I’ve made chocolate chip cookies a million times and a bunch of different ways, but I’ve never made them with this secret ingredient addition. The recipe for these satisfying, soft and chewy cookies comes from my blogging friend, Kelly Senyei, creator of Just a Taste and new author of The Secret Ingredient Cookbook. Her book is full of familiar recipes with a twist. And if these cookies are any indication, you’ll want to try them all.
Want to know the secret? Let’s find out.
The base of this chocolate chip cookie is very familiar with one unexpected addition.
Cream Cheese! How have I not thought of this before.
I couldn’t wait to bake these and see what difference, if any, that I noticed by swapping out a portion of the butter with cream cheese.
This is such a beautiful sight. Whipped sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and yes, some cream cheese.
Add in the eggs, and then the flour, baking soda and kosher salt until you have your base cookie dough. Then mix in your semisweet chocolate chips. I added a bit more than Kelly calls for in her recipe, but I’m always adding extra chips.
Look at that! I think it’s impossible not to get in a good mood with a big bowl of cookie dough in front of you.
This dough needs to chill for at least 2 hours but will be worth the wait.
Instant happiness.
Bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes and right when you take them out of the oven, sprinkle the tops with large flake sea salt. You’ll be glad you did. A little bit of salty and sweet in every bite.
And what about that secret ingredient? Delicious, subtle and smooth. Those are the first words that came to mind when I started devouring them and I’ll definitely be making them again.
I used 3 cups chips for these instead of the recommended two cups. 2-1/2 went in with the dough and then I pressed the remaining 1/2 cup into the tops of the cookie dough mounds. Recipe adapted slightly from The Secret Ingredient Cookbook by Kelly Senyei, 2021
Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
I used a 1-1/2 inch cookie scoop to scoop almost two full scoops and then pressed the two together to form a mound.
I used a light-colored aluminum rimless cookie sheet and baked the cookies in separate batches, allowing cookie sheet to cool in between batches.
Wanna bite? Of course you do.
Wanna see a peek at Kelly’s new book?
Here’s the cover. It’s a traditional book with breakfast, snacks, entrees, sides and more. But I always like to share some of the sweet photos with you guys. Take a look below at some of the desserts she makes. What do you think the enhancing ingredients are for each?
Some of the secret ingredient match ups:
- Pancakes with Strawberry Syrup: enhanced with Champagne and I’m here for it.
- Strawberry Galette: Balsamic Vinegar
- Ice Cream Pie: Ummm, hello – how about ice cream cones for the crust!
- Shortcut Black and White Cookies: Vanilla cake mix for a fast start
- Raspberry Chocolate Sheet Cake: Did I hear someone say red wine?
- Fudgy Brownie Tart: Oh how I wish I had Kahlua on hand for this one
- Banana Cake: Add in some crushed pineapple
- Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie: How about adding buttermilk for tanginess
- Berry Breakfast Pastries: with Cardamom
- Pumpkin Waffles: Have you ever added Ginger Ale?
Now I need to buy some groceries. Hope you enjoy these cookies and check out Kelly’s book if you get the opportunity.
This recipe looks absolutely delicious! I love how simple ingredients can turn into something so comforting and classic. Chocolate chip cookies are always a favorite in my kitchen. Thanks for sharing such a warm, inviting idea that’s perfect for baking with family or friends.
Cream cheese in chocolate chip cookies is such a smart twist—I love how you described it as subtle and smooth rather than overpowering. The chill time and sea salt finish really feel like the kind of small details that make a classic recipe unforgettable. And honestly, that bowl of dough does look like instant happiness. Now I’m curious what other “secret ingredients” I’ve been overlooking all these years. These are officially going on my bake-next list.
— Haseeb
What a fun and delicious twist on classic chocolate chip cookies! I love how the addition of cream cheese makes the cookies extra soft and rich — it’s amazing how one little ingredient can elevate a familiar recipe into something unforgettable. The step?by?step instructions and tips you share make it easy even for beginners to achieve perfect results. I can almost smell those warm, gooey cookies right through the screen!
This post reminds me that baking, like any creative hobby, rewards curiosity and experimentation. If you enjoy trying different flavors and tools in your free time, you might also want to check out some immersive simulator games like Bus Simulator Indonesia — they’re a great way to relax and unwind after baking a batch of cookies. Thanks so much for the inspiration and delicious recipe!
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These cookies sound amazing—soft and chewy with a subtle twist is always a win. I love how a small ingredient change like cream cheese can completely elevate a classic recipe. It’s a good reminder that even familiar things can improve with thoughtful tweaks, whether in baking or planning ahead with tools like a that help fine-tune long-term decisions. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
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I love Chocolate Chip Cookies so so so much?
These secret ingredient cookies sound amazing! Using cream cheese instead of some butter is such a clever twist. I love soft and chewy cookies, so I’m excited to try this recipe from Kelly’s cookbook. Thanks for the tip!
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If you’re looking to level up your baking game, these Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try! They come out soft, rich, and perfectly balanced, thanks to that one special ingredient that makes all the difference. I was making them the other day right after playing a few rounds of The Spike volleyball game, and honestly, the cookies turned out so good they felt like a reward for winning a tough match. Simple to make, super tasty, and perfect for anyone who loves classic treats with a twist.
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These look delicious! I have some friends coming and I’ll have to make them!
Angie! You are the absolute best! Thank you for sharing about The Secret Ingredient Cookbook and doing such a spectacular job whipping up those soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Does the cream cheese addition require any additional storage requirements? As in, do you need to refrigerate the cookies after baking?
Yum!!!
You’d love these!
Mouth watering! Can’t wait to have these.
Let me know if you try them.