.
- Cream butter and cream cheese until smooth, about 1–1½ minutes.
- Add sugars, salt, and vanilla; beat 1½–2 minutes until light.
- Add egg on low speed until blended.
- Slowly add dry ingredients on low until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chunks and chips.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Scoop 1½ tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and space 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes. Let rest 1–2 minutes on the sheet, then cool on a rack.
Notes
- The cream cheese and butter should be at room temperature and softened, not melted.
- Chilling the dough reduces spreading and yields thicker cookies.