0.5cupunsalted butter, softened to room temperature
0.25cupcream cheese, softened to room temperature
0.5cupbrown sugar, packed tightly
0.25cupgranulated sugar
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1largeegg, at room temperature
1cupsemi-sweet chocolate chips
0.5cupchopped walnuts (optional, but recommended for crunch)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Whisk together until there are no lumps, then set this mixture aside.
In a larger mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully integrated, and the mixture appears light and fluffy.
Pour in the vanilla extract and then crack in the large egg. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth again.
Slowly add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients in batches. Mix just until combined, taking care not to overwork the dough, which could lead to tougher cookies.
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if using, the chopped walnuts with a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop generous portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave adequate space between each mound, as the cookies will expand as they bake.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are nicely golden while the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked.
Take the cookies out of the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a touch of sophistication, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.