The nostalgic charm of freshly baked cookies gets a delightful upgrade in these Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies. With buttery dough and just the right amount of sweetness, each bite-sized cookie delivers a tender center and crisp golden edges. The mini chocolate chips add pockets of melty richness, making these cookies a perfect treat for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Whether you’re baking for a weekend snack, a classroom treat, or a dessert table, these mini cookies bring big joy. Their small size makes them easy to share or to keep all to yourself! Simple ingredients, a quick bake time, and that irresistible homemade aroma make this recipe a keeper for cookie lovers everywhere.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
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Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
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Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 7–9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 9 minutes | Total Time: 19 minutes
Kcal: 85 kcal | Servings: 36 mini cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something magical about chocolate chip cookies. The moment you take a bite, you’re instantly transported to a place of comfort, warmth, and sweet nostalgia. But what happens when you shrink that joy into a bite-sized treat? You get mini chocolate chip cookies, small in size, but big in flavor and delight.
Mini chocolate chip cookies are the perfect solution when you want a sweet treat without overindulging. Their small size makes them ideal for snacking, sharing, packing into lunchboxes, or even gifting in little jars. They also bake faster, cool quicker, and are ready to devour before your coffee is even brewed.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the best mini chocolate chip cookies, from ingredient tips to storage advice, variations, and more.
Why Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies Are Worth Making
At first glance, making mini versions of cookies may seem like extra effort, but in reality, they come with a ton of perks:
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Portion control: Let’s be real, it’s easy to eat multiple cookies. With minis, you can have a few without guilt.
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Faster baking: Smaller cookies mean shorter baking times, which means dessert is ready in under 10 minutes.
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Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s a picnic, school party, or office potluck, bite-sized cookies are easy to transport and serve.
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Great for gifts: Pop a handful of these into a mason jar or treat bag for a simple and sweet edible gift.
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Fun for kids: Their size is ideal for small hands, and they make a great project for little bakers who want to help in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients That Make a Difference
To make amazing mini chocolate chip cookies, the ingredients matter just as much as the technique. Here’s what makes each component essential:
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Butter: Use real unsalted butter for the best flavor. It provides the cookies with richness and a tender texture. Softened (not melted) butter ensures a fluffy result.
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Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth of flavor. It also contributes to a chewier texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the softness with a bit of crispness and sweetness.
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Vanilla Extract: A good-quality vanilla extract boosts the overall flavor profile.
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Egg: Just one large egg is enough to bind the dough and add richness.
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Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure and stability. Too much flour can result in dry cookies, so measure it properly.
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Baking Soda: Provides leavening, giving the cookies a light lift and helping them spread evenly.
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Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
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Mini Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! Mini chips distribute more evenly in smaller cookies, giving you melty chocolate in every bite.
Tips for Perfect Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Even simple recipes can benefit from a few pro-level baking tips. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your cookies come out beautifully every time:
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Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Use a small cookie scoop. This ensures uniform cookie size and even baking.
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Chill the dough (optional but helpful). If your kitchen is warm or you want a puffier cookie, refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
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Watch the oven. Because mini cookies bake quickly, keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. Remove them when the edges just start to turn golden.
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Cool on the tray. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack. This helps them firm up without overbaking.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic mini chocolate chip cookie, feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations to inspire your next batch:
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Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and complement the chocolate perfectly.
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Try different chips: Mix in white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
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Go gluten-free: Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to make this recipe accessible to more people.
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Add oats: A handful of rolled oats can give the cookies a heartier texture.
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Stuff them: Place a mini marshmallow or a dollop of Nutella in the center of each dough ball for a sweet surprise.
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Sprinkle with sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky salt on top before baking elevates the flavor and balances sweetness.
How to Store Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
These little treats can be made ahead and stored for later, making them even more versatile.
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At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft.
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In the fridge: If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cookies to extend freshness by a few more days.
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In the freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
You can also freeze unbaked dough balls. Just scoop, flash-freeze, and store. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Ideal Pairings
Mini chocolate chip cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some ways to enjoy them even more:
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With milk: A classic combo, dip and enjoy!
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With ice cream: Use two cookies to make mini ice cream sandwiches.
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With coffee or tea: Perfect for dunking or nibbling during a break.
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In a dessert board: Combine with brownies, fudge, and fruit for a dessert grazing board.
Kid-Friendly and Party-Approved
Because of their small size and familiar flavors, these cookies are a hit with kids and grownups alike. Make them for:
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Birthday parties
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School lunchbox treats
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Baby showers
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Holiday cookie platters
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Movie nights
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Bake sales
They’re easy to bake in big batches and can be decorated or customized for themed occasions too.
Nutritional Note
Each mini cookie clocks in at around 85 calories. While not “health food,” they offer a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth without overdoing it. Moderation and balance are key and thankfully, their miniature size helps with that.
Conclusion
Mini chocolate chip cookies capture everything we love about classic chocolate chip cookies but in a cuter, more snackable package. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re baking them as an after-school treat, a weekend project with the kids, or for a gathering with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
With just a few pantry staples and a little love, you can whip up a batch of these delightful morsels anytime. And once you do, don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expected, they really are that good.
So go ahead, preheat that oven and get ready for the irresistible aroma of homemade mini chocolate chip cookies. Trust us — one bite, and you’ll be hooked.