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By Joanie Zisk
on Nov 18, 2020, Updated May 23, 2024
4.82 from 11 votes
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Treat yourself to these delightful small batch Sugar Cookies. These soft, Lofthouse-style cookies melt in your mouth and are topped with a rich buttercream frosting. This easy, one-bowl recipe yields about six perfectly buttery and soft sugar cookies.
this Recipe
If you’re looking for more small batch cookie recipes, check out our collection. Try chewy Oatmeal Cookies, rich Molasses Cookies, decadent Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, and classic Butter Cookies. Find these and many more delicious recipes on our website.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Watch How To Make Sugar Cookies
- What Are Lofthouse Cookies?
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Make A Small Batch Of Sugar Cookies
- Ways To Enjoy And Share
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Explore More Small Batch Cookie Recipes
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Small Batch Sugar Cookies Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Buttery Perfection: These sugar cookies are wonderfully buttery and melt in your mouth.
- Quick and Simple: Easy to mix and bake in just 10 minutes.
- Scalable Delight: The recipe doubles easily, perfect for sharing or saving some for later.
- Versatile: Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to special celebrations.
Watch How To Make Sugar Cookies
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What Are Lofthouse Cookies?
Lofthouse Cookies are a type of sugar cookie known for their soft, cake-like texture and sweet frosting. Made with basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder, these cookies are buttery and tender. Lofthouse Cookies are typically round, topped with colorful icing and sprinkles, and melt in your mouth. They are often sold pre-packaged in stores and are perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions, thanks to their customizable frosting flavors and colors.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch soft frosted sugar cookies recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Butter: We recommend using softened salted butter for that extra flavor and buttery goodness in every bite. Softened butter is crucial in this sugar cookie recipe as it allows you to cream the butter and sugar together, creating essential air pockets that result in light and airy cookies. Softened butter should feel cool to the touch but leave an indentation when pressed with a finger.
- Sugar: Use granulated sugar to achieve the ideal level of sweetness.
- Egg: Just one large egg is all you need to provide structure to your cookies.
- Vanilla extract and salt: These ingredients enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour for its versatility and ideal texture.
- Baking powder: This little ingredient plays a crucial role in giving your cookies a slight lift, ensuring their perfect texture.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with your mini batch of sugar cookies by trying out these delightful variations:
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: Drizzle or dip your cookies in melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Funfetti Cookies: Make your sugar cookies extra cheerful by adding colorful sprinkles directly into the dough. These funfetti sugar cookies are perfect for celebrations and bring a burst of color and joy to every bite.
How To Make A Small Batch Of Sugar Cookies
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set this bowl aside for later use.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter and granulated sugar for approximately 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg until well incorporated.
- Blend the Dough: With the mixer on low speed, gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix only until the ingredients are fully combined. Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
- Preheat and Shape Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Take a quarter cup of the chilled dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough ball on a baking sheet and gently flatten it using your fingers or a spatula. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, ensuring you space the cookies at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake and Cool: After the oven has preheated, bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they are just set. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cookie rack to cool completely.
Vanilla Buttercream Icing Ingredients
Refer to the recipe box below for specific ingredient quantities.
- Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or cream
- Food coloring (optional)
For the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. If needed, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
If you wish to add color to your frosting, simply incorporate 3 to 4 drops of food coloring. To complete your cookies, use a knife, offset spatula, or spoon to generously frost the cooled cookies. For an extra touch of charm, consider adding sprinkles as a delightful topping.
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Here are some fun ideas for serving and gifting these delightful sugar cookies:
To Serve
- Classic Enjoyment: Savor these soft sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk for a timeless treat.
- Tea Time Delight: Pair these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Dessert Sandwich: Create cookie sandwiches by adding a thick layer of frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Ice Cream Companion: These cookies make an excellent accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Party Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive platter with sweet treats like Pralines, Chocolate Truffles, or Peanut Butter Fudge for special occasions or gatherings.
Gift Ideas
- Cookie Jars: Fill a charming cookie jar with these sugar cookies and give it as a thoughtful gift.
- Decorative Boxes: Place the cookies in decorative boxes or tins, adding a ribbon for a festive touch.
- Gift Baskets: Include these cookies in a homemade gift basket with other goodies and treats.
- Party Favors: Wrap cookies individually and offer them as party favors for birthdays or celebrations.
- Holiday Gifting: During the holiday season, these cookies make delightful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Expert Tips
- Softened Butter: For this sugar cookie recipe, use softened butter, not cold butter. Softened butter should still feel cool to the touch, but when you press your finger into it, your finger will leave an indentation. The best way to achieve this is to leave the butter on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before using it. If you need to soften it quickly, microwave the cold butter for 10 to 15 seconds. Be cautious and watch closely to prevent any melting.
- Proper Flour Measurement: Ensure precise flour measurement by employing the spoon and level method. To measure flour correctly, scoop it with a spoon into a dry measuring cup, slightly overfilling it. Then, use the back of a knife or another straight-edged utensil to level the flour across the cup. Avoid scooping, as it compacts the flour and may lead to using more than the recipe specifies.
- Chill the Dough: The secret to achieving exceptional sugar cookies is to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking. Chilling the dough solidifies the fat. During baking, this solidified fat (butter) takes longer to melt, resulting in cookies that don’t spread out excessively and maintain their ideal shape.
- Precision Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven; they should just be set and not overly browned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sugar cookies ahead of time?
Yes, sugar cookies store well in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature. If refrigerated, they last for 1 week.
Can I prepare sugar cookie frosting in advance?
Absolutely! The frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in a covered container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost those delicious cookies. For optimal results, remember to bring the frosting to room temperature before using it. Give it a good stir with a spoon or use a hand mixer to ensure it’s well-mixed and creamy. You might find it necessary to incorporate a bit more milk to achieve the ideal spreading consistency.
How can I customize the frosting?
Experiment with food coloring or flavored extracts for endless frosting variations.
Can I double this sugar cookie recipe?
Yes! If you want to make a dozen cookies just double the ingredient amounts.
Explore More Small Batch Cookie Recipes
Discover a delightful array of small batch cookie recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings:
- Lace Cookies
- Flourless Chocolate Pecan Cookies
- Meringue Cookies
- Shortbread Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Soft Ginger Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Ricotta Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
These recipes are perfect for when you’re in the mood for a small batch of sweet treats.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
Mini King Cake
Mini Hummingbird Cake
Chocolate Lava Cake For One
Brookie For One
If you would like additional information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit ourFAQ page.
To see examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit ourStore page.
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Because you’re worth it
Small Batch Sugar Cookies
4.82 from 11 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 10 minutes mins
Chill: 1 hour hr
Total: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Servings: 6 Cookies
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Enjoy our easy small batch Sugar Cookies recipe, yielding six soft, lofthouse-style treats with luscious buttercream frosting. Easy one-bowl baking for perfectly buttery and melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Ingredients
FOR THE SUGAR COOKIES
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons salted butter -softened
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the frosting
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons salted butter -softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk -begin with 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve the desired frosting consistency. If you prefer a thinner frosting, simply add more milk. Alternatively, you can use cream for a creamier texture.
- 3 to 4 drops food coloring -optional
- sprinkles -optional
Instructions
Make the sugar cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set this bowl aside for later use.
In another medium-sized bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened butter and granulated sugar for approximately 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla extract and the egg until well incorporated.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix only until the ingredients are fully combined. Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Take a quarter cup of the chilled dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough ball on a baking sheet and gently flatten it using your fingers or a spatula. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, ensuring you space the cookies at least 2 inches apart.
After the oven has preheated, bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until they are just set. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cookie rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. If needed, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
If you wish to add color to your frosting, simply incorporate 3 to 4 drops of food coloring. To complete your cookies, use a knife, offset spatula, or spoon to generously frost the cooled cookies. For an extra touch of charm, consider adding sprinkles as a delightful topping.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Softened Butter: For this sugar cookie recipe, use softened butter, not cold butter. Softened butter should still feel cool to the touch, but when you press your finger into it, your finger will leave an indentation. The best way to achieve this is to leave the butter on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before using it. If you need to soften it quickly, microwave the cold butter for 10 to 15 seconds. Be cautious and watch closely to prevent any melting.
- Proper Flour Measurement: Ensure precise flour measurement by employing the spoon and level method. To measure flour correctly, scoop it with a spoon into adry measuring cup, slightly overfilling it. Then, use the back of a knife or another straight-edged utensil to level the flour across the cup. Avoid scooping, as it compacts the flour and may lead to using more than the recipe specifies.
- Chill the Dough: The secret to achieving exceptional sugar cookies is to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking. Chilling the dough solidifies the fat. During baking, this solidified fat (butter) takes longer to melt, resulting in cookies that don’t spread out excessively and maintain their ideal shape.
- Precision Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven; they should just be set and not overly browned.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie, Calories: 262kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 205mg, Potassium: 109mg, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 480IU, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 1.2mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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4.82 from 11 votes (7 ratings without comment)
26 Comments
Is the salt AND the salted butter going to make these cookies too salty?
Reply
We don’t find them salty at all. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand or prefer. If you’re watching your sodium intake, unsalted butter is an excellent option. Either way, the choice of butter won’t significantly impact the final outcome of these sugar cookies
Reply
These really are all that and more! Always buttery soft and so deliciously frosted. These homeade cookies are truly amazing. The recipe is so easy to follow and it’s nice that there are doubling directions, I always double as my hubby is a huge fan. I highly recommend 👌
Thank you! I switched out 1/4 cup of flour for grounded up dried strawberries and they turn out great.
Reply
Oh, I love that idea! So glad you enjoyed the cookies!
Reply
