Baking cookies is an art that allows for a lot of creativity and experimentation. While the classic chocolate chip cookie recipe typically calls for butter, sugar, flour, and chocolate chips, there’s always room to add a twist. Cheese and cream cheese, in particular, can be intriguing additions to cookie recipes, bringing a unique flavor profile and texture. Let’s dive into how you can use these dairy products in baking cookies.
Cheese in Cookies: A Surprising Twist
Cheese might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when baking cookies, but it can add a delightful depth of flavor. Here are a few ways to incorporate cheese into your cookie baking:
1. Cheddar Cheese Cookies
Cheddar cheese can lend a salty, savory note to your cookies. To make cheddar cheese cookies, mix shredded cheddar into the cookie dough. The sharpness of the cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter.
### Cheddar Cheese Cookie Recipe
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Mozzarella Cheese Cookies
Mozzarella cheese can add a mild, slightly salty flavor to your cookies. These cookies can be particularly good with a hint of herbs, like basil or oregano.
### Mozzarella Cheese and Herb Cookie Recipe
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or oregano
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
6. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped herbs until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese in Cookies: A Rich Addition
Cream cheese adds a richness and creaminess to cookies, making them particularly indulgent. Here’s how you can use cream cheese in your cookie baking:
1. Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
Combine cream cheese with butter and sugar to create a rich, creamy dough that complements the chocolate chips.
### Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
**Ingredients:**
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
4. Beat in granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
7. Stir in the chocolate chips until just combined.
8. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Cream Cheese Shortbread Cookies
For a simpler, more elegant cookie, consider making cream cheese shortbread cookies. These cookies are buttery, flaky, and slightly sweet, with a subtle tang from the cream cheese.
### Cream Cheese Shortbread Cookie Recipe
**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.
3. Beat in sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a 12-inch log.
6. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Slice the logs into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
Cheese and cream cheese can indeed be used in baking cookies, adding a unique and delightful twist to the classic recipe. Whether you opt for the sharpness of cheddar, the mildness of mozzarella, or the richness of cream cheese, these ingredients can elevate your cookie game. So go ahead, experiment with these dairy delights and see what delicious creations you can come up with!