Are you craving the delightful taste of homemade sugar cookies but don't want a massive batch? This guide provides the ultimate small batch sugar cookie recipe, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without the leftover cookie guilt. We'll cover everything from the perfect recipe to tips and tricks for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why Choose a Small Batch Sugar Cookie Recipe?
A small batch recipe offers several advantages:
- Less Waste: Avoid having dozens of cookies lingering around, tempting you (and potentially going stale).
- Perfect for Practice: Ideal for experimenting with different flavors and decorating techniques without a large commitment.
- Quick Baking: Faster baking time means you can enjoy your delicious cookies sooner.
- Portion Control: Easy to manage portion sizes, preventing overindulgence.
- Resource Efficiency: Uses less butter, sugar, and eggs, making it economical.
The Perfect Small Batch Sugar Cookie Recipe (Makes about 12 cookies)
This recipe focuses on simplicity and deliciousness:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, sanding sugar for decorating
Instructions:
- Cream together the butter and sugars: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but can be accomplished with a strong arm and a whisk.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll and cut cookies: Roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (optional): Once cooled, decorate your cookies with sprinkles, icing, or sanding sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my small batch sugar cookies softer?
Using more brown sugar adds moisture, resulting in softer cookies. Slightly underbaking them also helps maintain a tender texture. Storing them in an airtight container also helps retain moisture.
Can I freeze small batch sugar cookie dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
What are some variations for my small batch sugar cookies?
Experiment with different extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint. Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor and texture. Use different sugars like turbinado or coconut sugar for unique flavors.
How do I store leftover small batch sugar cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?
While all-purpose flour works best, you can experiment with a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, chewier cookie. However, be aware that the results might vary slightly.
This small batch sugar cookie recipe is a delightful starting point for your baking adventures. Feel free to experiment and personalize it to create your perfect cookie! Enjoy!
