Name: Black & White Cookies: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip & Dark Chocolate Dark Brown Sugar
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup cream cheese (softened (use cream cheese in a block or spreadable tub; don't use fat-free, light or whipped)); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 pinch salt (optional and to taste); 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (I used 1 cup chips and 1 ¼ cups chunks); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup dark brown sugar (packed (light brown sugar may be substituted)); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup unsweetened natural dark cocoa powder (I used Hershey's Special Dark); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 pinch salt (optional and to taste)

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There’s something incredibly delightful about biting into a cookie that balances the best of both worlds: a creamy, decadent chocolate chip cookie paired with a rich, dark chocolate treat. This recipe for Black & White Cookies: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip & Dark Chocolate Dark Brown Sugar is a perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth while enjoying the unique textures and flavors of both chocolate chip and dark chocolate cookies. With a hint of cream cheese in the dough, these cookies are soft, chewy, and simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

These Black & White Cookies are not just another treat; they’re a celebration of flavors! The creamy texture of the cream cheese chocolate chip cookie melds beautifully with the rich cocoa of the dark chocolate cookie. Each bite offers a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a bake sale, or simply treating yourself. The balance of sweetness and richness in these cookies ensures that they’ll be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients at a Glance

For Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (use cream cheese in a block or spreadable tub; don’t use fat-free, light or whipped)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (I used 1 cup chips and 1 ¼ cups chunks)
For Dark Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed (light brown sugar may be substituted)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened natural dark cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s Special Dark)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste

What You’ll Need (Gear)

Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
Electric mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will make mixing easier.
Baking sheets: To bake your cookies on.
Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For portioning your cookie dough.
Cooling rack: To cool your cookies after baking.

Method: Black & White Cookies: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip & Dark Chocolate Dark Brown Sugar

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Make the Dark Chocolate Cookies

In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.

Step 5: Combine Dark Chocolate Cookie Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded tablespoons of the cream cheese chocolate chip cookie dough onto one half of the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the dark chocolate cookie dough on the other half of the same baking sheet, ensuring space between the cookies as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Cookies

Once cooled, indulge in the delightful contrast of flavors and textures that these Black & White Cookies: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip & Dark Chocolate Dark Brown Sugar offer!

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile.
Mix in dried fruits, such as cranberries or cherries, for a tart contrast.

Mistakes That Ruin Black & White Cookies: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip & Dark Chocolate Dark Brown Sugar

Using room-temperature cream cheese: Ensure it’s softened properly for a smooth dough.
Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies; mix until just combined.
Not chilling the dough: If you find the dough too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking.
Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them! Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

Reader Q&A

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for optimal texture and flavor. Low-fat or whipped versions may affect the cookie’s consistency.

What can I substitute for the dark brown sugar?

You can substitute light brown sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different. Dark brown sugar provides a richer taste due to its higher molasses content.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may vary slightly but should still yield delicious cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden. They may look slightly underbaked in the center, but they’ll continue to cook as they cool.

What to Make After This

Ready, Set, Cook

With this recipe in hand, you’re all set to create delicious Black & White Cookies: Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip & Dark Chocolate Dark Brown Sugar that will impress your friends and family alike. These cookies encapsulate the joy of baking with their delightful combination of flavors and textures. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic happen in your kitchen! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with those around you!