Let me tell you, this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer in the cookie world. What makes these cookies so special is the addition of cream cheese, which gives the dough a silky texture, helping the cookies stay soft and pillowy even days after baking. I love how they develop a delicate chew with those melty chocolate chips studded throughout, making every bite feel like a little moment of joy.

You’ll find that these cookies are perfect for practically any occasion—whether it’s a quick after-school treat, a bake sale contribution, or a cozy weekend indulgence with your favorite cup of coffee. Plus, the dough keeps beautifully in the fridge, so you can bake a few fresh cookies whenever the craving hits. Honestly, this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want show-stopping cookies without fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft, Chewy Texture: The cream cheese ensures these cookies stay incredibly soft and tender, not crumbly or dry.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can chill the dough for up to five days and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
  • Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Loaded with both chips and chunks for gooey, melty bursts of chocolate.
  • Failsafe Recipe: Follow the simple steps and you’ll have bakery-quality cookies every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are simple pantry staples that come together for a magical texture and flavor. I always recommend using real cream cheese—not the light or whipped variety—as it truly makes the cookie dough rich and soft.

  • Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to cream properly with the sugars.
  • Cream Cheese: Use a block or spreadable cream cheese (not fat-free); it adds moisture and tenderness.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Packed tightly for that caramel undertone and extra chewiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps with spreading.
  • Egg: Adds structure; I use large eggs at room temp.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances overall flavor—don’t skip it!
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that creates sturdiness.
  • Cornstarch: This secret ingredient softens the cookie’s texture beautifully.
  • Baking Soda: Gives slight lift and spread for perfect cookie shape.
  • Salt: Optional but recommended to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks: I love mixing both for texture and bursts of creamy chocolate.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe can be played with, which lets you customize it based on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. Here are some fun twists I’ve tried out or thought you might enjoy.

  • Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that balances the soft texture.
  • Chunk Swap: Try mixing in white chocolate chunks or butterscotch chips instead of (or with) semi-sweet for a different sweetness profile.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend—results might vary slightly but still delicious!
  • Salted Topping: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on each cookie before baking to amplify the chocolate’s flavor and create a sweet-salty contrast.

How to Make Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by softening your butter and cream cheese—this is key. When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t cream the butter and cream cheese long enough, and the cookies didn’t get that dreamy softness. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter, cream cheese, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes. You want the mixture to be light, fluffy, and pale in color. If you don’t have a stand mixer, an electric hand mixer will work well too, but aim for at least 7 minutes of mixing time for the best texture.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate Chips

Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of your bowl. Then add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt (if using). Mix until just combined, about 1 minute—no need to over mix here or your cookies can turn out tougher. Next, fold in your chocolate chips and chunks. I like to beat them in just a little or fold by hand so the chocolate pieces don’t break up too much. This keeps the melty pockets of chocolate nice and distinct.

Step 3: Chill the Cookie Dough

This step is what really sets this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe apart. Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping mounds of dough and place them on a large plate. I usually flatten them a bit with my palm, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days before baking. Cold dough prevents excessive spreading, resulting in thick, soft-centered cookies that you’ll love. Trust me, don’t skip chilling or rush the baking with warm dough!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with a Silpat mat or spray with non-stick spray. Place the chilled dough mounds on the tray, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. I usually bake 8 cookies per sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes, just until the edges are set and the tops start to look glossy but slightly undercooked in the center. Don’t over bake or your cookies will lose their soft, chewy magic! Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to finish cooling.

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Pro Tips for Making Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

  • Cream the Fats Well: Be patient when creaming butter, cream cheese, and sugars—they must be light and fluffy for the best texture.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is what gives these cookies their iconic soft and thick texture—warm dough spreads too thin.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers still look a bit glossy; they finish cooking as they cool.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: For even cookies that bake consistently, scoop out uniform mounds of dough each time.

How to Serve Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows several soft, round cookies with light golden-brown tops, filled with uneven chunks and smaller bits of melted dark chocolate scattered inside and on top. One cookie is split in half and stacked on another cookie in the center, revealing a gooey melted chocolate layer inside and a chocolate piece embedded in the bottom cookie. Around the cookies, there are several small dark chocolate chunks lying on a wooden surface. The background is out of focus, highlighting the texture of the cookies and the chocolate pieces closely. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle just a pinch of flaky sea salt right on top just before baking—it’s a simple tweak, but the contrast with the sweet chocolate chips sends these cookies to the next level. Sometimes I add a few chopped nuts on top or a drizzle of caramel sauce if I’m feeling fancy for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy latte. They also pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a little warm-and-cold dessert action, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I tried was sandwiching softened buttercream between two cookies for a festive cookie sandwich that stole the show at a birthday party. For gift-giving, stack them in a pretty jar layered with wax paper and tied with a ribbon—instant homemade charm that everyone appreciated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft for up to a week. If they start feeling a bit stale, a quick zap in the microwave (about 10 seconds) revives that fresh-baked warmth and softness like magic.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough! For the dough, scoop and freeze the mounds on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want cookies, just bake from frozen—add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. This hack has saved me so many times when I’ve been craving fresh cookies but didn’t want to make a full batch.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds. If you want that just-baked chewiness, pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes too. I usually go for the microwave when I need a super quick fix.

FAQs

  1. Can I use light or whipped cream cheese in this recipe?

    It’s best to stick with regular block cream cheese rather than light, fat-free, or whipped varieties for this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. The full-fat cream cheese adds moisture and richness that’s essential for the soft and tender texture.

  2. How long can I refrigerate the cookie dough before baking?

    You can refrigerate the dough for up to 5 days. I love having dough ready in the fridge so I can bake fresh cookies on demand, and chilling the dough actually improves the flavor and texture thanks to time for the ingredients to meld.

  3. Why do I need to chill the dough?

    Chilling the cookie dough in this recipe prevents spreading and results in cookies with soft, pillowy centers and slightly chewy edges. If you bake warm dough, the cookies tend to bake thinner and flatter, losing that perfect Softbatch texture.

  4. Can I substitute the cornstarch?

    Cornstarch is the secret to the dough’s tender softness. While you can experiment with alternatives, I’ve found that leaving it out or replacing it may change the texture significantly. It’s worth picking some up if you don’t already have it in the pantry.

  5. What’s the difference between chocolate chips and chunks?

    Chocolate chips keep their shape better during baking, while chunks melt a little more, creating gooier pockets of chocolate. Using a combination, as I do, gives the best balance of texture and melty goodness.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it combines the best of soft, chewy cookies with just enough richness to feel indulgent without being overpowering. Every time I bake them, my family goes crazy, and I’ve learned that little things like thorough creaming and patiently chilling the dough make all the difference. If you’re looking for a cookie that feels homemade but tastes bakery-level, this recipe is a must-try. So grab your cream cheese, whip up a batch, and enjoy some of the softest, most satisfying chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever have!

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Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 87 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
  • Yield: 28 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are delightfully soft and chewy with a pillowy center and slightly set edges. These cookies get their tender texture from the addition of cream cheese and cornstarch, offering a richer flavor and luscious softness. Chilled dough prevents spreading, ensuring thick, soft cookies that are irresistible fresh out of the oven or even after a day at room temperature.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened*
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, optional and to taste
  • 2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks**

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened butter, softened cream cheese (press it into a ¼-cup measure), light brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-creamed. Alternatively, use a hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and optional salt. Mix on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute, taking care not to overmix.
  3. Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Chunks: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks to the dough. Beat briefly to mix them in or fold them in by hand to avoid breaking them up.
  4. Form and Chill the Dough: Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, portion the dough into heaping mounds (approximately 28). Place them on a large plate and gently flatten each mound slightly with your palm. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Chilling is crucial to prevent spreading and to achieve the soft, thick texture.
  5. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat or spray it lightly with cooking spray. Place the chilled dough mounds onto the baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  6. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are just beginning to set, even if the centers look slightly undercooked, pale, and glossy. Avoid baking longer than 10 minutes because cookies will firm up as they cool. For evenly baked cookies, you can rotate the trays halfway through baking.
  7. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they finish setting and develop their soft, chewy texture.
  8. Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Unbaked dough can be refrigerated airtight for up to 5 days so you can bake fresh cookies as desired.

Notes

  • Use cream cheese in block form or spreadable cream cheese but avoid fat-free, light, or whipped varieties for best texture.
  • I used a combination of 1 cup chocolate chips and 1¼ cups chocolate chunks to vary texture and flavor.
  • The photos were taken from cookies baked with dough refrigerated overnight, brought to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, baked for 8 minutes with tray rotation at 4 minutes, resulting in chewy edges and soft, pillowy centers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 189 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 72 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 17 mg

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