20 Minute Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies (Just 6!)
This Small Batch Chocolate Chip cookie recipe requires no chill time and can be made in 20 minutes. This is a no mixer recipe that makes 6 perfect cookies and is the best when you are having a chocolate chip cookie craving and need one super fast!
Ever get a SERIOUS craving for an ooey gooey warm chocolate chip cookie? YES ALL THE TIME AM I RIGHT?
But when I don’t feel like making a whole batch of cookies, I make these small batch chocolate chip cookies! These are the best chocolate chip cookies because they are gooey on the inside but have crisp edges. They can also be made in just 20 minutes! The buttery taste combined with all that melted chocolate is a serious match made in heaven.
What makes these so chewy is using just the yolk of an egg and more brown sugar than white. Took a few tries of testing to get it right but I did!
As a professional baker you have got to have a good chocolate chip recipe on hand at all times! Out of all the other chocolate chip cookie recipes I have tried, I always come back to this easy small batch of chocolate chip cookies because they have the best texture with the perfect amount of chocolate chips.
When I need cookies for a crowd I like to make these mini chocolate chip cookies, kids love them! It’s definitely hard to eat just one. You can also make these without butter by following the recipe for dairy free chocolate chip cookies, or even make chocolate chip cookies without brown sugar.
These small batch oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, are also perfect for when you need a quick treat!
How to make these
Troubleshooting dry crumbly batter
Some readers have said their batter is dry and crumbly. Ive made this recipe at least 50 times and have never had that issue. If you’re experiencing this, here’s what could be happening:
You need to weigh your flour instead of using a measuring cup.
Because this is a small batch recipe, the accuracy of measuring your ingredients is even more important than a regular cookie recipe.
If you pack too much flour into a measuring cup by scooping, it can mess with the batter and make it dry and crumbly. Also it takes a little bit longer for the flour to absorb into the rest of the ingredients, just keep mixing!
If you dont have a scale, then carefully spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off. Do not, I repeat do not scoop your flour with a measuring cup. As a professional baker, thank you for listening.
How to store and freeze
Storing: Honestly you shouldnt need to know this because you should just eat all the cookies but if you need to store them, store them in an airtight container or zip top bag on your counter.
Freezing: Place the cookie dough balls or baked cookies in a freezer safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Making these into 1 dozen cookies
Double the recipe to make a full batch of cookies, thats it!
Troubleshooting
Why are my cookies crumbly and dry? This is probably because you used to much flour. Remember not to measure flour by scooping it with your measuring cup, Use a kitchen scale or the spoon and level method I described above.
Why are my cookies thick? Same as above! If you use too much flour your cookies wont spread and they will be too thick.
How to make perfectly round cookies
To make the cookies perfectly round, you need to use a cookie cutter that is larger than the cookie. Place it over the cookie a soon as it comes out of the oven. In a circular fast motion scoot the cookie cutter around the cookie to make it perfectly round.
You have to do this as soon as it comes out of the oven while its still hot or it wont work! The cutter will mold the cookie into a perfect round circle.
20 Minute Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies (Just 6!)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter , melted, (56.5 g)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, (65g)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk, large (no whites)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, (90g)
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, (120g)
- Maldon, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium sized microwave safe bowl melt the 1/4 cup butter. Add the 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tbsp white sugar and mix till smooth.
- Add the egg yolk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract and mix again.
- Add in the 3/4 cup flour, 1/8 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/8 tsp kosher salt and stir till dough forms.
- Stir in the 3/4 cup chocolate chips. Leave out a handful of chocolate on the side and add the rest in to the batter. Mix.
- Scoop out the dough using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, or using two tablespoons for one cookie dough ball. Press the leftover chocolate pieces all over the tops of each cookie.
- Place on a cookie sheet leaving 1.5 inch space between each one and bake for 12-14 minutes or until the bottom of the cookie is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with Maldon or salt if you want!
Love the idea of a small batch version of chocolate chip cookies! Totally agree with you about chopping up a good quality chocolate bar rather than using chips. Plus the Maldon on the top really puts these over the top. Pinning for later!
YAY! Thank you! I am so glad you agree! It totally makes all the difference!
This sounds fabulous but I have a real thing for crunchy choc chip cookies, is it possible to modify this small batch? Sorry for asking.
Hey Jess! I would suggest these instead https://frostingandfettuccine.com/crispy-and-chewy-giant-perfect-cookies/ !
My dough was dry and clumpy, not sure what I did wrong?
Hi Wendy! That’s super frustrating, I’m wondering if you followed the exact recipe? I would love to help you troubleshoot.
I agree. My dough was pretty dry but I did everything correctly
You have to keep mixing! Iv’e made this recipe hundreds of times and it never is too dry. Are you weighing your flour? There may have been too much if you measured using a cup.
I like the idea of small batch cookies! They seemed so easy and hassle free to make and sure enough, it was effortless.. and the end result-truly satisfying -amazing in taste and texture! 😊
Thank you so much! I am so glad you loved this recipe, so appreciate your rating and comment!
These are my GO TO chocolate chip cookie recipe and that’s saying a lot bc I consider myself to be somewhat of a connoisseur lol. Do yourself a favor and make these cookies tonight!
AHHHH Thank you SO much Katie!! That means so much coming from a cookie connoisseur!!! Thank you!!
Hey Joanne! Thanks for trying this so many times, it could be that the dough just needs to be mixed more as I know many people have had success with this recipe. Sorry it didn’t work out for you but appreciate the comment!
Can’t wait to try this recipe. I only have whole wheat flour and wondering what other changes should I make to ensure they come out amazing.
Great question! I wouldn’t recommend making these with more that 50% whole wheat flour otherwise the texture wont be the same, they can spread a lot and wont be as chewy. If you try it, let me know how it goes!
I made these today and my batter was perfectly smooth. And I put in toffee bits instead of chocolate chips and this recipe was perfect and so delicious. Perfect for a pregnant mama wanting a small batch of treats
YAY Sarah, so happy to hear that. Toffee sounds like a delicious add in too! Hope you are feeling good!
Okay just put them in the oven…. Love how easy the recipe was. Looking forward to DESTROYING my chocolate cravings this evening <3
YESSS YAY TAYLOR! So glad you made these! Hope you ate them all! XO
They were DELICIOUS!
YAYAYAYAY! Thank you so much for your comments and star rating!!
Hey JoJo! Sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you. I have made this recipe many times without it being dry. I am wondering if your baking powder and baking soda are still good? Thank you for trying this recipe anyways!
These cookies were so simple and delicious! Even the next day they were superb 🙂 I sprinkled a little flaky salt on top and I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome. My new go-to recipe!
YAY Drew! Thank you SO much for making these and the 5 star review. This made my day, so glad you loved these. A sprinkle of salt sounds delish!
I made these tonight and they were absolutely delicious! They were thick and chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect!
YAY! So glad you enjoyed these Mary!! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review and 5 star rating, you made my day!!
I tried making these and the batter also turned out super dry and crumbly for me 🙁 they didn’t flatten out either in the oven. I think the recipe may call for too much flour- I followed the ingredient list and steps, but no luck!
Hey Riley!
Sorry these didnt work out for you. Its really important (for this recipe especially because it’s so small) to use the correct amount of flour. If you arent using a kitchen scale you can easily use too much with a measuring cup. This recipe was also updated in the middle of ’22 so anyone who made it before used different ratios- I have since made this recipe many many times so I know the ratios now are correct. Thanks anyways for trying them!
I followed this recipe exactly as it was written and the batter was too dry to form the cookies as well. I ended up using more butter and mixing it together and although they were super buttery, it worked!!
Hey Jada, did you weigh the flour? If not even a little bit over the dry ingredient mark can change this recipe because it is a small batch recipe. Glad they worked out in the end!
Love a cookie recipe using melted butter, it’s so quick and easy! Turned out beautiful and delicious!
So great to hear Ellen!! These are my go to cookies when I need a cookie ASAP! Melted butter gives them the best texture!!
Okay, but why are these the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever made? Also the easiest and fastest! These win!
OMG Kennedy! Thanks for making my day!! SO glad you love these!
hi there, i just tried these. mine didnt spread at all. i followed the recipe exactly. but they stayed puffy. i had to mash them down with my fingers. i will try it again and leave out the baking powder?
Hi Betty- I dont recommend leaving out the baking powder. Ive made this recipe dozens of times with perfect results- Im wondering how you measured your flour- even the smallest amount over the recommended weight will alter the recipe since it is such a small one. If you used measuring cups you could have accidentally added more flour than necessary which is why I recommend to weigh your flour instead. Thank you for trying this out!
I love these! I was craving choco cookies late at night and found these, the recipe was quick and delicious! I’ll definitely make these again.
YAY thank you so much! This is one of my fave recipes on the site! XO
It was nice and soft and chewy but a bit too rich as too much chocolate chips. Next round will cut down on the chips .
We definitely love a lot of chocolate chips around here!
I tried these twice. The first time using 3/4 cup flour as written, and I could hardly put them together, they were so dry and crumbly. That batch was just a mess of hard crumbs on my baking sheet. The next time I used my scale and measured out 90g but even still I had to mix the dough with my hands for a few minutes to get everything to stick. Also, it calls for the same amount (if not more) choc chips than flour? I used 1/2 cup and it was more than enough. This recipe makes the perfect amount of cookies to satisfy a craving and share a few, and they did come together quickly, but I wasn’t absolutely wow-ed by the taste or texture. Came out a bit hard/thick at the end – decent when fresh but not so appealing day after. Love the small batch experimenting though!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this out Laura! I so appreciate you giving it a go! This is one of my favorite recipes and one we make often in our house so I’m not sure why they may have turned out dry. I’m planning to do some experimenting this week and see if I can figure out where this small batch might be going wrong for some! I’ll update the recipe with my findings!
I followed the recipe step for step and the dough was dry and clumpy. They didn’t flatten out in the oven. Very disappointing.
I’m so sorry to hear this recipe didn’t work out for you Bre. Did you use a measuring cup to measure out the flour or a scale? I’m curious what might have caused the clumpiness. I’ve made this recipe over 50 times for my own family and they always turn out amazing, but I’m going to bake them again this week and try to sort out what might have made them dry.
for some reason these didn’t spread very much for me so they were pretty thick, but they still tasted so good!!!
I’m so glad they still tasted great Bree! Did you measure out the flour with a scale? Sometimes packing the flour in tight to the measuring cup can also throw it off a bit. I’m always trying to get these as perfect as possible so if you make them again let me know how it goes!
I just made these and they turned out perfect. I was craving a sweet treat but didn’t want to do a big batch as I’m alone for the weekend. This recipe was quick and easy and the cookies turned out soft and chewy. Definitely a keeper!
I’m so honored Julie that you’re rating as a keeper. There’s honestly no higher honor.
I followed the recipe exactly but it tasted like egg.
Hi Charlotte, did you put a Large size whole egg in? you are only supposed to use the yolk.
These were SO GOOD! Thank you for the recipe ❤️
Heather – your comment just completely made my day!!! I’m so happy you loved these. I hope you get to make them again and again!
I have made these at least once a week since finding this recipe over a month ago. this is the perfect small batch recipe and they turn out thick and soft every time! switch the chocolate chips out with chunks and 😮💨 game over. five stars, will make again next week
Omg YESSS BEC! Thank you SO much for letting me know! These are one of my favorites on my site and they come out perfect every time so I am SO happy that they come out perfect for you too! So appreciate you, thanks for the 5 stars!!
These were the driest cookies I have ever made
I wish I would have read the comments first because obviously this opinion seems to be pretty universal
Hey Debbie! Thats so annoying that they came out dry- did you see the part in the post where I share that you have to be meticulous about measuring your flour? Because this is a small batch recipe, any amount over the specific measurement will make the cookies dry. I honestly make them allllll the time and have never had an issue with it being dry. A kitchen scale is your best friend for this recipe!
I measured the ingredients meticulously and these turned out perfect. I subbed the chocolate chips for a chopped up fancy chocolate bar from a recent trip to Switzerland and these cookies were a dream. Will absolutely make again!
YESSS Thank you Amanda! I can’t tell you how happy this makes me!! Thank you SO much for this 5 star rating and letting me know how much you liked these. I make them alllll the time and they are always so so good! So honored you even used your fancy chocolate for this! I’m gonna keep that in mind! Haha thanks again!
I LOVE this recipe. I’m not a baker, and I’ve made this at least 4 times already. So easy. I don’t always want a ton of cookies (because I’ll eat them all), so this is perfect. My go-to from now on. Thank you!
WOW – Four times! Repeat bakes are the best compliment! Thank you so much Chrystal!
Hi There,
Can I use coconut chunk in the Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe?
Here is my web site: https://eatengood.com/recipe/jewish-coffee-cake/
Hi, I havent tried it but if you do please let me know 🙂
This is a FANTASTIC recipe! I read the whole thing, followed the advice & wow! Soft, chewy, perfect chocolate chip cookies! Yes, I’m yelling! Because I’m excited! Truth be told, I’m not a “cookie person” & I hate baking (I love to cook but baking makes me nervous haha) but this recipe was easy, fast & a huge winner with my whole family! I even loved them & they’re soft the next day too. Thank you so much! Woohoo!
Omg Mary this is a safe space to always yell about cookies HAHA! Thank you SO much for telling me all this, it made my day! So glad you loved this recipe and THANK YOU (yes im yelling lolllll) for the 5 star rating!!
Weighed the butter, brown sugar and flour. These are terrific!
YAYYY! I am so, so glad these turned out well for you Marty! They are my current go to midnight snack.