Description
These small batch chocolate chip cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the hassle of baking a full batch. Perfectly chewy, golden around the edges with gooey, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips in every bite, these cookies are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers! Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing a few with friends, this recipe gives you the perfect portion of warm, fresh cookies in under 30 minutes. Enjoy these homemade cookies fresh from the oven, and experiment with add-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate for a unique twist on the classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter – Softened or melted
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds richness and moisture
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – For sweetness and crispiness
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – To enhance flavor
- 1 large egg yolk – For moisture and richness
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – The base of your dough
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Helps with spreading and rise
- Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips – Semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips, or a mix of your favorites
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- Sea salt for sprinkling on top
- White chocolate chips for a creamy flavor variation
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and any optional add-ins like nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt). The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Shape the dough: Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on your cookies, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and avoid breaking apart.
- Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best enjoyed warm with a glass of milk! 🍪🥛
Notes
- Chill the dough: If you prefer thicker cookies with less spreading, chill the cookie dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, it’s important to take them out of the oven when they’re slightly underdone in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool on the sheet.
- Add-ins: Get creative with your add-ins! You can swap chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, add a handful of nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes This small batch recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a fresh, homemade treat.
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes Once you’ve prepped the dough, it’ll only take a few minutes to bake the cookies until they’re golden and delicious.
- Category: Dessert 🍪
- Cuisine: American 🇺🇸
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg