Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (2024)

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A unique recipe for soft cookies made with cream cheese and chocolate chips that will absolutely blow your mind. You will make this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies repeatedly!

Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (1)

I know, I know – cookies are always exciting, but these are not just any cookies. If you’ve never had a chocolate chip cream cheese cookie, let me tell you what you’re missing out on!

Now, you may be thinking, “Cream cheese in cookies? Really?” And the answer is a resounding “yes!”

The cream cheese is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies an incredibly tender texture. This makes them feel like little pillows of deliciousness melting in your mouth.

Pair that with the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies, and you’ve got yourself a treat that’s next-level delicious! These cream cheese chocolate chip cookies are so moist and soft, it’s almost unbelievable.

I tried these cookies out on Jeremy the other day (because, of course, I did) and asked what he thought. His answer? He just smiled and grabbed two more. I think we have a winner!

The combination of butter, cream cheese, and milk chocolate chips is just heavenly in these cookies. I’m fairly sure you’ll want to make a double batch!

No need for new recipes after this. You’ve found your ticket to the best chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever had. Maybe I’m a little bit biased, haha! You let me know if I’m off my rocker.

Seriously, though, my Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie is the most delicious, tender cookie I’ve tried to date. So, grab your favorite apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!

Some of our other favorite cookie recipes we have on our site include: Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies Recipe, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, and Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies.

Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (2)

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

  1. Cream Cheese: The cream cheese in the dough adds next-level richness and tenderness to the cookies.
  2. Easy to Make: No complicated steps here, just simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
  3. Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and chilled, perfect for those who like to prep in advance!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

  • Cream cheese
  • Unsalted butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Large egg
  • Baking powder
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • All-purpose flour
  • Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (3)

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CHIP CREAM CHEESE COOKIE:

  1. In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and the butter and mix on medium-low speed until smooth and combined.
  2. Add 1 and ½ cups of the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture and mix in on low speed until combined, scrape down the sides as necessary.
  3. Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt, mix in on medium-low until combined.
  4. Add in the flour a little at a time until fully incorporated, scrape down the sides, and mix again for a few seconds.
  5. Add the chocolate chips and mix them in well.
Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (4)
  1. Place 1.5 tablespoon-sized dollops about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, I like to use a 1.5 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop for this. Cover with plastic wrap and place cookie dough balls in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or best overnight if you have time.
  2. Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl. Take the dough dollops and roll them in your hands to form a ball, roll the ball in the powdered sugar, making sure to coat it well. Place cookies on another parchment-lined baking sheet, repeat with the remaining dough and place them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and the tops appear mostly dry.
  3. Take out of the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (5)
  1. Dust with more powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (6)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE CHIPS SHOULD I USE?

You can use any type you prefer! Semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips will all work.

You could also try white chocolate chips for a different flavor.

I do suggest using mini chocolate chips so they disperse better through the cookie dough, but if all you have are the regular-sized ones, they work too.

DO I HAVE TO ROLL THEM IN POWDERED SUGAR?

Do not skip the powdered sugar on the outside!

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar gives them a nice sweetness and that crumbly-looking exterior, yum!

Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (7)

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THEY ARE DONE?

The cookies are done when they puff up, and the tops appear mostly dry.

They might not look completely cooked, but they’ll finish cooking on the cookie trays out of the oven. This also helps keep them from drying out.

ANY ADDITIONS?

You know I love to change things up! Here are just a few ideas.

  • White sugar sprinkled on top for a little crunch
  • Peanut butter chips mixed in the dough
  • A dash of cinnamon added to the dough
  • Dark chocolate chunks for extra chocolatey goodness
  • A drizzle of a cream cheese glaze on top
  • A dusting of cocoa powder for a hint of bitterness and additional chocolate flavor
  • Crushed nuts for some crunch
  • A sprinkle of sea salt on top
  • Dried fruit mixed into the dough
  • A spread of Nutella on top once cooled

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Yes indeed! Try out some of the following if you want to swap things out.

  • Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
  • Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free version
  • Use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-sugar option
  • Replace the egg with a flax egg for a vegan version
  • Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version
  • Substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese for a vegan version
Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (9)

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Unlike regular chocolate chip cookies, you’ll want to keep these at room temperature for up to 2 days tops. Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezer: To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
  • Don’t over-mix the dough; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chilling the dough is essential; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. I highly suggest chilling overnight if possible.
  • Don’t over-bake! These cookies are meant to be soft cookies, not crispy cookies.
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies.
  • I recommend full-fat cream cheese. Don’t skimp on the flavor!
Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (10)

As you can see, a Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie is the ultimate treat for any sweet tooth. They are tender, rich, and perfectly sweet, with that surprising hint of tanginess from the cream cheese.

Plus, they’re a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that everyone knows and loves. So the next time you’re in the mood for baking, try these cookies. You’ll be so glad you did.

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

If you’ve tried this CHOCOLATE CHIP CREAM CHEESE COOKIE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (11)

Rate this Recipe

Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Created by Dana at ThisSillyGirlsKitchen.com

Course Baked Good, Cookies, Dessert

Servings 35 servings

A unique recipe for soft cookies made with cream cheese and chocolate chips that will absolutely blow your mind. You will make this recipe for Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies repeatedly!

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl with a hand mixer, or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and the butter and mix on medium-low speed until smooth and combined.

    8 ounces cream cheese, 4 ounces unsalted butter

  • Add 1 and ½ cups of the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture and mix in on low speed until combined, scrape down the sides as necessary.

    2 cups powdered sugar

  • Add the egg, baking powder, vanilla, and salt, mix in on medium-low until combined.

    1 large egg, ½ teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt

  • Add in the flour a little at a time until fully incorporated, scrape down the sides, and mix again for a few seconds.

    1 & ¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • Add the chocolate chips and mix them in well.

    ¾ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

  • Place 1.5 tablespoon-sized dollops about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, I like to use a 1.5 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop for this. Cover with plastic wrap and place cookie dough balls in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or best overnight if you have time.

  • Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar in a small bowl. Take the dough dollops and roll them in your hands to form a ball, roll the ball in the powdered sugar, making sure to coat it well. Place cookies on another parchment-lined baking sheet, repeat with the remaining dough and place them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are puffed and the tops appear mostly dry.

  • Take out of the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

  • Dust with more powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
  • Don’t over-mix the dough; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Chilling the dough is essential; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. I highly suggest chilling overnight if possible.
  • Don’t over-bake! These cookies are meant to be soft cookies, not crispy cookies.
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies.
  • I recommend full-fat cream cheese. Don’t skimp on the flavor!

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

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Soft Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making cookies soft? ›

Baking cookies quickly in a hot oven – at 375 degrees F as opposed to a lower temperature – will make for soft results. They'll bake fast instead of sitting and drying out in the oven's hot air. Ever so slightly underbaking your cookies will give you softer results than cooking them the full amount the recipe says.

What makes cookies soft and fluffy? ›

When added to dough, baking soda releases a carbon dioxide gas which helps leaven the dough, creating a soft, fluffy cookie.

What makes cookies soft instead of crunchy? ›

Butter contributes milk solids and water to a cookie, both of which soften it. Brown sugar contributes molasses – again, a softener. Using lower-moisture sugar (granulated) and fat (vegetable shortening), plus a longer, slower bake than normal, produces light, crunchy cookies.

How do bakeries keep their cookies soft? ›

Corn Syrup (Light)

Light corn syrup is sometimes used in specialist cakes and confectioneries to help keep baked products soft and doughy for longer.

How do you make cookies fluffy instead of flat? ›

Try using baking powder instead of baking soda. Baking soda encourages spreading while baking powder puffs the cookies up. If your recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda, you would use 3 to 4 teaspoons of baking powder.

What makes cookies softer butter or shortening? ›

Shortening is 100 percent fat, meaning there is no water in it and no steam is created during baking. The lack of water also means that shortening does not increase gluten production, so cookies made with shortening tend to be softer and more tender.

Should I use baking soda or baking powder in cookies? ›

Baking soda is typically used for chewy cookies, while baking powder is generally used for light and airy cookies. Since baking powder is comprised of a number of ingredients (baking soda, cream of tartar, cornstarch, etc.), using it instead of pure baking soda will affect the taste of your cookies.

What does brown sugar do in cookies? ›

Brown sugar, meanwhile, is dense and compacts easily, creating fewer air pockets during creaming—that means that there's less opportunity to entrap gas, creating cookies that rise less and spread more. With less moisture escaping via steam, they also stay moist and chewy.

How do you make cookies chewy and not hard? ›

The science is simple: According to the flour authorities over at Bob's Red Mill, cornstarch can help “soften the rigid proteins of the flour, resulting in a light and chewy dessert.” “The cornstarch complements the flour in absorbing the liquids, but won't develop gluten structure like the flour will,” stresses ...

What is the difference between hard chocolate chip cookies and soft chocolate chip cookies? ›

Soft cookies have a water concentration of 6% or higher – moisture being the variable in texture. To make cookies crispy, add less liquid or bake it in the oven for longer to dry out the dough. Generally bake around 13-15min at 180C for a crispy cookie.

Why do you put corn syrup in cookies? ›

So, when you mix corn syrup into your cookie batter, all of that moisture will make and keep your baked cookies deliciously tender. The texture of cookies benefits from corn syrup as well. As you combine your ingredients to make your cookie batter, corn syrup will pull some of the surrounding air into your batter.

How do you soften chocolate chip cookies? ›

Microwave Method:Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave them on high for about 10-15 seconds. Check after 10 seconds to avoid overheating. The heat from the microwave will soften the cookies, making them more tender and easier to chew.

What temperature do you bake cookies at? ›

Bake at 375 degrees F until golden and tender, 12 to 15 minutes. For crispy-cakey cookies: Bake the cookies at 425 degrees F until golden and crunchy on the outside, 8 to 10 minutes. For chewy cookies: Use 1 cup light brown sugar and 1/4 cup corn syrup and omit the granulated sugar.

Can you freeze cookies in Ziploc bags? ›

After baking, allow cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze them, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top storage bag labeled with the name and date. Squeeze out extra air and place flat in the freezer. To save space, you can flat-stack freezer bags.

How do you keep cookies soft and chewy? ›

Keep Them Sealed

The key to keeping cookies fresh and soft is to seal them in an airtight container, like a resealable freezer bag. And here's a nifty little trick: add a piece of bread to the bag. You might think that the bread trick works because the cookies absorb moisture from the bread.

What are 3 factors that contribute to a chewy cookie? ›

The ingredients you use and how you shape your cookies both play an important role in whether your cookies turn out crispy or chewy. The type of flour and sugar you use, if your cookie dough contains eggs, and whether you use melted or softened butter all factor into the crispy-chewy equation, too.

What makes cookies soft and flat? ›

WHY ARE MY COOKIES FLAT? HOW TO FIX FLAT COOKIES
  1. OVEN IS TOO HOT. Oven temperatures are a crucial factor in baking. ...
  2. INGREDIENTS MEASURED INCORRECTLY. ...
  3. BAKING SHEET IS TOO HOT. ...
  4. BUTTER IS TOO SOFT. ...
  5. BAKING SHEET IS OVER-GREASED. ...
  6. DOUGH WASN'T CHILLED BEFORE BAKING. ...
  7. DOUGH IS OVERMIXED. ...
  8. BAKING SHEET WAS OVERCROWDED.

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