Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Perfect Size
Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe – Perfect Size
Did you know that nearly 85% of cookie recipes yield much more than the average person can finish in a reasonable timeframe? If you’ve ever found yourself staring down a dozen cookies, wishing for just the right amount, you’ll appreciate the small batch approach. This recipe allows you to satisfy your cravings with precision, striking the perfect balance between indulgence and restraint. But what makes this particular recipe stand out in a sea of options? Let’s investigate the nuances that might just enhance your cookie experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Enjoying freshly baked cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe delivers that joy without overwhelming you with leftovers.
You’ll appreciate the limited quantity, which prevents overindulgence and saves storage space. This recipe is quick to prepare, with a minimal baking time, so you won’t be tied up in the kitchen.
One of the key benefits of a small batch is its customizability. You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities or add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit. Additionally, this recipe is designed for small households to avoid excess leftovers, promoting healthier eating habits.
Despite its smaller size, this recipe maintains the same high-quality texture and flavor as larger batches. The cookies feature crisp edges and chewy centers, thanks to quality ingredients like dark brown sugar and softened butter.
You’ll find clean-up straightforward, too, as you can use just one bowl and skip the mixer. With no chilling required, the dough’s ready to bake right away, making it a perfect option for a quick treat.
History
The chocolate chip cookie has a fascinating history that traces back to the late 1930s. It was created by Ruth Wakefield, who introduced the recipe in her 1938 cookbook, “Tried and True.”
Originally, these cookies were meant to accompany ice cream, served at her Toll House restaurant in Massachusetts. The local popularity of her cookies soon caught the attention of Nestle, which noticed an increase in chocolate bar sales in the area.
In 1939, Nestle met with Ruth to discuss her recipe and introduced chocolate chips, making it easier for bakers like you to create that iconic cookie. Ruth signed a forty-year contract with Nestle, allowing her recipe to be printed on chocolate chip packages. Nestle’s partnership with Ruth greatly enhanced the cookie’s visibility and led to its widespread popularity across America.
Notably, Ruth’s approach wasn’t by accident; she meticulously tested and refined her recipe, showcasing her baking expertise.
Over the years, the chocolate chip cookie has grown into a cultural phenomenon, celebrating more than 80 years of popularity. The original recipe remains on the back of Nestle’s chocolate chip packages, proving its enduring legacy while sparking many adaptations for different tastes and preferences.
Recipe
Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Indulging in freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures. This small batch recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave that delicious, warm, gooey goodness but don’t want to end up with a mountain of cookies.
With just the right balance of sweetness and chocolatey richness, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without a ton of leftovers! Baking time is approximately 8 minutes, allowing you to enjoy warm cookies in a flash!
Follow the easy steps below to create your own batch of delightful cookies. The preparation is simple, allowing you to whip them up in no time. Whether you choose to bake them right away or freeze the dough for future cravings, this recipe is a must-try for chocolate chip cookie enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will guarantee your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheet.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set it aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
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In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until everything is well incorporated.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in the chocolate chips, adjusting the amount based on your preference for chocolate.
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Using an ice cream scoop or a heaping tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the center is still soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips
To improve the flavor of your cookies, consider using brown butter instead of melted butter for a richer taste.
If you prefer a dough that’s easier to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before portioning.
You can also freeze any leftover dough by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container for up to three months. This way, you can always have homemade cookies ready to bake whenever the craving strikes!
Final Thoughts
Regarding baking, a small batch of chocolate chip cookies strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and convenience. You gain control over the number of cookies you produce, whether you want just a few or a dozen. It’s easy to adjust the recipe. Doubling the ingredients is a simple way to increase your yield.
This small batch recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to choose different types of chocolate or sprinkle on flaky sea salt for added flavor. If you chill the dough, you’ll improve the caramel and butterscotch notes in your cookies, which is a technique worth trying. Additionally, chilling the cookie dough helps ensure optimal texture and prevents spreading during baking.
Using small batches also means you’ll reduce waste, making it ideal for smaller households. The recipes typically require minimal ingredients and prep time, which is a bonus. Plus, you can always freeze any unused dough for future baking.
Pay attention to your cooking techniques. Using brown butter can deepen the flavor, and be sure to mix effectively with either a whisk or electric mixer.
Keep in mind that baking times may need adjustment based on the size of your cookies. This method makes baking easy and enjoyable, ensuring you get delicious cookies every time.
FAQ
Baking cookies often raises questions, especially regarding small batches. You might wonder what’s the ideal batch size. Generally, making 6 to 12 cookies is perfect to avoid excessive leftovers, but if you want just a few, aim for 3 large cookies.
Next, you may think a mixer is necessary. Luckily, you can use just a whisk and spatula. It keeps things simple. If you want convenience, you can freeze the cookie dough for future baking.
When it comes to sugar, both granulated and brown sugar work well. You can also experiment with various types of chocolate chips, such as dark, milk, or semi-sweet. Using brown butter enhances the flavor and richness of your cookies, making them even more delightful.
For baking, the typical time is 8 to 16 minutes, depending on size. You don’t always need to chill the dough, but it can improve texture. An oven thermometer is useful to prevent overcooking.
Store your cookies at room temperature or freeze them for longer shelf life. While warm cookies taste great, they can also be enjoyed cooled. Feel free to decorate them with extra chocolate chips or sea salt. Enjoy your baking!
