Small Batch Sugar Cookies with Optional Colorful Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These small batch sugar cookies are perfect when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want a whole dozen. Soft, buttery, and easy to make, they come with a creamy vanilla frosting that you can customize with your favorite colors and sprinkles.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 to 4 drops food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until fully combined.
4. Step 4: With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 45 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough and roll into a ball. Place on the baking sheet and gently flatten with your fingers or a spatula. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
6. Step 6: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Step 7: To make the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk one teaspoon at a time. For colored frosting, mix in 3–4 drops of food coloring until evenly blended.
8. Step 8: Spread the frosting on cooled cookies using a knife or offset spatula for a smooth finish. Add sprinkles if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter texture, chill the dough for at least an hour before baking.
• Use different food coloring or add extracts like almond or lemon to customize the flavor of your frosting.
• If you prefer crispier cookies, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Sprinkles add a fun touch, but you can also top with chopped nuts or edible glitter for variety.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep frosted cookies separate with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed container for up to 1 month, thaw before frosting. Reheat frosted cookies gently in a low oven if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Yes, these sugar cookies are delicious on their own. Simply skip the frosting step and enjoy the buttery, soft texture as is.

How can I make my frosting thicker or thinner?

To thicken frosting, add more powdered sugar gradually. To thin it out, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Small Batch Sugar Cookies with Optional Colorful Frosting Recipe

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4.9 from 141 reviews

This recipe for Small Batch Sugar Cookies makes a perfect single batch of soft, tender cookies topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting. These classic sugar cookies are easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and baked to light golden perfection. Ideal for a cozy treat or small gatherings, the cookies offer a delightful balance of buttery sweetness with a luscious homemade frosting that can be optionally colored and decorated with sprinkles.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 small to medium cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookies

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

For the Frosting

• 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 to 4 drops food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, mixing until fully combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 45 minutes to firm up.
4. Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough and roll into a ball. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with your fingers or a spatula, spacing about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and lightly golden at the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. For colored frosting, add 3 to 4 drops of food coloring and mix evenly.
7. Frost the Cookies: Spread the frosting on the cooled cookies with a knife or offset spatula to create a smooth finish. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Let the frosting set before serving.

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading while baking and enhances flavor.
• If you prefer softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly and watch closely.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a better texture.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• The frosting can be customized with flavor extracts like almond or lemon for variety.

Keywords: small batch sugar cookies, vanilla sugar cookies, easy sugar cookies, homemade frosting sugar cookies, classic sugar cookie recipe