There is nothing better than filling an entire cookie tray without making multiple batches of dough. This one batch of sugar cookie dough can be turned into four completely different cookies that look and taste unique.
When I was a kid, my great aunt Shirley used to bring a plate of cookies from her church cookie exchange to my parents’ house on Christmas Eve. It was so much fun to try the different cookies! I have come up with the perfect one-batch cookie plate for the holidays. It is simple enough to make on a weekday and festive enough to share at Christmas.
If you are looking for an easy way to make a holiday cookie plate from one dough, this recipe is for you. This soft sugar cookie base recipe can be used to create four cookies with different toppings and textures, using the same ingredients and no extra bowls.
Base Sugar Cookie Dough
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons good-quality vanilla extract
2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. This is where the fun begins.
One Batch Cookie Plate
This one batch of sugar cookie dough can be turned into four completely different cookies that look and taste unique.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the egg and vanilla and mix until smooth.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
-
Divide the dough into four equal portions. This is where the fun begins.
Four Cookie Varieties
Sprinkle Cookies
Roll one portion of dough into balls and coat them in colorful sprinkles. Press each cookie slightly flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Mix ¼ cup of sugar with one teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball in the mixture before baking. These taste just like snickerdoodles without any extra steps.
Cherry Jam Buttons
Roll the dough into balls and press an indent in the center with your thumb. Fill each indent with a small spoonful of cherry jam before baking.
Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Roll the dough into balls and press chocolate chips and crushed candy canes on top.
Equipment
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. I would avoid storing these cookies in the fridge.
More Variations you can try!
If you want to fill your cookie plate even more, try one of these variations next time.
Mini M&M cookies. Press mini candies on top before baking.
Lemon glaze cookies. Drizzle with powdered sugar mixed with a bit of lemon juice.
Coconut almond cookies. Roll in shredded coconut before baking. You can also add almond extract to this one.
Peanut butter swirl cookies. Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter and roll in sugar.
My favorite way to make a whole plate of cookies for the holidays is by making a single batch instead of multiple batches or participating in a cookie exchange!
This one-batch cookie plate is the easiest way to satisfy your cookie craving! You will love the flavor of this basic sugar cookie recipe. If you make this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Please comment below this blog post or tag me on social media and let me know how these turned out for you! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.
