There's something uniquely comforting about the aroma of freshly baked Toll House cookies filling the air. For many, these chocolate chip cookies are not just a treat but a treasure, evoking memories of childhood and cozy moments spent with family. But what if you could enjoy this delight with less effort and fewer ingredients? This guide takes you through making the perfect half recipe of Toll House Cookies, ensuring that even when you're baking in smaller quantities, the quality remains uncompromised.
Why Bake a Half Recipe of Toll House Cookies?
Baking a half recipe can be incredibly beneficial for various reasons:
- Reduced waste - Ideal for small households or when you’re looking to satisfy a small craving without overindulging.
- Quick prep time - Cuts down the preparation time significantly.
- Convenience - Perfect for spontaneous baking sessions or when you need just enough cookies for a gathering.
- Portion control - Helps with dietary restrictions or if you’re watching your intake of sweets.
Ingredients for Half Recipe Toll House Cookies
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 1⁄4 cup or 1⁄2 stick |
| White Sugar | 1⁄8 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1⁄8 cup |
| Egg | 1⁄2 of an egg |
| Vanilla Extract | 1⁄4 teaspoon |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1⁄4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1⁄4 teaspoon |
| Chocolate Chips | 3⁄4 cup |
| Chopped Nuts (optional) | 1⁄4 cup |
💡 Note: For the half egg, beat one egg and divide it in half. Use a measuring spoon for precision.
Steps to Bake Your Half Recipe of Toll House Cookies
- Preheat Your Oven - Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Butter and Sugars - Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the Egg - Stir in the half-egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients - Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients - Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mix until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips - Add the chocolate chips and optional nuts, gently folding them into the dough.
- Shape Your Cookies - Using a spoon or a small scoop, form dough balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake to Perfection - Bake for about 9-11 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. The centers might look soft but will firm up upon cooling.
- Cool - Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Perfect Half Recipe Toll House Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients - Eggs and butter should be at room temperature to mix evenly.
- Don’t Overmix - Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Freeze Extra Dough - If you have leftover dough, freeze it in individual portions for later use.
🍪 Note: If your dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping cookies to make the process easier.
In this guide, we've walked through the process of baking the perfect Toll House Cookies with a half recipe. This approach not only saves time and ingredients but also ensures you can enjoy these treats with less waste. From selecting the right ingredients to the final bake, each step is designed to make your baking experience smooth and your cookies delicious. Remember, whether you're baking for one or for a small gathering, these half-batch Toll House Cookies will deliver the same wonderful taste and chewy texture that make them a classic.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
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You can use margarine, but for the best flavor and texture, butter is recommended as it lends to the traditional taste of Toll House Cookies.
What can I do if I don’t have brown sugar?
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If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make a substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of molasses with 1 cup of white sugar. Mix well and use as directed in the recipe.
How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?
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To prevent cookies from spreading, make sure the butter is not too soft when you start mixing, use chilled dough, and avoid overbaking.
