Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, rich cookies made with cream cheese, butter, chocolate chips, and classic baking staples, ready in 1 hour 20 minutes. Bake until lightly golden at 350°F for tender centers, crisp edges, and a smooth buttery flavor in every bite.

What makes this version different

  • Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Cream cheese adds a subtle tang and extra tenderness
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find
  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal effort
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate richness
  • Great for sharing or enjoying as a homemade treat

Ingredient Breakdown

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the sugar and mix on medium-high speed until pale and airy.
  4. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  8. Using a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time and servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Calories: 140 kcal per cookie

Variations I love

  • Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
  • Different chocolate: Try using white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks instead of mini chocolate chips.
  • Cinnamon twist: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
  • Stuffed cookies: Wrap a piece of caramel or peanut butter inside the dough before baking for a gooey surprise.

What to do with leftovers

  • Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
  • Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

How long does Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. These cookies freeze well for 2 to 3 months. To restore their softness, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds after thawing.

Can I substitute butter in this recipe?

In my experience, you can substitute unsalted butter with a good quality margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Margarine might alter the texture slightly, making cookies a bit crispier. Plant-based butters can work, but ensure they are suitable for baking to maintain the desired richness and flavor profile.

How long does this need to chill before serving?

The recipe states to refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before baking. This chilling time is crucial for the dough to firm up, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and contributes to their soft, chewy texture. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What goes well with Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies?

I’ve found that Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a more decadent treat, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. They’re also delightful with a fruit salad.

Is Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains all-purpose flour, which is a wheat-based product containing gluten. To make these cookies gluten-free, you could substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for blends specifically formulated for cookies to ensure the best texture.

Before you go

These Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. With their soft, creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later, they’re always a delicious choice for any occasion!

More to Try

More to Try

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Close-up of a cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookie cut in half, revealing a creamy cheesecake filling surrounded by gooey melted chocolate and golden-brown cookie dough.

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: PT1H20M
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, rich cookies made with cream cheese, butter, chocolate chips, and classic baking staples, ready in 1 hour 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips


Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  • Add the sugar and mix on medium-high speed until pale and airy.
  • Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients on low speed, mixing until just combined.
  • Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Using a small cookie scoop or heaping tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container. Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months; let them thaw at room temperature before serving. To restore their softness, warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

  • Prep Time: PT10M
  • Cook Time: PT10M
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140