Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Calling all chocolate chip cookie lovers! We have something really special for you. Now, classic chocolate chip cookies are the bomb, we get this completely, you’ll receive no argument from us. But when you are a real lover of that sweet time-tested staple, sometimes it’s OK to mix things up a bit. Try something new. We don’t want to get burned out on the classic recipe, do we? Best to test some other cookie waters. If this is sounding pretty good to you, might we suggest these decadent chocolate chip cookie clouds?
You might be wondering what exactly makes them so cloud-like, and that would be the substitution of cream cheese for butter. That’s right, there is no butter in these chocolate chip cookies! Instead, just light, fluffy, flavorful cream cheese. Give them a try! You’ll thank us later.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 c. packed brown sugar
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare 2 large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Using another large bowl, and a hand mixer, beat together the brown sugar, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Continue beating the mixture for a couple of minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture until a dough forms. Lastly, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Using a cookie scoop, a spoon, or going “au naturel” with just your hands… drop cookie-sized pieces of dough onto your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake about 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are slightly puffy and the bottoms are golden brown. (Important: These cookie clouds won’t turn that deep golden brown we typically expect from chocolate chip cookies. Definitely check the bottoms for doneness.)
