Are you craving a delicious treat that's both easy to make and irresistibly tempting? Look no further! These bite-sized cookies are the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick dessert for a weeknight treat or delightful additions to your next party, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works too!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay!
Step 4: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips (or your preferred mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or sprinkles!).
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the cookie dough into small balls, about ¾ inch in diameter. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, enjoy these delightful bite-sized treats!
Tips for Perfect Bite-Sized Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened; this will ensure that the cookies are light and fluffy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as oven temperatures can vary. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Bites: Substitute ½ cup of the flour with peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter cookie twist.
- Oatmeal Raisin Delight: Add ½ cup rolled oats and ½ cup raisins to the dough for a chewy oatmeal raisin variation.
- M&M Madness: Swap the chocolate chips for your favorite M&Ms for a colorful and fun treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Fat: Approximately 4-5g
- Sugar: Approximately 6-7g
These bite-sized cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. Their small size makes them easy to control portions, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Enjoy baking and savoring these delicious homemade cookies!