Cookies are a timeless treat that bring joy to any occasion. But sometimes, a full batch is just too much—whether you’re baking for a small gathering or simply craving a few cookies for yourself.
That’s where this 1/2 recipe for Nestlé Small Batch Toll House Cookies comes in handy! This guide will show you how to make a smaller batch without sacrificing the iconic flavor and texture we all love.
Let’s dive into why halving recipes is useful, how the original Nestlé Toll House recipe works, and what adjustments are needed to create the perfect small batch of cookies.
Table of Contents
Why Adjusting Cookie Recipes is Useful
Halving a cookie recipe isn’t just about making fewer cookies—it also helps with:
When and Why to Halve a Recipe
✔ Cooking for Fewer People – A full batch makes about 60 cookies, which can be too much for small households.
✔ Experimenting with New Flavors – Trying a new recipe? A smaller batch minimizes waste if things don’t turn out as expected.
✔ Ingredient Shortages – Sometimes, you might not have enough butter or chocolate chips—halving lets you work with what’s available.
✔ Storage Constraints – If you don’t have space for dozens of cookies, a smaller batch is easier to store.
Benefits of a Smaller Batch
🍪 Freshness: Cookies taste best when they’re fresh! A smaller batch means fewer leftovers that lose texture over time.
🍪 Calorie Control: Fewer cookies = fewer temptations for overindulgence.
🍪 Time-Saving: Less dough to mix, portion, and bake—perfect for when you want cookies fast!
Overview of the Original Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe
A Brief History of Nestlé Toll House Cookies
Nestlé Toll House cookies date back to the 1930s, when Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, accidentally created the first chocolate chip cookie. She added chopped bits of a Nestlé chocolate bar into her cookie dough, expecting it to melt—but instead, the chocolate held its shape, creating delicious morsels in every bite.
Nestlé soon began printing her recipe on chocolate chip packages, making it an American classic for generations.
Ingredients in the Full Recipe
The original Nestlé Toll House recipe makes about 60 cookies and includes:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (12 oz) Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
This yields a lot of cookies, which is why a 1/2 recipe is a great alternative!
The 1/2 Recipe: Adjustments and Tips
To make a small batch of Nestlé Toll House cookies, we’ll halve each ingredient:
Adjusted Ingredient List
| Ingredient | 1/2 Recipe Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ⅛ cups |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 6 tbsp (¼ cup + 2 tbsp) |
| Brown sugar | 6 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup (6 oz) |
| Chopped nuts (optional) | ½ cup |
Baking Time & Temperature Adjustments
✔ Keep the oven at 350°F (175°C).
✔ Reduce baking time slightly: Start checking at 8 minutes—cookies are ready when edges are golden brown but centers are still soft.
✔ Cooling Tip: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
ture while producing a smaller batch. Following precise measurements and paying attention to baking time ensures your cookies turn out just as delicious as the full recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the 1/2 Recipe
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the 1/2 Recipe
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Add Egg & Vanilla
Mix in 1 egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6️⃣ Fold in Chocolate Chips & Nuts
Gently stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
7️⃣ Scoop & Bake
Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8️⃣ Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Equipment You’ll Need
To prepare the 1/2 recipe of Nestle Toll House cookies, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk and spatula)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Having everything ready ensures a smoother baking process and less mess to clean up later.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?
❌ Butter was too soft – Let it soften naturally, not melt.
❌ Not enough flour – Use the spoon-and-level method to measure correctly.
❌ Dough was too warm – Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
How to Get the Perfect Texture
✔ For crispier cookies: Use slightly more granulated sugar.
✔ For softer cookies: Add an extra egg yolk.
✔ For a gourmet touch: Sprinkle cookies with sea salt before baking.
Creative Variations for the 1/2 Recipe
Baking is as much about creativity as precision. Here are some fun variations you can try with the 1/2 recipe:
- Additions: Mix in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Flavor Enhancers: Add a dash of cinnamon, espresso powder, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the dough before baking for a gourmet twist.
- Different Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or butterscotch chips to change up the flavor.
- Healthier Options: Substitute half the butter with applesauce or mashed bananas for a lower-fat version, or use whole-wheat flour for added fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I use different chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store cookies with a slice of bread in the container—it keeps them soft!
Conclusion
Baking a small batch of Nestlé Toll House cookies is perfect for quick cravings, smaller gatherings, and avoiding excess cookies.
With this 1/2 recipe, you get the same delicious taste—just in a more manageable portion.
Happy baking! 😊
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🍪 Try our Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Half: Results Every Time! It’s another delicious and easy breakfast idea that’s perfect for starting your day on a sweet note. Give it a try and let us know what you think!