Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Chocolate Cream Cheese Cookies & Comfort for the Soul
What is it about homemade cookies that just straight up
makes us all so dang happy? Last night I decided to tie on my apron and get
into the kitchen and just bake. By the time those cookies went into the oven I was
giddy with joy. Sure it also helped that I got the pleasure of watching my
families eyes light up in glee when they saw the puffed up balls of dough and
chocolate chips rising in the oven, however it started with me. Ok sure it also
probably helped that one of the family members was PMSing and so I was pretty
much an angel in disguise, but those are just details. So I decided to give it some thought, why do
homemade cookies make us joyous?
1.
The majority of us have positive childhood
memories associated with the smell of homemade cookies and the taste of warm
chocolate chips exploding in our mouths. Those memories often include loved
ones, Mothers or Grandmothers, the joy of youth and the times in our lives that
were carefree and easy
2.
The act of baking cookies is sweet and innocent.
During a time like today where the world is filled with turmoil and hate,
baking cookies reminds us of a more innocent and peaceful time.
3.
Homemade cookies are truly just an act of love.
It is nurturing, it is giving, it truly personifies the saying of “made with
love.” Often while making cookies we think of who we are making them for and
those thoughts fill the cookies with little pieces of love.
So last night I decided to try a recipe that takes a classic
like Chocolate Chip Cookies and adds a twist by adding cream cheese to the
recipe. This spin on a classic made my cookies become a cross between a cheesecake
and a chocolate chip cookie, adding a richness, intensity and fluffiness to the
cookie that made for little balls of goodness. Also for this record was one I discovered
on Pinterest, my new found addiction….yes, I know I came kind of late to the
Pinterest party….but this was definitely not a Pinterest fail.
 |
| Attempt at artistic egg pic |
To begin with, mix the dry ingredients which includes flour,
cornstarch and baking powder. I was curious as to why this recipe had
cornstarch mixed into the flour as I have not heard of this technique before.
Thanks to Google I learned that cornstarch helps powdered sugar from clumping,
which is also an ingredient in this recipe, and it helps with binding.
Next, in a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and butter,
until it is fine and creamy. Add an egg, milk and vanilla and continue mixing.
 |
| What is the only thing better than chocolate chips? Mini Chocolate Chips! |
Then, add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add the dry
ingredients and continue to mix until dough forms. Add the chocolate chips.
Finally, roll the dough into balls and place on a parchment
lined cookie sheet. Flatten the dough balls with your hand or a flat object. I
tried using a glass, but my dough tended to stick so I opted for my hand, which
worked just fine.
Bake the cookies in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes. Let
cool and then remove to a wire rack.
Here is the actual recipe:
Ingredients
1¼ cup all purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cup powdered sugar
5-6 tablespoon mini chocolate chip
Instructions
In a medium bowl combine flour, cornstarch and baking
powder. Leave aside.
In a large bowl mix butter and cream cheese, with an
electric mixer on medium speed, until it is fine and creamy.
Add an egg, milk and vanilla extract and continue mixing.
Then, add powder sugar and mix some more until the mixture
is fluffy. Add dry ingredients and mix until you get fine dough.
Finally, add mini chocolate chips and stir well. Leave in
fridge for an hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line two baking sheets with
parchment paper. Take the dough out of the fridge. Shape it into balls (24-26
balls).
Place them in the baking sheets, 1.5 inch apart. Flatten the
balls using your hands or some firm object.
Sprinkle some mini chocolate chip, if you wish. Bake for 10
minutes.
Take them out of the oven and leave to cool in the baking
sheets for a few minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool down completely
These cookies were amazing with a warm mug of chamomile tea
and they were the true personification of comfort food on a night that just
needed a little extra comfort. Cheers!!
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