Go Back
small batch sugar cookies

Small Batch Sugar Cookies

Sophie
Craving a quick treat? These small batch sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and easy to make—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Cookies
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

What You’ll Need

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened – Adds richness and creates a tender crumb.
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while helping them bake to a light golden color.
  • 1 egg yolk – Provides moisture and structure without making the dough too wet.
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm aromatic sweetness.
  • cup all-purpose flour – The base that gives the cookies their structure.
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft chewy texture.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

  • Sprinkles or sanding sugar – For a festive touch.
  • Lemon or orange zest – Adds a refreshing citrus twist.
  • Mini chocolate chips – For an extra indulgent treat.

Instructions
 

1- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Baking Sheet

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2- Cream the Butter & Sugar

  • In a small mixing bowl, use a fork or hand mixer to blend the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and airy.
  • This step creates a light and tender cookie texture by incorporating air into the dough.

3- Add the Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • The egg yolk adds richness, while vanilla enhances the overall flavor.

4- Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
  • If you’re adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles, gently fold them in now.

5- Shape & Arrange the Dough

  • Divide the dough into small portions, rolling each into a smooth ball about 1 inch in size.
  • Place them on the lined baking sheet, ensuring about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

6- Bake to Perfection

  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the edges to develop a slight golden hue while the centers remain soft.

7- Cooling Time

  • Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a minute or two before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Video

Notes

Recipe Details:
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 6 cookies
  • Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
 
Keyword easy sugar cookie recipe small batch, single sugar cookie recipe, small batch sugar cookies