Are you craving the warm, gooey goodness of a classic Nestlé Toll House chocolate chip cookie but don't want a whole batch? This recipe is your answer! We've halved the iconic recipe, perfect for smaller households or those who want to satisfy a sweet craving without the commitment of a giant cookie jar. This easy recipe delivers the same amazing taste and texture, making it a go-to for quick dinner ideas or a simple yet delicious treat. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips (or your favorite chocolate chips!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly golden-brown cookies.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results, but a good old-fashioned whisk will work too! This step ensures your cookies are delightfully chewy.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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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; overmixing leads to tough cookies.
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Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the chocolate chips. This is the most exciting part – the aroma alone is worth it!
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. For perfectly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them – oven temperatures can vary!
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Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to eat them warm; they're even better once they’ve cooled slightly.
Tips for the Best Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps create a light and fluffy cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens vary in temperature, so keep a close eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough.
- White Chocolate Cravings: Substitute white chocolate chips for the milk chocolate chips.
- Seasonal Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-175
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This halved Nestlé Toll House recipe provides a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic treat without the leftovers. It’s perfect for a quick dessert or a satisfying addition to any healthy meal. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade cookies!