Are you a cookie monster, but tired of endless batches that linger for weeks? Then you're in the right place! These small batch cookie recipes are designed for those of us who crave the warmth and comfort of a freshly baked cookie, without the commitment of a giant baking project. Perfect for satisfying a sudden sweet tooth or for practicing new recipes without the risk of overwhelming your cookie jar. Let's get baking!
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies (Small Batch)
This recipe delivers perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookies—a classic for a reason—in a smaller, more manageable quantity.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with some elbow grease.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 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.
- Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened—not melted, but easily spreadable. This ensures proper creaming and a tender cookie.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the wet ingredients.
- Oatmeal Raisin: Substitute 1/2 cup rolled oats for 1/2 cup of the flour and add 1/4 cup raisins.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts.
These small batch cookie recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy homemade goodness without the commitment of a large batch. They’re perfect for easy weeknight baking, satisfying a sweet craving, or trying out new flavor combinations. Enjoy!