Are you craving a cookie that's unbelievably soft, delightfully chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness? Then look no further! This Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie recipe is your answer. These aren't your average chocolate chip cookies; the addition of cream cheese creates an incredibly tender crumb and a rich, luxurious flavor that will have you reaching for another (and another!). Perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or gifting to friends and family, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cookie satisfaction!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, beating until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For best results, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 8: Baking Time: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: Cooling and Enjoying: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, soft, and irresistible cookies!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies:
- Softened Butter and Cream Cheese are Key: Make sure both are truly softened to room temperature for optimal creaming and a smooth cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is highly recommended for preventing spreading and enhancing flavor.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can differ, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate chunks, or a mix of different chocolates.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, comforting touch.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious chocolate chip cream cheese cookies are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They are a great addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, offering a sweet treat without excessive effort. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and share these delightful cookies with everyone you love!