Crispy, Bite-Sized Bliss: The Ultimate Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step into the world of miniature delights with our recipe for Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you call them mini, petite, or simply small, these delightful morsels offer a wonderful change of pace from their denser, chewier counterparts. Forget the struggle of portion control; these little guys are designed for guilt-free indulgence, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Our recipe is proudly inspired by the widely loved Trader Joe’s version, aiming for that perfect crisp texture that makes them utterly irresistible. Packed generously with chocolate chips and with the optional addition of M&Ms, these cookies are crisp through and through, promising a delightful snack that’s hard to stop eating.
The Secret to Crispness: Shortening in Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies
Our tiny chocolate chip cookies stand apart from other recipes, like the Crispy Minis, primarily due to a carefully balanced ingredient list designed to maximize their signature crispness and delicate spread. A slightly higher ratio of granulated sugar combined with a touch of water is crucial here, as these elements contribute significantly to the dough’s ability to spread thinly during baking, leading to a crisper cookie. However, the true game-changer in this recipe is the inclusion of shortening.
I conducted extensive tests, baking batches with butter only. While those cookies were undeniably good, their texture simply didn’t achieve the distinctive “sandier” quality that defines these tiny treats when made with a blend of butter and shortening. Shortening, with its higher melting point and lack of water compared to butter, helps to create a delicate crumb structure and prevents the cookies from becoming too chewy. It promotes spread without creating an overly greasy feel, yielding that desired crisp texture that makes these mini cookies so addictive. If you’re committed to an all-butter recipe, the Crispy Minis linked above are an excellent alternative.
A note on shortening: I initially used butter-flavored shortening when developing this recipe. However, over time, I developed an aversion to the artificial butter flavoring, finding it sometimes overpowering. For this reason, I’ve switched to using regular Crisco shortening. For those who still desire a hint of butter flavor, I highly recommend adding a few drops of Happy Home butter flavoring, which provides a more subtle and pleasant aroma without the synthetic aftertaste. The right shortening choice is pivotal for achieving the specific texture that makes these cookies so unique and enjoyable.
Mini Chips for Maximized Flavor and Texture
When crafting miniature treats like these tiny chocolate chip cookies, the size of your chocolate chips truly makes a difference. Using miniature chocolate chips is highly recommended, as they distribute more evenly throughout the small cookie dough portions, ensuring a burst of chocolate in every single bite without overwhelming the delicate structure. This even distribution also contributes to the cookies’ overall crispiness, as larger chips might create thicker, less uniformly baked areas.
For an extra layer of crunch and a pop of color, consider incorporating Mini M&Ms Baking Bits alongside or in place of some of the mini chocolate chips. These candy-coated chocolates not only add a festive touch but also enhance the crispy texture. However, if miniature chips aren’t available, don’t fret! “Normal” size baking chips will still yield delicious cookies, though they might result in slightly chunkier chocolate pockets and a marginally less uniform crisp. The key is to embrace the small scale, allowing each component to shine in these delightful, bite-sized cookies.
Related Crispy Cookie Recipes
If you’re a fan of crispy cookies and looking for more delightful recipes, explore some of our other favorites:
- Crisp and Thin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Crisp and Thin Peanut Butter Cookies
- Crispy Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Hazelnut Butterscotch Oatmeal Crisps
- The Case of the Salty Cookies – Thin Crisp Chocolate Chip
Recipe
Get ready to bake a batch of these enchanting tiny chocolate chip cookies. This recipe is straightforward, yielding dozens of perfectly crispy, bite-sized treats that are ideal for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying all by yourself. Follow these steps to achieve cookie perfection!
Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 grams)
- 4 tablespoons butter flavored shortening (48 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar (75 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 48 grams lightly beaten egg 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon warm water
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unbleached ap flour (140 grams)
- 1 ½ cups bittersweet chocolate chips or 1 cup mini chocolate chips plus a handful of M&Ms baking bits or M&Ms
- ½ cup chopped and toasted pecans optional
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter, shortening, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and stir until fully mixed, then carefully stir in the lightly beaten egg. Continue to beat the batter with the electric mixer for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate air and develop the texture.
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In a small separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the warm water. Add this mixture to the cookie batter and stir with a heavy-duty scraper or spatula until completely blended. This step activates the leavening agent. Gradually add the unbleached all-purpose flour, stirring carefully until it is just evenly blended and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, gently fold in your chosen chocolate chips and any optional candies (like M&Ms baking bits) or chopped nuts, ensuring they are distributed throughout the dough.
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Using a rounded half-teaspoon (or a scant teaspoon for slightly larger cookies), drop small mounds of dough onto plates or small trays that have been lined with plastic wrap. This specific sizing is key to achieving truly “tiny” cookies. Once all the dough is portioned, cover the plates or trays with more plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or until it has firmed up considerably. This chilling step is essential for preventing excessive spread and maintaining the cookies’ shape. After chilling, gently shape each slightly raggedy little mound into a neat, uniform ball and then flatten it slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon.
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When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the prepared dough mounds on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers appear set. Due to variations in oven temperatures, start checking your cookies around the 8-minute mark to prevent over-baking. If you notice your cookies are browning too quickly, or if they have crispy edges but soft centers, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees (to 325°F/160°C) and continue baking for another minute or two until they are evenly crisp. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tips for Baking Perfect Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies
Achieving the perfect crispy, tiny chocolate chip cookie is easier than you think with a few key tips:
- Chill the Dough: This step is non-negotiable. Chilling helps solidify the fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and maintaining their small, delicate shape and crisp texture. Don’t rush it!
- Uniform Size: For even baking and consistent crispiness, try to make each cookie mound roughly the same size. A rounded half-teaspoon is the ideal measurement for these miniature marvels.
- Oven Temperature: Keep a close eye on your oven. Temperatures can vary, so use an oven thermometer if possible. If cookies are browning too quickly, adjust the temperature slightly.
- Don’t Overbake: These thin cookies can go from perfectly crisp to overly brown very quickly. They should be just lightly golden at the edges when done.
- Cooling: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up without breaking.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your tiny chocolate chip cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their crispness, you can place a slice of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture, though for maximum crunch, simply keep them sealed. These cookies are fantastic on their own, paired with a glass of milk, or as a delightful garnish for ice cream and other desserts. Their small size makes them perfect for party platters, lunchbox treats, or a discreet indulgence anytime the craving strikes!
Why These Tiny Treats Are a Must-Try
There’s something uniquely charming about tiny chocolate chip cookies. They offer all the beloved flavors of a classic chocolate chip cookie but in a perfectly portioned, incredibly crispy package. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for snacking without the commitment of a large cookie, perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth in moderation. They are also a fantastic addition to any gathering, allowing guests to sample multiple treats without feeling overwhelmed. The satisfying crunch, rich chocolate, and delicate sweetness make these mini cookies a delightful experience that truly stands out. Once you try this recipe, you might find yourself reaching for these tiny wonders more often than their larger counterparts.
Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Crispy Cookie!
From their charming size to their irresistible crispness, these tiny chocolate chip cookies are a testament to how small treats can deliver big flavor. Our recipe, with its thoughtful blend of butter and shortening, and the strategic use of mini chocolate chips, ensures a consistent, delightful crunch that will have everyone asking for more. So, gather your ingredients, follow our detailed guide, and prepare to bake a batch of these truly exceptional, bite-sized cookies. We’re confident they’ll become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire!