Small-Batch Holiday Cookies for Sharing

Holiday baking doesn’t have to mean flour on every surface and five dozen cookies you’re tired of looking at by the end of the day. Sometimes, the sweetest moments come from one little tray of cookies, still warm from the oven, shared with a neighbor, a friend, or someone who just needs a bit of cheer.

That’s where small-batch holiday cookies come in.

Instead of baking huge amounts, small-batch recipes give you just enough for:

• A plate to drop off at a friend’s house
• A little treat for a cozy movie night
• A simple “thinking of you” gift with a handwritten note

All the joy of holiday baking, without the overload.

Why Small-Batch Works So Well for the Holidays

Holiday season can be… a lot. There are events, errands, lists, and more lists. Baking doesn’t have to be one more “big production” on top of everything else.

Small-batch cookies are perfect when you:

• Don’t want leftovers hanging around for days
• Are baking for 1–2 people instead of a crowd
• Want to try a few different flavors over the season, not just one giant batch
• Like the idea of fresh-baked cookies without committing your whole afternoon

You still get the warm oven, the cozy smells, and that holiday feeling—just in a more relaxed, manageable way.

Tips for Easy Small-Batch Cookie Baking

A few simple guidelines help small-batch recipes turn out just right:

Use a smaller bowl. You don’t need your biggest mixing bowl. A medium bowl and a spoon or small whisk work perfectly and make cleanup quick.

Measure as accurately as you can. When you’re working with small amounts of flour, sugar, and butter, a little extra can make a bigger difference. Level off your measuring spoons and cups, especially for flour.

Don’t skip the chill time (if you can help it). Even a short 15–20 minute chill in the fridge helps the dough hold its shape and gives you nicer, thicker cookies.

Line your pan. A small sheet of parchment paper on your baking sheet helps cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup super simple.

Watch the bake time closely. Small-batch usually means fewer cookies spaced out on the pan, and they can bake a bit faster. Start checking a minute or two earlier than you normally would.

Simple Small-Batch Holiday Cookie Base

Makes about 8–10 cookies

This is a basic buttery cookie dough you can dress up with your favorite holiday mix-ins—red and green sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed candy cane.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (loosely spooned, then leveled)
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda (a small pinch)
• Tiny pinch of salt
• 2–3 tablespoons of mix-ins (sprinkles, mini chips, chopped nuts, etc.)

Instructions

1. In a small or medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla, and stir until fully combined.
3. Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over the top. Gently mix until you have a soft, even dough.
4. Fold in your chosen mix-ins—just enough to spread them through the dough without over-mixing.
5. Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes while you preheat the oven.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop small balls of dough (about 1 to 1½ tablespoons each) and place them on the sheet, leaving space between. You’ll get about 8–10 cookies.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set. They’ll firm up as they cool.
9. Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack—or straight onto a small serving plate if you’re feeling cozy.

Easy Holiday Mix-In Ideas

You can use the same base dough and change the mood just by switching what you stir in:

Festive Sprinkle Cookies. Use red, green, and white sprinkles or jimmies. Roll the dough balls in extra sprinkles before baking for a bright, cheerful look.

Chocolate-Chip & Peppermint. Add mini chocolate chips and a spoonful of finely crushed candy cane. These feel very “holiday” with almost no extra effort.

Cranberry & White Chocolate. Stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for a sweet-tart combo that feels just a little fancy.

Nutty Brown Sugar Cookies. Add chopped pecans or walnuts and a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. Perfect with a cup of coffee or hot tea.

Small Plate, Big Heart

There’s something really sweet about walking across the street or down the hall with a little plate of cookies, wrapped in a napkin or tucked into a small tin. You don’t need a giant platter or a big party—just a few cookies, a smile, and maybe a short note.

Small-batch baking is a reminder that holiday kindness doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.

Whether you’re baking for a neighbor, a delivery driver, a friend who’s had a rough week, or just the two of you at home, we hope these simple cookies bring a little warmth into your holiday season.

From our kitchen to yours,

Kevan & Bobby – RainbowScapes Haven