The Story & Intro
Every Christmas, I love the tradition of baking cookies, and nothing brings me more joy than the smell of sugar and butter filling the kitchen. Growing up in Crete, my grandmother had a simple philosophy: baking isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about sharing love. That’s why I adore making easy small-batch Christmas sugar cookies. They’re the perfect size for a cozy holiday treat, and they bring back those warm memories of decorating cookies with family, giggling over powdered sugar, and tasting dough straight from the bowl.
I wanted to create a recipe that’s approachable for everyone even if you only want to bake a dozen cookies instead of filling trays for a crowd. These cookies are buttery, soft, and just sweet enough to satisfy any holiday craving. The best part? They hold their shape perfectly for decorating with festive icing or sprinkles.
When I make easy small-batch Christmas sugar cookies, it’s not just baking it’s a small celebration in itself. These cookies are ideal for creating a little magic in your kitchen while keeping things simple and fun. Whether you’re a beginner baker or someone who loves small, meaningful holiday traditions, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for small batches, so you don’t end up with hundreds of cookies.
- Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or leave plain.
- Quick to make no long chill times or complicated steps.
- Great for gifts, parties, or a cozy holiday treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional:
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
- Icing or frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. The batter should feel creamy and sweetly aromatic.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want the cookies tender, not tough.
5. Shape the Cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly if you want classic round cookies.
6. Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they’ll set as the cookies cool.
7. Cool and Decorate
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles, icing, or leave plain.
Serving Suggestions
These easy small-batch Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for:
- Gift boxes or mason jar presents
- Holiday cookie trays
- Festive tea or cocoa time
- Baking with kids or friends for a fun activity
You can also mix and match decorations for a playful holiday look.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before decorating.
- Decorated cookies with icing are best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
Recipe Card 🎄✨
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Bake: 8–10 minutes
- Total: 20 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: Sprinkles or icing
🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.
- Form dough balls, flatten slightly, place on sheet.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges lightly golden.
- Cool 5 minutes, transfer to rack, decorate.
📝 Notes
- Don’t overmix to keep cookies soft.
- Add colored sugar or sprinkles for festive flair.
- Use softened butter for easier mixing.
💪 Nutrition (approx. per cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Baking easy small-batch Christmas sugar cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions. These cookies are simple, festive, and perfectly sized for cozy celebrations or thoughtful gifts. From the buttery, soft texture to the fun of decorating, this recipe brings a little holiday magic into your home. I hope this recipe helps you create sweet memories with your loved ones just like my grandmother taught me in Crete. Enjoy the smell, the taste, and the joy of sharing these cookies with friends, family, and anyone who loves a little holiday cheer.
100-Word Marilyn Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn, and holiday baking has always been a tradition in my family. These easy small-batch Christmas sugar cookies are my go-to recipe for creating festive magic without spending hours in the kitchen. Soft, buttery, and just sweet enough, they’re perfect for decorating with kids or giving as thoughtful gifts. I love how approachable they are, letting anyone new bakers or experienced cooks feel the joy of the season. Every bite reminds me of my grandmother in Crete, teaching me that baking is about love, warmth, and making memories. Let’s make the holidays sweeter together!