Are you craving the delightful crunch of a perfectly baked sugar cookie, but don't want to be burdened with a huge batch? This guide provides the ultimate small batch sugar cookie recipe, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without the commitment of a large quantity. 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?
Many reasons exist for opting for a smaller batch of cookies. Perhaps you live alone, have a small family, or simply want to experiment with different flavors and decorations without the leftover cookie overload. Small batches are also great for minimizing food waste and ensuring maximum freshness.
The Perfect Small Batch Sugar Cookie Recipe (Makes about 12 cookies)
This recipe focuses on simplicity and deliciousness, easily adaptable to your preferred level of sweetness and flavor profiles.
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
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. An electric mixer is recommended for best results, but a sturdy whisk will also work.
- 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 much 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 on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
- Bake: 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.
How to Decorate Small Batch Sugar Cookies
Once cooled, let your creativity run wild! You can decorate your small batch sugar cookies with:
- Royal Icing: A classic choice for intricate designs.
- Simple Glaze: A quick and easy option using powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
- Sprinkles: Add a burst of color and texture.
- Candy Melts: Create beautiful drizzles or shapes.
Can I Freeze Small Batch Sugar Cookie Dough?
Yes! Freezing the dough before baking is a great way to enjoy fresh cookies anytime. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before rolling and baking.
What are some variations for a small batch sugar cookie recipe?
You can easily adapt this recipe to create unique flavors:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the wet ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do small batch sugar cookies last?
Small batch sugar cookies, stored in an airtight container at room temperature, will typically last for 3-5 days.
Can I use different types of sugar in this recipe?
While this recipe calls for granulated and brown sugar, you can experiment with other types. Using only granulated sugar will result in a crispier cookie, while using only brown sugar will create a chewier cookie.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the dough wasn't chilled long enough or the oven temperature was too high. Try chilling the dough for a longer period or slightly reducing the oven temperature next time.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to bake the perfect small batch sugar cookies. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
