If you’re looking for the ultimate soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie, then you need to try cream cheese chocolate chip cookies. These cookies take the classic treat to another level with their thick, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The secret? Cream cheese!
By replacing some of the butter with full-fat cream cheese, these cookies turn out extra soft, slightly tangy, and perfectly thick. Plus, they stay fresh longer than traditional chocolate chip cookies.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through why cream cheese works wonders in cookies, the best baking techniques, and step-by-step instructions for perfect results. Plus, we’ll cover customization options, storage tips, and FAQs to ensure you bake like a pro.
So, let’s dive right in and whip up the most delicious batch of cream cheese chocolate chip cookies!
Why Cream Cheese Makes the Best Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies !
What makes these Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies so different from regular chocolate chip cookies? It all comes down to cream cheese. Instead of using just butter, we swap in cream cheese, which changes both the texture and flavor in the best way possible.
The Benefits of Using Cream Cheese in Cookies
✔ Thicker & Chewier – The added fat content helps prevent spreading.
✔ Super Soft – Cream cheese keeps cookies moist and tender.
✔ Rich & Flavorful – A mild tangy taste enhances the sweetness.
✔ Perfectly Balanced – Not too cakey, not too greasy—just right!
Baking Tip:
Always use full-fat, block-style cream cheese. Avoid whipped or spreadable varieties, as they have too much moisture and won’t give you the right texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Basic Cookie Dough Ingredients:
✔ Unsalted butter – Softened for a smooth texture.
✔ Full-fat cream cheese – The secret to soft, thick cookies.
✔ Brown sugar – Adds moisture and chewiness.
✔ Granulated sugar – Balances sweetness and crisp edges.
✔ Vanilla extract – Enhances the chocolatey flavor.
✔ Egg – Helps bind the dough.
✔ All-purpose flour – The perfect base for chewy cookies.
✔ Cornstarch – Adds softness and prevents excess spreading.
✔ Baking soda – Ensures the cookies stay thick.
✔ Salt – Balances sweetness.
✔ Semi-sweet chocolate chips – The classic choice for gooey cookies.
Optional Mix-Ins: Try dark chocolate chips, white chocolate, or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugars
- Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the Egg & Vanilla
- Mix in one egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or mix-ins of your choice).
5. Chill the Dough (Don’t Skip This!)
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Bake Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop cookie dough onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
7. Let Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Cool & Enjoy!
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm, with a glass of milk!
Baking Tips for Soft & Chewy Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want bakery-style cream cheese chocolate chip cookies? Follow these expert tips:
✔ Use room temperature ingredients – Ensures even mixing.
✔ Chill the dough – Helps cookies stay thick and chewy.
✔ Do NOT overmix – Overworking the dough can make cookies tough.
✔ Bake at 350°F – The best temperature for even baking.
✔ Take them out early – Cookies continue baking on the sheet after removal.
How to Store & Freeze Your Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Short-Term Storage:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Options:
- Unbaked dough: Roll into balls and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen (just add 1–2 extra minutes).
- Baked Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies : Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Fun Customizations & Flavor Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun twists on cream cheese chocolate chip cookies:
White Chocolate Macadamia – Swap in white chocolate and macadamia nuts.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip – Add ¼ cup peanut butter to the dough.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip – Replace ½ cup flour with oats for texture.
Double Chocolate – Use cocoa powder for a fudgy version.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Q: Do these Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies taste like cream cheese?
A: No! The cream cheese adds richness but doesn’t overpower the classic chocolate chip flavor.
Q: Why chill the dough?
A: It prevents cookies from spreading too much and enhances flavor.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I skip cornstarch?
A: Yes, but cornstarch makes cookies softer and thicker.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try
Want more homemade cookie recipes? Check these out:
Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Chip Muffins with Greek Yogurt
Italian Pizzelle Waffle Cookies
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
Customizing Your Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies – Endless Possibilities!
One of the best things about cream cheese chocolate chip cookies is how versatile they are. You can keep them classic or get creative with fun mix-ins and dietary adjustments. Whether you’re looking to make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra indulgent, there’s an option for everyone.
Now, let’s dive into some of the best ways to customize these cookies and make them your own!
Creative Flavor Variations to Try
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll love these flavor twists. Simply swap or add ingredients to change the taste and texture of your cookies.
1. Double Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies
Want extra chocolatey, fudgy cookies? Replace ½ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder, and use a mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips.
2. White Chocolate Macadamia Cream Cheese Cookies
Love a sweet and nutty combo? Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate and toss in ½ cup of chopped macadamia nuts.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
For a rich peanut butter twist, mix in ¼ cup peanut butter and use peanut butter chips along with chocolate chips.
4. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prefer a little more texture? Replace ½ cup of flour with old-fashioned oats, and you’ll get a heartier, chewy cookie.
5. S’mores Cookies
Take things up a notch with a campfire-inspired cookie! Add mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers to the dough for that classic s’mores flavor.
Pro Tip: No matter which variation you try, be sure to chill the dough before baking to keep the cookies thick and chewy!
Making Healthier & Dietary-Friendly Versions
If you want a healthier take on cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, try one of these simple swaps.
1. Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
✔ Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum for extra binding (if your flour doesn’t already contain it).
2. Dairy-Free Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ Swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
✔ Use dairy-free cream cheese (such as Kite Hill or Daiya).
✔ Choose dairy-free chocolate chips like Enjoy Life brand.
3. Low-Sugar Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ Reduce granulated sugar by 25%—the cookies will still be sweet!
✔ Use monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
✔ Dark chocolate chips (72% cocoa or higher) add richness without extra sugar.
4. Eggless Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ Use 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water as an egg substitute.
✔ Try ½ cup unsweetened applesauce instead of an egg for extra moisture.
Best Way to Store & Keep Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Fresh
Now that you’ve baked your delicious batch of cream cheese chocolate chip cookies, you want to keep them soft and fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how:
Short-Term Storage of Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies (Up to 5 Days)
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Tip: To maintain that fresh-baked texture, place a slice of bread inside the container—the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay soft longer!
Freezing Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Dough for Later
Want to bake fresh cookies anytime without making dough from scratch? Freeze it!
✔ Roll cookie dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
✔ Transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 2 months.
✔ Bake straight from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freezing Baked Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ Let cookies cool completely before freezing.
✔ Place in a single layer in an airtight bag, with parchment paper between layers.
✔ Thaw at room temperature before serving—or pop in the microwave for 10 seconds to warm them up!
Pro Tip: Freezing the cookie dough instead of the baked cookies locks in freshness and lets you bake small batches whenever you want!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Q: Do cream cheese chocolate chip cookies taste like cream cheese?
A: Not really! The cream cheese adds a rich, buttery texture but doesn’t overpower the classic chocolate chip flavor.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: It’s not recommended. Low-fat cream cheese has more water, which can make cookies spread too much and lose their chewy texture.
Q: Why do my cookies turn out flat?
A: A few possible reasons:
✔ The dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
✔ You overmixed the batter, incorporating too much air.
✔ The butter or cream cheese was too soft before mixing.
Q: How do I get that bakery-style, thick cookie texture?
A: Be sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours before baking. Also, try using a mix of chocolate chips and chunks for a professional look!
Q: Can I substitute margarine for butter?
A: Yes, but the cookies may spread more and have a slightly different texture. Unsalted butter is best for rich, chewy cookies.
Special Bonus for Our Readers – Exclusive Baking Tips & Free Printable Recipe Card!
Since you made it this far, here’s something extra special just for you!
Secret Pro Baker Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
For the Ultimate Gooey Texture: Add an extra yolk instead of a whole egg—it creates a richer, more tender cookie.
For Thicker Cookies: Chill your dough overnight instead of just 2 hours—this enhances the flavors even more!
For Bakery-Style Cookies: Use a mix of chocolate chips and chocolate chunks for melty pools of chocolate in every bite.
For That Golden Color: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top before baking—this brings out the sweetness!
For a Fun Twist: Stuff the center of each cookie with Nutella, peanut butter, or caramel for an extra surprise inside.
Free Printable Recipe Card – Just for You!
We know how frustrating it is to keep scrolling while baking, so we made a FREE printable recipe card just for you!
Click below to download your free PDF recipe card, so you can print it and keep it handy in your kitchen!
Download Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Card
More Delicious Cookie Recipes to Try
Looking for more homemade cookie inspiration? Check out these recipes:
Classic Italian Pignoli Cookies – A nutty, chewy delight!
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe – Bite-sized perfection.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Muffins with Greek Yogurt – A healthier take on chocolate chip treats.
Italian Pizzelle Waffle Cookies – Crisp, sweet, and perfect for coffee.
No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls – A fun, seasonal no-bake treat.
Final Thoughts – Time to Bake!
There you have it! The ultimate guide to cream cheese chocolate chip cookies—from baking tips and ingredient swaps to storage hacks and flavor variations. Whether you stick with the classic version or try a fun twist, these cookies will never disappoint.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and bake a batch of the softest, chewiest cookies ever!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments—what’s your favorite cookie mix-in? Happy baking!