Welcome, fellow dessert lovers! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of little chocolate chip cookies. There’s just something truly magical about these miniature treats. They’re perfectly bite-sized, making them ideal for a quick snack, sharing with friends, or simply enjoying a moment of sweet bliss all to yourself.
From the time I could barely reach the kitchen counter, I’ve been absolutely fascinated by the art of turning simple ingredients into unforgettable delights. These mini chocolate chip cookies are a prime example of that magic. Each tiny cookie holds so much potential to spark joy and create happy memories.
Baking these small chocolate chip cookies is more than just following a recipe; it’s about the warmth that fills your home and the smiles they bring to faces. They truly have a way of bringing people together, whether it’s at a party or just a cozy evening in. This recipe for little chocolate chip cookies promises a delightful experience from start to finish, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Amazing Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make the best little chocolate chip cookies, you’ll need a few common pantry staples. Using quality ingredients truly makes all the difference in the final taste and texture of your bake. Here’s everything you’ll need to create a batch of these irresistible small chocolate chip cookies:
- 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (dark or light)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 (3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step for Perfect Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking these little chocolate chip cookies is truly a joy! Following these simple steps will lead you to perfectly soft and chewy results every single time. It’s a straightforward process that consistently yields incredible mini chocolate chip cookies everyone will absolutely adore. Let’s get started on creating these delightful treats!
- Prep the Oven and Pans: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This crucial step helps make sure your bite-sized chocolate chip cookies don’t stick and cook evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is super important for getting that wonderfully tender texture in your small chocolate chip cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, beat in the large egg, and then the egg yolk, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to fully combine them. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract just until everything is combined. This adds wonderful flavor to your little chocolate chip cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which is key for consistent chocolate chip cookie dough.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined into a beautiful cookie dough. Be very careful not to overmix the dough for your tiny chocolate chip cookies; overmixing can make them tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are nicely spread throughout the dough. These mini chips are truly ideal for little chocolate chip cookies. They ensure you get chocolate in every single bite without making the cookies too large or heavy.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 1 to 2 inches of space between each spoonful. Remember, we’re aiming for little chocolate chip cookies, so smaller scoops are definitely key here for that perfect bite-sized treat!
- Cool and Enjoy: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers still look nice and soft. Let the mini chocolate chip cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Place the items gently on a wire rack and let them cool all the way. Treat yourself to these irresistibly soft and chewy cookies!
Chef’s Secrets for Irresistible Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want to bake the absolute best little chocolate chip cookies? I’ve got a few secrets up my sleeve that will make your batch shine! First, always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them blend smoothly with the sugars, creating a uniform dough that bakes perfectly.
My key ingredient for achieving amazingly soft and chewy mini chocolate chip cookies? Don’t skip the instant pudding mix! It’s truly a game-changer for texture, making these cookies wonderfully tender. If you’re looking for more ways to get that perfect soft bite, check out my tips on How to Make Chewy Chocolate Cookies. It helps them stay fresh longer too.
Also, for truly soft small chocolate chip cookies, slightly underbake them by just a minute or two. They will continue to set on the warm baking sheet after you pull them out. This trick ensures your bite-sized chocolate chip cookies remain tender after cooling. For a professional touch, press a few extra mini chocolate chips on top of each cookie dough ball before baking. These little details make for the prettiest and most delicious little chocolate chip cookies!
Recipe Variations: Get Creative with Your Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
While classic little chocolate chip cookies are absolutely perfect on their own, don’t be afraid to get creative and try some fun twists! You can easily swap out some of the mini chocolate chips for other flavors. Imagine the deliciousness of white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips mixed in for a delightful change.
For a fantastic sweet and salty contrast, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of your cookie dough balls before baking. This simple addition elevates the flavor of your small chocolate chip cookies. If you love a bit of crunch, fold in about 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans along with your chocolate chips.
You could also experiment with the chocolate itself! Try a half-and-half mix of milk chocolate and dark chocolate chips to create a richer, more complex flavor profile for your delightful mini chocolate chip cookies. For more ideas on maximizing chocolate flavor, take a look at my recipe for Double Chunk Chocolate Cookie. These variations make your little chocolate chip cookies uniquely yours!
A Sweet Memory: My Journey with Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
Some of my fondest childhood memories are deeply tied to the joy of baking. I vividly remember being barely tall enough to see over the kitchen counter, my nose just peeking above the edge, as I helped my grandmother bake her famous little chocolate chip cookies. The moment the oven door opened, the smell of warm vanilla and melting chocolate would fill the entire house. It was pure magic.
Those tiny chocolate chip cookies were more than just a dessert. They were a symbol of warmth, family, and comfort. Each small, sweet bite carried with it the feeling of home. We’d always make a huge batch, and those mini chocolate chip cookies would disappear almost as quickly as they came out of the oven. They were usually enjoyed with frosty glasses of cold milk and lots of happy laughter around the kitchen table.
Even now, these small chocolate chip cookies remain a cherished staple in my kitchen. I love continuing that tradition, using baking to bring people together and create new sweet memories. The simple joy of sharing homemade treats, especially these perfect little chocolate chip cookies, is truly unmatched.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here are some common questions I often hear about baking and enjoying little chocolate chip cookies. My goal is to provide clear answers that will help you perfect your batch and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I use mini chocolate chips for cookies?
Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips are actually perfect for little chocolate chip cookies. Their smaller size means you get a generous amount of chocolate in every single bite without making the cookie too chunky or overwhelming the delicate texture. They melt beautifully and distribute much more evenly throughout the dough compared to standard-sized chips, making each of your mini chocolate chip cookies consistently delicious and perfectly chocolatey.
What size is a mini cookie?
A mini cookie, especially when we’re talking about our delightful little chocolate chip cookies, is typically about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. They are designed to be a charming, bite-sized treat. This makes them perfect for quick snacking, serving alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or for small hands. Their petite size is what makes these small chocolate chip cookies so easy to pop in your mouth and enjoy without feeling overly full.
What’s the calorie count for a single mini chocolate chip cookie?
The calorie count for one bite-sized chocolate chip cookie can vary a bit. It depends on the exact ingredients you use and the precise size of your cookie. However, generally speaking, one mini chocolate chip cookie contains anywhere from 30 to 50 calories. Remember, these delicious tiny chocolate chip cookies are meant to be enjoyed as a sweet treat, and the joy they bring is truly immeasurable!
What’s the key ingredient that keeps cookies soft and chewy?
The instant vanilla pudding mix is truly my secret ingredient in this recipe! It helps keep your little chocolate chip cookies incredibly soft and wonderfully chewy. This mix works by absorbing moisture, which prevents the cookies from drying out too quickly during baking and cooling. Also, using brown sugar in the recipe contributes to a softer, chewier texture compared to using only granulated sugar. And finally, adding an extra egg yolk provides more richness and moisture, ensuring your soft mini cookies stay tender and delicious for days after baking.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Batch of Little Chocolate Chip Cookies!
There you have it! We’ve covered everything you need to bake the most delicious little chocolate chip cookies. I truly believe that baking is a wonderful act of love, and these mini chocolate chip cookies are a perfect way to share that warmth and joy with others.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you need a sweet treat, the simple pleasure of warm, homemade cookies is truly unmatched. So go ahead, grab your apron, bake a fantastic batch of these delightful treats, and create some sweet, lasting memories. Happy baking, everyone!
Print
Little Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: (48-60 cookies)
Description
Bake delicious, soft little chocolate chip cookies! This easy recipe creates bite-sized treats, perfect for sharing. Learn chef’s secrets for ultimate chewy mini cookies everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (dark or light)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 (3.4 oz.) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This crucial step helps make sure your bite-sized chocolate chip cookies don’t stick and cook evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Keep mixing until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is super important for getting that wonderfully tender texture in your small chocolate chip cookies.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, beat in the large egg, and then the egg yolk, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition to fully combine them. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract just until everything is combined. This adds wonderful flavor to your little chocolate chip cookies.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed, which is key for consistent chocolate chip cookie dough.
5. Mix Wet and Dry: Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined into a beautiful cookie dough. Be very careful not to overmix the dough for your tiny chocolate chip cookies; overmixing can make them tough.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are nicely spread throughout the dough. These mini chips are truly ideal for little chocolate chip cookies. They ensure you get chocolate in every single bite without making the cookies too large or heavy.
7. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 1 to 2 inches of space between each spoonful. Remember, we’re aiming for little chocolate chip cookies, so smaller scoops are definitely key here for that perfect bite-sized treat!
8. Cool and Enjoy: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers still look nice and soft. Let the mini chocolate chip cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these perfectly soft and chewy cookies!
Notes
Always use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother dough.
The instant vanilla pudding mix is a secret ingredient for soft and chewy cookies. Slightly underbake for optimal softness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 100kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 54mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 6mg
Keywords: little chocolate chip cookies, mini chocolate chip cookies, small chocolate chip cookies, bite-sized chocolate chip cookies, tiny chocolate chip cookies, soft mini cookies, homemade cookies, chocolate chip cookie recipe, chewy cookies, dessert, baking