There’s something magical about a fresh-baked cookie still warm from the oven, and with small batch chocolate chip cookies, you can indulge in that magic without committing to dozens of cookies. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat on a quiet evening or looking to whip up a quick dessert for two, this recipe is your go-to solution.
This small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum satisfaction. Perfectly portioned, these cookies deliver everything you love about classic chocolate chip cookies—soft centers, crispy edges, and gooey chocolate chips—but in just the right amount. No more leftover dough or worrying about overindulgence (unless you really want to!).
Small batch baking is perfect for those with a sweet tooth but limited time. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to prepare this recipe, using everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. From start to finish, you’ll have freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes.
Why does this recipe work? It’s all about balance. The butter creates a rich, flavorful base, while the brown sugar lends a chewy texture. The result? Cookies that rival any bakery’s. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe for small batch chocolate chip cookies is foolproof and guaranteed to satisfy.
Ready to fall in love at first bite? Let’s get started!
Quick Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 6 cookies
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (55g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (80g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup (60g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Brief Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and egg yolk until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough into six evenly-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes before enjoying your freshly baked small batch chocolate chip cookies!
Ingredient Deep Dive
Every component in this small batch chocolate chip cookies recipe has a purpose, ensuring you get cookies that are soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious. Let’s explore why these ingredients are essential and how you can adapt them:
Unsalted Butter
- Why It’s Essential: The butter provides a rich, creamy base for the dough, giving the small batch chocolate chip cookies their signature softness.
- Substitutions: If unsalted butter isn’t available, salted butter works too—just reduce the added salt in this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe to maintain balance.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar
- Why They’re Essential: The combination of sugars creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Granulated sugar crisps the edges, while brown sugar ensures a chewy, moist center in your small batch chocolate chip cookies.
- Substitutions: Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a subtle caramel-like flavor twist.
Vanilla Extract
- Why It’s Essential: Vanilla elevates the flavor of the small batch chocolate chip cookies, enhancing the sweetness and pairing beautifully with the chocolate chips.
- Substitutions: Almond extract can be used sparingly for a nutty undertone, but it will slightly alter the classic flavor of this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Egg Yolk
- Why It’s Essential: Using just the yolk ensures the small batch chocolate chip cookies remain rich and tender, avoiding a cakey texture.
- Substitutions: For egg-free cookies, 1 tablespoon of applesauce or Greek yogurt can replicate the binding effect in this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
All-Purpose Flour
- Why It’s Essential: Flour provides structure, keeping the cookies from spreading too thin. Properly measured flour ensures consistency in this small batch chocolate chip cookies recipe.
- Substitutions: Gluten-free flour blends can be used for a diet-friendly version of this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Baking Soda
- Why It’s Essential: Baking soda creates the subtle rise and soft texture you love in small batch chocolate chip cookies.
- Substitutions: If baking soda is unavailable, double the amount of baking powder for a similar effect, though the texture might slightly differ.
Salt
- Why It’s Essential: Salt balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor in this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt can substitute, offering a gourmet touch to your small batch chocolate chip cookies.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Why They’re Essential: The heart of the recipe, chocolate chips melt into gooey goodness, making each bite of your small batch chocolate chip cookies irresistible.
- Substitutions: You can experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for variation in your small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes all the difference when crafting this small batch chocolate chip cookies recipe. While you don’t need anything too fancy, these essentials will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools
- Mixing Bowls: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for combining your ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to maintaining the balance of flavors in this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
- Whisk and Rubber Spatula: A whisk helps blend the wet ingredients smoothly, while a spatula is ideal for folding in the chocolate chips.
- Baking Sheet: A non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet ensures the cookies bake evenly without sticking.
- Cookie Scoop: This optional tool makes portioning your dough for consistent-sized cookies quick and easy.
Alternative Options
- If you don’t have a cookie scoop, a tablespoon or your hands will work just as well for shaping these small batch chocolate chip cookies.
- Don’t own a baking sheet? Use any flat, oven-safe tray lined with parchment paper.
Care and Maintenance Tips
- Cleaning: Wash tools like the whisk and spatula promptly to prevent dough from hardening on them.
- Storage: Store your baking sheet in a dry place to avoid rust, ensuring it’s ready for your next batch of small batch chocolate chip cookies.
Budget vs. Premium Options
- A basic set of tools works well, but investing in higher-quality non-stick baking sheets or silicone baking mats can enhance the experience of making this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these small batch chocolate chip cookies is a fun and simple process. Follow these detailed steps to bake cookies that are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Measure out all ingredients to ensure everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter and both sugars until creamy.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold them together with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix, as this may result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. This step ensures every bite of your small batch chocolate chip cookies has a delightful burst of chocolate.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, divide the dough into small balls. Arrange them on the lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s a minimum of 2 inches between each cookie for proper spreading.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool entirely. Enjoy them warm or store for future enjoyment.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Crafting the perfect small batch chocolate chip cookies is all about the details. These expert tips will ensure your cookies are irresistible every time.
1. Measure Precisely
Accurate measurements are key, especially for a small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe. Too much flour can make the cookies dense, while too little will make them spread too much. Use a kitchen scale for best results.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room-temperature butter and egg yolk helps the ingredients blend seamlessly, resulting in a smooth dough. This is especially important for small-batch recipes, as slight variations can impact texture.
3. Chill the Dough (Optional)
If you prefer thicker small batch chocolate chip cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking. This step enhances the flavor and minimizes spreading.
4. Experiment with Chocolate Chips
Mix and match chocolate types for a gourmet twist. A combination of semi-sweet, dark, and milk chocolate chips will elevate the flavor of your cookies. This trick works wonders in any small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
5. Monitor Baking Time
Since you’re baking a small batch, the cookies bake quickly. Keep a close eye on them, as even an extra minute can overbake them. Soft and chewy cookies should come out of the oven when the edges are lightly golden.
6. Storing the Cookies
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve the freshness longer, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just reheat before enjoying these small batch chocolate chip cookies again!
7. Add a Pinch of Salt
For a sweet and salty flavor profile, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the cookies right after baking. This technique pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips in your small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Variations and Customizations
While this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe is delicious as is, you can easily modify it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to try!
1. Add Nuts
If you love a bit of crunch in your cookies, try adding walnuts, pecans, or almonds to your small batch chocolate chip cookies. Just chop them coarsely and fold them into the dough. The nutty flavor complements the chocolate beautifully!
2. Make It a Double Chocolate Delight
For an extra chocolatey version, add cocoa powder to your dough to create a rich double chocolate flavor. You’ll end up with even more indulgent small batch chocolate chip cookies.
3. Use Different Types of Chocolate Chips
Switch up the chocolate chips in this recipe. You can use dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor or white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. You could also combine the two for a chocolate chip medley in your small batch chocolate chip cookies.
4. Make a Cookie Sandwich
Take two cookies and fill them with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream to create a cookie sandwich. It’s a fun and indulgent way to enjoy your small batch chocolate chip cookies! This is perfect for parties or special occasions.
5. Gluten-Free Version
For those following a gluten-free diet, swap out regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum, which will help provide structure to your small batch chocolate chip cookies.
6. Add Flavor Extracts
Experiment with different extracts to create unique flavor profiles. Almond extract, for example, pairs beautifully with chocolate and would make your small batch chocolate chip cookies even more aromatic.
7. Customize the Sweetness
If you prefer your cookies a little less sweet, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. For an even sweeter experience, add more chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies. The choice is yours!
Serving and Presentation
There’s something special about serving freshly baked small batch chocolate chip cookies. Whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing with friends and family, here’s how to make the experience even more delightful.
- Serve with Milk
A classic pairing for small batch chocolate chip cookies is a tall glass of cold milk. The creamy milk complements the chocolatey goodness of the cookies, making each bite a true indulgence.
- Plate for Parties
If you’re serving these cookies at a party, consider arranging them in a neat stack or on a decorative plate for a professional touch. You could even add a few decorative sprinkles or drizzle with melted chocolate for a fancy presentation.
- Cookie Jar for Storage
Display your small batch chocolate chip cookies in a clear glass cookie jar on your kitchen counter. This not only helps to keep them fresh but also adds a cozy, welcoming touch to your kitchen.
- Creative Cookie Boxes
For a unique gift, place your cookies in a decorative gift box or a mason jar. This makes an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or just as a thoughtful treat for a friend or family member.
- Pair with Ice Cream
For a decadent dessert, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two small batch chocolate chip cookies. It’s a fun way to serve them at a summer barbecue or after a family dinner.
- Add a Coffee Pairing
For a more sophisticated twist, serve your cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The combination of the warm beverage and the sweet, chewy cookies is simply divine.
- Serve with Fruit
For a lighter pairing, serve your cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. The freshness of the fruit will contrast nicely with the rich, chocolatey flavor of the small batch chocolate chip cookies.
Conclusion
There’s no denying the charm of a warm, freshly baked small batch chocolate chip cookie. With the perfect balance of chewy texture, melty chocolate, and the rich flavor of vanilla, this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe is a simple yet irresistible treat. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, sharing with friends, or enjoying them with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to impress.
For a little variety, try using different chocolate chips or even adding in nuts to enhance the flavor profile. And if you find yourself with extra dough, don’t forget you can freeze your small batch chocolate chip cookies and enjoy them at your convenience. No matter the occasion, these small batch chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to bring warmth and sweetness to your day.
So, why wait? Preheat that oven, whip up a batch, and enjoy the magic of homemade small batch chocolate chip cookies. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
FAQ Section
Q: How many cookies does this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe yield?
A: This small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe typically makes around 12 to 16 cookies, depending on the size of each cookie you scoop. It’s the perfect amount for a small treat without too many leftovers!
Q: Can I freeze my small batch chocolate chip cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze your small batch chocolate chip cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or bake them for a few minutes to warm them up.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make small batch chocolate chip cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to check that the flour blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
Q: How can I make my small batch chocolate chip cookies chewier?
A: For a chewier texture, try chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. You can also increase the ratio of brown sugar to white sugar, as brown sugar helps create a chewier texture.
Q: Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor. Mixing and matching types of chocolate is a great way to customize your small batch chocolate chip cookies.
Q: Can I make this small batch chocolate chip cookie recipe without eggs?
A: Yes! You can use an egg replacer, like applesauce or a flaxseed mixture, to make your small batch chocolate chip cookies vegan-friendly. Just follow the egg substitute’s recommended measurements for best results.
Q: How long can I store these cookies?
A: Store your small batch chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, freeze them for up to 3 months.
