Introduction to Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you're a fan of cookies that melt in your mouth and have a rich, creamy flavor, then softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are the perfect blend of classic chocolate chip flavors, enhanced by the addition of cream cheese, making them incredibly soft and tender. The use of both butter and cream cheese contributes to their decadent texture, resulting in a cookie that’s not just delicious but also feels indulgent.
So, what makes these cookies irresistible? First, the cream cheese adds a slight tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate. This unique twist makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, the combination of chocolate chips and chunks creates a delightful contrast in texture—chewy, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. If you're looking to mix things up, you can even throw in some M&M's or nuts!
For an extra touch, consider chilling the dough before baking. This helps the flavors meld together and results in even softer cookies. Trust me, once you take a bite of these softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, you'll be wondering how you ever lived without them!
Explore more tips and cookie variations at Cookie Rookie or Bakerella for inspiration!
Ingredients for Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preparing to bake your softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies? Great choice! The combination of cream cheese and butter will make your cookies irresistibly rich and soft. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds the classic cookie flavor and richness.
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened: This is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their pillowy texture.
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and adds a slight crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, helping them rise and set.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your cookie dough.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: Aids in achieving that soft, tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional): To heighten the flavors.
- 2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks: For that delicious melty goodness!
Once you’ve gathered these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious batch of cookies that you're sure to share. For more tips, check out sources like King Arthur Baking for insights on cookie baking!
Preparing Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking is not just about mixing ingredients; it's an art form that brings joy and satisfaction. When it comes to cookies, there’s something undeniably special about softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. These cookies stand out for their delightful texture, thanks to the cream cheese that creates a rich and creamy base. Ready to dive into the preparation? Let’s get started!
Gather the ingredients
Before anything else, you’ll want to make sure you have all your ingredients ready. For this delicious recipe, you’ll need:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup softened cream cheese
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing!
Cream together the butter and cream cheese
In a stand mixer, fit the paddle attachment and combine the softened butter and cream cheese. Beat these together on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. You want a light and fluffy mixture—this step is crucial for achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Mix in the sugars and egg
Once your butter and cream cheese are creamed, it's time to introduce the sugars! Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the egg and vanilla extract. Beat for another minute or two until everything is well-incorporated. This mixture is where the cookies start to truly shine with flavor!
Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Add the chocolate chips and chunks
This is the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. You can mix them in by hand if you prefer a more rustic cookie look. The irresistible chocolate pieces will melt just slightly while baking, making your cookies gooey and flavorful.
Shape the cookie dough
Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form mounds of dough and place them on a large plate. Give them a gentle flatten with your palm. Cover the mounds with plastic wrap—you'll want to refrigerate this dough for at least 2 hours (or up to 5 days) to let the flavors meld and improve the texture.
Refrigerate the dough
Chilling the dough is non-negotiable for perfect cookies. If you skip this step, the cookies tend to spread too much and come out flatter than intended.
Preheat the oven and bake
When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Place your chilled dough mounds on the sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart, and bake for 8 to 9 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers may still appear slightly glossy.
Cool and enjoy!
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These cookies can be enjoyed warm, and they also store well in an airtight container for up to a week. Pro tip: freeze any leftover dough so you can have fresh-baked cookies anytime!
Baking these softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies will surely impress friends and family, offering a delightful treat that’s irresistible! Enjoy your cookie adventure!
Variations on Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adding nuts for extra crunch
Looking to elevate your softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies? Consider mixing in some chopped nuts! Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor. Not only do they enhance the texture, but nuts also provide healthy fats and protein, making your treat a bit more nutritious. Just fold in about a cup of your favorite nuts into the dough before chilling, and you'll enjoy a deliciously textured cookie that will impress everyone!
Using different types of chocolate
If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t be afraid to get creative with the types of chocolate you use in your softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. Try swapping out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, or even using a mix of milk chocolate and white chocolate for a flavor explosion. You can also chop up your favorite chocolate bars to incorporate chunks; this will create a melty, gooey experience in every bite. Experiment and find your perfect combination!
Baking notes for Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
When you’re ready to dive into making your softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, here are some handy baking notes to keep in mind:
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Chilling the Dough: Crucially, don’t skip chilling the dough for at least 2 hours. This solidifies the fat, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape and don’t spread too much while baking.
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Cookie Size: Using a medium cookie scoop helps create uniform cookies; aim for about 2 inches. This makes sure they bake evenly.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven! Cookies may look slightly underbaked when you take them out, but they will firm up as they cool, creating that perfect chewy texture.
For some great tips on cookie science, check out Serious Eats!
Make these delicious cookies your own by experimenting with mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruits, too! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
When making softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, the possibilities for serving are endless. These cookies are delicious right out of the oven, yet they can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
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Serve Warm with Milk: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk to enhance their creamy richness. It’s a classic combo that never gets old!
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Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies. Vanilla and chocolate are excellent choices!
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Gifting or Sharing: These cookies make perfect gifts! Pack them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful treat for friends or coworkers.
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Add Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cookies for an extra sweet touch. It’s a simple way to elevate your dessert experience.
Ready to enjoy these delightful treats? Check out more creative ideas at Food Network or Taste of Home.
Tips for Making Perfect Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Achieving softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies can feel like an art, but with a few tips, you can easily master them!
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Chill Your Dough: Resting your dough for up to 5 days enhances the flavors and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Trust the process!
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Don’t Overbake: Pull them out of the oven when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly glossy. They’ll firm up as they cool.
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Mix It Up: Try different types of chocolate chips—semi-sweet, dark, or even some colorful M&M’s for a fun twist!
For more tips, consider looking at resources from Serious Eats. Happy baking!
Time Details for Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preparation Time
Get ready to dive into this delicious cookie adventure with a quick 10 minutes of preparation. This is your time to gather ingredients, mix them together, and get everything ready for the oven!
Baking Time
After chilling the dough, it’s time to bake those delightful cookies! The baking process will take about 8-9 minutes. Keep a close eye, as you want them to be perfectly set but still a bit glossy in the center for that softbatch feel!
Total Time
While the active preparation and baking times add up to only 18 minutes, don’t forget about the essential 2 hours of chill time for the dough. So, you’re looking at a total time of 2 hours and 18 minutes from start to cookie bliss. Patience pays off with soft, rich cookies!
For more tips on perfecting your baking skills, check out King Arthur Baking's guide for expert advice. And if you're curious about how cream cheese can enrich baked goods, this science of baking resource unveils some fascinating insights!
Nutritional Information for Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
When you indulge in these delightful softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re savoring. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition breakdown to help you enjoy guilt-free!
Calories
Each cookie contains approximately 189 calories. Perfect for that mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
Protein
With 2 grams of protein per cookie, these treats manage to combine a little nutritional benefit with your sweet craving.
Sodium
You'll find about 72 mg of sodium in each cookie. This is quite reasonable, especially if you’re enjoying them in moderation.
For more insights on nutritional values or to explore healthier alternatives, check out resources like the USDA Food Data Central or MyFitnessPal, which can provide valuable nutritional information for a variety of foods. Enjoy your baking adventure!
FAQs about Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use light cream cheese?
While it may be tempting to use light cream cheese for a healthier twist, it’s best to stick with regular cream cheese for this recipe. Light or whipped varieties can alter the cookie’s texture and make them less fluffy and rich. For truly decadent softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, keep it classic!
What happens if I skip the chilling step?
Chilling the dough is key for achieving the perfect cookie texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread more during baking, resulting in thinner, flatter cookies. The chill time allows the fats to solidify, creating that delightful soft and chewy center.
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to three months. For more tips on cookie storage, check out this helpful guide.
Conclusion on Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
In summary, these softbatch cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer for your baking repertoire. The unique cream cheese addition makes them softer and richer, perfect for any occasion. Try baking a batch, and watch how quickly they disappear—sharing optional! Enjoy the delightful taste and texture!
Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened
- 0.25 cups cream cheese softened
- 0.75 cups light brown sugar packed
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt optional and to taste
- 2.25 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks use a combination of chips and chunks
Instructions
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, cream cheese, sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-creamed, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (or use an electric hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes).
- Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, optional salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
- Add chocolate chips and chunks, and beat momentarily to incorporate, or fold in by hand.
- Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping mounds (I made 28). Place mounds on a large plate, flatten mounds slightly with your palm, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat or spray with cooking spray and place mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet).
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just beginning to set, even if slightly undercooked, pale and glossy in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
- Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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