There’s something irresistibly charming about mini chocolate chip cookies. These tiny treats pack all the flavor of their full-sized counterparts into perfect bite-sized morsels that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for portion control, a charming addition to your dessert platter, or simply can’t wait for a quick sweet fix, these mini chocolate chip cookies deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. The beauty of mini chocolate chip cookies lies in their versatility and ability to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portion Control: Enjoy the satisfaction of eating multiple cookies without the guilt
- Crispy Edges, Soft Centers: The ideal cookie texture is easier to achieve in mini form
- Quick Baking Time: Ready in under 10 minutes once they hit the oven
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for little hands and lunchboxes
- Versatile: Ideal for ice cream sandwiches, cookie crusts, or simply enjoying on their own
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (226g) | Unsalted butter | Softened at room temperature |
| 3/4 cup (150g) | Granulated sugar | |
| 3/4 cup (165g) | Light brown sugar | Packed |
| 2 | Large eggs | Room temperature |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract | Pure, not imitation |
| 2 1/4 cups (281g) | All-purpose flour | |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda | |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt | |
| 2 cups (350g) | Mini chocolate chips | Semi-sweet works best |
| 1/2 cup (85g) | Regular chocolate chips | Optional, for texture variation |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the butter and sugars in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- For consistent sizing, use a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop (1/2 tablespoon) to portion the dough. Roll into small balls about 1-inch in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures soft centers.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and creates thicker cookies.
- For extra flavor, brown the butter before creaming with sugar. This adds a nutty, caramel-like depth.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan alternative: Replace butter with plant-based butter and use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- Add texture with 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- For softer cookies, reduce the baking time by 1 minute.
- For crispier cookies, flatten the dough balls slightly before baking and extend bake time by 1-2 minutes.
Looking for a seasonal variation? Check out our Festive Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies, for a holiday twist on this classic recipe!
Serving Suggestions
These mini chocolate chip cookies are versatile little treats that can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Create tiny ice cream sandwiches for a party-perfect dessert
- Crush and use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt parfaits
- Serve alongside a shot glass of cold milk for an adorable dessert presentation
- Package in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for homemade gifts
- Use as decoration on cakes, cupcakes, or alongside other desserts on a platter
Storage
Store your cooled mini chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked mini chocolate chip cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
You can also freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Want a healthier chocolate dessert? Try these Sweet Potato Brownies for a delicious and nutritious treat!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Cholesterol | 12mg |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 1g |
Based on a yield of approximately a 60 mini cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mini chocolate chip cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mini chocolate chip cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freeze the shaped dough balls for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why did my mini chocolate chip cookies spread too much?
Excessive spreading usually happens when the butter is too warm or there’s not enough flour. Try chilling the mini chocolate chip cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking, ensuring your butter is softened but not melted, and measuring flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini chips in mini chocolate chip cookies?
Absolutely! While mini chips distribute more evenly throughout these small cookies, regular chips work well too. The mini chocolate chip cookie recipe even suggests using a combination for texture variation.
How do I know when the mini chocolate chip cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges while the centers still appear slightly underdone (they’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet). For mini chocolate chip cookies, this typically takes 7-9 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Conclusion
These mini chocolate chip cookies might be small, but they deliver maximum flavor and joy in every bite. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to elegant entertaining. The beauty of these little morsels is in their simplicity—classic ingredients coming together to create a timeless treat that appeals to cookie lovers of all ages.
The mini size doesn’t just make these cookies adorable; it also creates the perfect texture balance with edges that crisp up beautifully while the centers remain soft and chewy. Plus, you get the satisfaction of eating multiple cookies without overindulging—though we can’t promise you’ll be able to stop at just a few!
We’d love to see your mini cookie creations! Tag us on Instagram or share your baking tips and variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious, perfectly-portioned recipes delivered straight to your inbox!