Delicious Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Joanne (Joanne Layden, who originally submitted this recipe) had a stroke of genius when she added cream cheese to her chocolate chip cookie recipe. The cookies are moist, soft, and quite addictive. Our favorite part is that they freeze well. So we can whip one out whenever the sugar bolt strikes! (We all know that feeling.)

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350?F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place the cream cheese and butter and blend until creamy. Add the sugar and blend well. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat on medium speed about one minute. Slowly add the flour mixture, beating on medium speed until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if elected. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Sass it Up:

Try Guittard semi sweet chocolate chips for a very smooth chocolate sensation. It?s no secret that I enjoy chocolate. So when I saw the new Organic MOO kids chocolate, I had to take a taste. These organic chocolate bars are marketed for kids, but moms won?t be disappointed. I?ve become a bit of a snob in my older age and can?t tolerate cheap tasting chocolate anymore. So I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of Moo. Moo bars are unique in that they incorporate a variety of fun crunchies, such as granola or graham crackers. My favorite was definitely the Milk Chocolate Bar with Corn Flakes. I?ve stored it in the frig so I can savor it, a bit at a time, and hope it lasts me a few days, (chances are slim). As the cow on the wrapper says, ?Mmm?Scrumptious!? They?re not available everywhere yet, but you can find the closest location on their website (and I?m sure they?d love it if you?d ask your local stores to carry them too). Check MOO out at www.MooChocolates.com.