Craving warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies but don't want a whole batch? This small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe is your answer! Perfect for a cozy night in or satisfying a sudden sweet craving, this recipe delivers delicious, homemade cookies without the commitment of a large baking tray. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly, but you can also do this by hand – it's a great arm workout!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
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Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
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Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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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. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk!
Tips for the Perfect Cookie:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures that your cookies will be perfectly textured.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up slightly.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- Salted Caramel: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of salted caramel sauce.
- White Chocolate Cravings: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
This small batch recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas, satisfying sweet cravings, and practicing homemade cooking. It’s a delicious and easy recipe that even beginner bakers can master, resulting in wonderfully gooey chocolate chip cookies every time. Enjoy!