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.
If you’re craving a sweet treat, try making some secret ingredient chocolate chip cookies! These delightful cookies are a game-changer, with a twist that will surprise everyone. While waiting for them to bake, fire up Funny Shooter 2 for some quick fun. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the sweetness in life, both in the kitchen and during your gameplay!
Explore these delicious pairings: Pancakes meet Champagne, Strawberry Galette gets a Balsamic twist, and Ice Cream Pie shines with cone crusts! Don’t forget Berry Pastries spiced with Cardamom or Pumpkin Waffles with a splash of Ginger Ale. While waiting for cookies to bake, try beating your high score in the Dinosaur Game! And remember, pick up those groceries for your upcoming baking adventure—um, and maybe some Kahlua too!
Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies bring unexpected joy, much like discovering hidden features in Truck Simulator: Ultimate. Just as the secret ingredient enhances the cookies, strategic upgrades, like better trucks or efficient routes, sweeten gameplay. Both remind us how small tweaks can lead to rewarding, satisfying outcomes.
Delicious secret ingredient combinations include pancakes with Champagne-infused strawberry syrup, balsamic vinegar in strawberry galette, and ice cream cones for ice cream pie crusts. Don’t miss the shortcut black and white cookies using vanilla cake mix, raspberry chocolate sheet cake with red wine, and fudgy brownie tart that ideally pairs with Kahlua. Try these inventive combos, perhaps while chatting on Omegle, then grab groceries to recreate these tasty treats!
great
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.