Chocolate chip cookies are a classic treat loved by many, but when you add cream cheese to the mix, you elevate the flavor and texture to a whole new level. These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese are irresistibly soft, rich, and full of flavor. The cream cheese adds a subtle tang, making the cookies extra creamy and chewy, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide that classic chocolatey goodness we all crave. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will quickly become your new go-to recipe for satisfying your sweet tooth.

With the cream cheese softening the dough, these cookies stay fresh and chewy longer than traditional chocolate chip cookies. The extra richness from the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the sugar and the chocolate, creating a balanced, mouthwatering treat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday, or just a simple treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this recipe guarantees a batch of cookies that are soft on the inside, slightly golden on the outside, and filled with melty chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Chewy Texture: The addition of cream cheese keeps these cookies soft and moist even days after baking.
Rich Flavor: The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy texture that enhances the flavor of the chocolate chips.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dessert or a treat for friends, these cookies are versatile and loved by everyone.
Crisp Edges and Soft Centers: These cookies bake up with slightly crispy edges and a wonderfully soft center, making them the perfect bite.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

Add nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch.
Use different chips: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips.
Add a pinch of cinnamon: For a warm, spicy note, add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for a vegan version of these cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring until just combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips evenly.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring they maintain their chewy texture.

Step 3: Preheat and Shape

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers remain soft. The cookies will firm up slightly as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature with a glass of milk for the perfect treat. These cookies are extra soft, rich, and loaded with chocolate chips. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough is crucial for achieving thick, chewy cookies. Don’t skip this step.
Don’t overmix: Mix the dough until the ingredients are just combined to prevent tough cookies.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy dough.
Bake in batches: If you have a large batch of dough, bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.

How to Serve

These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese are best served with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a cozy treat. They can also be enjoyed with ice cream for an indulgent dessert or served alongside fresh fruit for a more balanced snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll remain soft and chewy thanks to the cream cheese.
Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To reheat cookies, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cream cheese? Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with additional butter for a slightly different texture, but the cookies will lack the creaminess that cream cheese adds.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Be sure to scoop it into balls before freezing, and bake them fresh when ready.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Do I need to chill the dough? Chilling the dough is important to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while baking, so it’s best to not skip this step.
What’s the best way to store cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and soft for up to 5 days.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. Make sure the dough is cold when placed on the baking sheets.
Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a hand mixer will work just as well as a stand mixer for this recipe.
How can I make the cookies more crunchy? Bake the cookies a bit longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. This will give them a slightly crispier texture.
What’s the best way to know when the cookies are done? The edges of the cookies should be golden brown, and the centers should look set. If they look too soft in the center, bake for another minute or two.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cookies with Cream Cheese are a delightful twist on the classic cookie. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that makes the cookies soft and chewy. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for a treat, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a batch of indulgent cookies ready in no time.