Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies
Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just any ordinary cookies; they are fun, cheerful, and perfect for brightening anyone’s day! With their delightful smiley faces made from candy eyes and chocolate, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face as well as to those who enjoy them. Easy to make and delicious to eat, they can be a great treat for any occasion or just a fun baking project to do at home.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to bake Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are simple to prepare, making them suitable for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the cookie dough is classic and delicious, with the addition of candy eyes and smiles adding a unique twist. These cookies are great for parties, gatherings, or even just a sweet treat for yourself. The joy they bring is well worth the time spent making them!
How to Make Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (white sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/8 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 36 Jumbo Candy Eyes
- 4 ounces dark confectionery coating (melted)
Directions
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a bowl. Beat on medium speed for about a minute until well blended.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla to the mixture. Beat until everything is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Fold the chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
- Scoop out 16-18 cookies, using about 1/4 cup of dough for each. Place the cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake cookies one tray at a time for 12-16 minutes. The cookies should begin to set around the edges, turning light golden brown while still soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Attach two candy eyes to each cookie using the melted confectionery coating. Pour the remaining coating into a squeeze bottle or small zip-top bag. Pipe smiles onto the cookies and let the candy coating harden.
How to Serve Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies can be served on a colorful platter for parties, placed in a cookie jar for family treats, or even packaged as gifts. They are perfect for kids’ parties, bake sales, or any gathering where a little fun is wanted.
How to Store Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies after they are completely cooled. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last for up to three months.
Tips to Make Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make sure your butter is properly softened for a creamy texture.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for an extra delicious cookie.
- Get creative with the facial expressions by using different colored candy decorations.
Variation
If you want to try something different, you can use white chocolate chips or add in some colorful sprinkles to the batter for extra fun. You can also substitute the candy eyes with mini marshmallows or other fun candy options to create various looks!
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Yes, margarine can be used, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Butter gives the best taste!
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
Q: What should I do if I can’t find Jumbo Candy Eyes?
A: You can use small candy pieces or even draw smiles with icing for a fun alternative!
Smiley Face Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) Ensure it is properly softened.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (white sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour Unbleached is best.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate chips.
Decoration
- 36 pieces Jumbo Candy Eyes For the smiley faces.
- 4 ounces dark confectionery coating (melted) For attaching eyes and piping smiles.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together in a bowl. Beat on medium speed for about a minute until well blended.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla to the mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking soda together. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Fold the chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
- Scoop out 16-18 cookies, using about 1/4 cup of dough for each. Place the cookies on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake cookies one tray at a time for 12-16 minutes. The cookies should begin to set around the edges, turning light golden brown while still soft in the center.
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
Decoration
- Attach two candy eyes to each cookie using the melted confectionery coating.
- Pour the remaining coating into a squeeze bottle or small zip-top bag. Pipe smiles onto the cookies and let the candy coating harden.
