Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Remove the cream cheese and butter from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow them to soften. This will help create a smooth, creamy cookie dough.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the ingredients together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure an even mix.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

1. Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re adding nuts or other mix-ins, fold them in at this stage as well.

Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional)

1. For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional but helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls using a cookie scoop or spoon. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly puffed. The cookies may look underbaked in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
3. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, enjoy your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or as a standalone treat.