Are you craving the comforting taste of chocolate chip cookies but hesitant about the sugar overload? Then you're in the right place! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of Lily's Chocolate Chips – a game-changer for anyone looking for delicious, healthier baking options. These stevia-sweetened chocolate chips allow you to enjoy all the rich chocolatey goodness without the guilt. Get ready to bake up some amazing, guilt-free treats! This recipe is perfect for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas (if you consider dessert dinner!), and is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Lily's Chocolate Chips (dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a blend – your choice!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a healthier option)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like erythritol for even lower sugar)
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (or a sugar substitute)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps in your cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating tender cookies; use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the Lily's Chocolate Chips. Resist the urge to overmix; we want to keep those chocolate chips nice and chunky!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: 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 cooled, indulge in these delicious and healthy cookies!
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Chill the dough: For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
- Use a cookie scoop: This ensures even-sized cookies and consistent baking.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
- Citrus zest: A little lemon or orange zest brightens up the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and sugar substitute used)
- Sugar: Significantly reduced compared to traditional recipes
- Fat: Moderate
This recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with healthy meal options. Enjoy experimenting with these easy recipes and making them your own! Remember to adjust sweetness to your preference using different sugar substitutes. Happy baking!