1 dozen cookie recipe

Nothing beats the smell of fresh-baked cookies filling your home. But sometimes, you don’t want a huge batch. Maybe you just want enough to satisfy a craving, or you’re baking for a small group. That’s where a simple 1-dozen cookie recipe comes in handy! This easy-to-follow recipe will show you how to bake exactly 12 cookies—just enough to enjoy without overwhelming your kitchen.

Whether you prefer chewy chocolate chip, classic sugar, or something with a bit more texture, this basic recipe can be customized to fit your taste. Let’s get started!

Why Make a Small Batch of Cookies?

There are plenty of reasons to bake a small batch:

• Portion control: You get just enough cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth without leftovers that last for days.
• Quick baking time: Fewer cookies mean faster prep and baking, which is perfect for busy schedules.
• Less waste: You can enjoy fresh cookies without worrying about too many going stale.

A 1-dozen recipe is also great for experimenting with flavors without committing to a large amount of dough.

Ingredients for 1-Dozen Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for a simple 1-dozen cookie recipe. These ingredients are perfect for making soft, chewy cookies with crispy edges:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter: Softened to room temperature.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and texture.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavor.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough.
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cookie dough.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.

Essential Baking Tools

You don’t need fancy equipment to make cookies, but having the right tools can make things easier:

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl will be perfect for mixing your ingredients.
• Electric hand mixer: Optional, but useful for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Cooling rack: To allow your cookies to cool evenly.

Step-by-Step 1-Dozen Cookie Recipe

Let’s dive into the process of making this small batch of cookies.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Stir in add-ins: If you’re using chocolate chips, nuts, or any other mix-ins, fold in 1/2 cup now.
7. Shape the dough: Scoop out dough balls using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing them evenly on your baking sheet (about 2 inches apart). This recipe will make exactly 12 cookies.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfecting Small Batch Cookies

• For chewy cookies: Use more brown sugar than white sugar, as brown sugar adds moisture.
• For crispy cookies: Use slightly more granulated sugar, as it creates a crispier texture.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spreading.

Customizing Your 1-Dozen Cookies

The great thing about this basic recipe is that you can easily customize it:

• Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a classic version.
• Nutty Cookies: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
• Spiced Cookies: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of ginger for a warm, spiced cookie.

Feel free to get creative with the flavors!

How to Freeze Extra Cookie Dough

If you don’t plan to bake all the cookies right away, you can freeze the dough for later:

• Freeze dough balls: Scoop out the dough and freeze the individual balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag.
• Bake from frozen: You can bake the frozen cookie dough directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Troubleshooting Common Cookie Issues

• Cookies spreading too much: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This slows down the melting of the butter.
• Dry or crumbly dough: If your dough feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon or two of milk to help bring it together.

How to Get Evenly Baked Cookies

For perfectly baked cookies, here are some tips:

• Space the cookies evenly: Make sure there’s enough space between each cookie so they can spread out without touching.
• Rotate the baking sheet: Halfway through baking, rotate the sheet to ensure even browning.

How to Make Your Cookies Chewier

For those who love chewy cookies, here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:

• Use more brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture, which results in a chewier cookie.
• Slightly underbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when the centers are still soft.

How to Achieve Crispy Cookies

For a crispy texture, follow these tips:

• Use more granulated sugar: This encourages a crispier texture as the cookies bake.
• Bake longer: Allow the cookies to bake for an extra minute or two for a golden, crispy edge.

Cooling and Storing Your Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for the best texture. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies and thaw them when needed.

Serving Ideas for Your 1-Dozen Cookies

Freshly baked cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with some creative serving ideas:

• Serve with milk or coffee: Cookies and a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee is a classic pairing.
• Cookie ice cream sandwiches: Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a sweet treat.
• Crumbled over desserts: Use your cookies as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pudding.

Conclusion

Baking a small batch of cookies is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, homemade treats without the hassle of a large recipe. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a few friends, this 1-dozen cookie recipe is simple, customizable, and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of chewy and crispy in every bite!

FAQs

Can I double this recipe to make more cookies?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make 24 cookies instead of 12.

What’s the best way to store leftover cookie dough?
You can store leftover cookie dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but keep in mind that margarine has more water content, so the texture may be slightly different.

How can I make my cookies thicker?
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use one that is a 1:1 replacement.