Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie but watching your sugar intake? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of a traditional cookie, using Splenda for a healthier twist. It’s a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be, even with dietary adjustments. Get ready for a quick dinner dessert (or anytime treat!) that's sure to become a family favorite. These easy recipes are a winner for everyone!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup Splenda Granulated, or to taste (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate – your choice!)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and Splenda until 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!
Adding Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combining Dry and Wet 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.
Adding Chocolate Chips:
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
Baking the Cookies:
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Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows for spreading.
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Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Cooling and Enjoying:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this ensures proper creaming and a better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Sweetness: Splenda's sweetness can vary slightly from sugar. Adjust the amount to your preference. Start with ¾ cup and add more if needed.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Incorporate 1 cup rolled oats for a heartier cookie.
- White Chocolate Cravings: Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or a combination of milk and white chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per cookie – approximate):
Calories: Will vary depending on chocolate type and portion size. This recipe offers a reduction in sugar compared to traditional recipes. Use a nutritional calculator for precise values based on your specific ingredients.
These healthy meals, packed with deliciousness, are perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying dessert. Enjoy these best recipes and share them with your friends and family. They're guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire!