Can’t count how many times I’ve whipped up these ‘Tiny Tasty Treasures’ this December alone!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (or other mix-ins like sprinkles or chopped nuts, depending on your preference)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The air incorporated during this step gives the cookies a light, tender texture.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients:

• Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until combined. The vanilla will add a sweet aroma, while the egg binds everything together.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a denser texture.

5. Mix in the Mini Chocolate Chips:

• Gently fold the mini chocolate chips (or your choice of mix-ins) into the dough. This is where you can get creative—feel free to use festive sprinkles, chopped candy canes, or crushed nuts for a holiday twist!

6. Scoop and Shape the Dough:

• Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls. You want the balls to be about 1 inch in diameter—just the right size for popping in your mouth!

7. Bake the Tiny Tasty Treasures:

• Place the dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each ball with your fingers to flatten them slightly.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. These tiny treasures will firm up a bit as they cool, but they should have a deliciously tender center.

8. Let Cool and Enjoy:

• Once they’re done baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. These little beauties are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled enough to set their shape—but feel free to sneak a warm bite!

Why These Tiny Tasty Treasures Are So Special:

1. Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and simple steps, these cookies come together in no time. There’s no complicated mixing or waiting around, making them perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions.
2. Perfectly Bite-Sized: These treats are small enough to eat by the handful, making them a perfect snack for guests of all ages. Their bite-sized nature means you can enjoy a little something sweet without feeling guilty, and they’re ideal for portion control.
3. Versatile: The best part about these cookies is that they are endlessly customizable. Use different mix-ins depending on what you have on hand—chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or even candy cane pieces for a festive holiday vibe. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
4. Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery dough, sweet sugar, and chocolatey goodness is hard to resist. The small size of the cookies means they’re perfectly crispy around the edges, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center that’s full of flavor.
5. Ideal for Gifting or Sharing: Pack them up in festive tins or jars to give as gifts, or serve them on a cookie platter at your next holiday gathering. These little treasures will bring smiles to everyone who tastes them.

Tips for Perfect Tiny Tasty Treasures:

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
• Add Holiday Flavors: Spice up the flavor by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of peppermint extract to the dough. These spices bring a lovely holiday warmth to the cookies.
• Watch the Bake Time: Since these cookies are small, they bake quickly. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking, which can make them dry.
• Mix and Match Add-Ins: Use mini chocolate chips, but don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins. Holiday sprinkles, crushed candy canes, or chopped nuts can add a fun festive touch.
• Serve with Hot Cocoa: These tiny treasures are perfect for pairing with a mug of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. The rich, creamy flavor of the chocolate balances beautifully with the warmth of a beverage.

Conclusion:

There’s no wonder that Tiny Tasty Treasures are a holiday favorite—they’re quick, easy, and full of irresistible flavor. These bite-sized delights are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a little treat whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party or simply want a sweet snack to enjoy with family, these cookies are bound to become a go-to recipe.

Whip them up today and experience the joy of these tiny, tasty treasures that have become a December tradition in so many homes!