Famous Amos Style Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something purely magical about the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the home. If you’ve ever savored a Famous Amos cookie and thought, “I wish I could have these every day,” then this is your lucky day. Get ready to embark on a sweet journey with these delightful mini chocolate chip cookies that capture that nostalgic flavor in the most scrumptious way possible.
Why Make This Recipe
- Miniature size means they are perfect for snacking or sharing, just like the classic Famous Amos.
- The combination of brown sugar and mini chocolate chips creates a chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
- They are super easy to make, giving you a homemade treat that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Making Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home
Baking might seem daunting, but creating your own Famous Amos style cookies is simpler than you may think. Here’s how to bring this delicious treat to life, step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step that ensures cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color we all love.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisking these ingredients together ensures that the baking soda gets evenly distributed, giving your cookies that lift they need.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a spatula for this task, mixing until the blend is smooth and creamy. The creamy mixture will be the foundation of your cookie dough, so make sure it’s well combined.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugars are smooth, it’s time to beat in one large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients lend moisture and flavor to the cookies, making them irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be gentle! It’s okay if the dough isn’t perfectly smooth at this stage; the final blend will come together nicely once the chocolate chips are added.
Step 6: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part—fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips. These tiny morsels will be pockets of delight in every bite, reminiscent of those classic Famous Amos cookies. Be careful not to mix too aggressively; you want those chips to be evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tiny tablespoons of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. The centers might appear a bit soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 9: Cooling
Once baked to perfection, allow your cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for maintaining a chewy texture as the residual heat continues to cook the cookies just a little bit more.
Keeping Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies Fresh
To ensure that your mini chocolate chip cookies remain fresh and delectably soft, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to take them out a bit before serving to bring back that signature chewiness.
- Freezing Cookies: Freeze cookies in a single layer between sheets of wax or parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just pull them out and let them thaw at room temperature.
Best Ways to Serve Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
These mini chocolate chip cookies are incredibly versatile! Whether you have a cozy movie night planned or a potluck to attend, here are some delightful serving ideas:
- Milk and Cookies: Serve them with a chilled glass of milk for the classic pairing that feels like a warm hug.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, use two cookies to create mini ice cream sandwiches with your favorite flavor.
- Breakfast Treat: Crumble a few cookies over your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and crunchy start to your day.
- Cookie Platter: Arrange them on a decorative plate alongside other treats for a perfect sweet platter at any gathering.
Tips to Make Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps in creaming it without any oily residue affecting the dough.
- Measuring Flour: For best results in baking, fluff up the flour in its container before scooping and leveling it to avoid overpacking.
- Chilling the Dough: For extra flavor and texture, consider chilling the dough for 30 to 60 minutes before baking. This enhances the flavors and controls spread.
Variations or Substitutions
If you want to switch up the flavors a bit or need to accommodate allergies, consider these variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a nutty crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Substitute half of the mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate experience.
- Flavored Extracts: Try adding different extracts like almond or hazelnut in place of vanilla for a unique flavor twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the dough and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, scoop frozen cookie dough onto a baking sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time.
Q: How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
A: Ensure your butter is at room temperature, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Q: Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
A: Yes, using only brown sugar will result in a chewier cookie, while white sugar provides more crispness. A mix of both gives a perfect balance.
Q: What can I use instead of mini chocolate chips?
- Chopped chocolate bars for chunks.
- Butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different sweetness.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in these delightful cookies, it’s good to have an idea of what’s going into them. Each mini chocolate chip cookie is approximately:
- Calories: 75
- Fat: 4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though baking cookies can be a simple task, small errors can affect your results. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:
- Overmixing: Mixing too much after you add the flour can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just mixed for a tender bite.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An oven thermometer can be a handy tool for ensuring consistent temperature.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature before starting. This enables better blending and texture.
Baking these Famous Amos Style Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies is not just about the end product; it’s about creating a moment of sweetness. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of nostalgia fill your kitchen. Each bite will take you back to those carefree days of childhood and remind you that some things truly do get better with just a touch of chocolate. Happy baking!
Print
Famous Amos Style Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful mini chocolate chip cookies that capture the nostalgic flavor of Famous Amos with a chewy texture and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips gently.
- Drop small tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is softened but not melted. Chilling the dough for 30 to 60 minutes enhances flavor and texture.