Okay, here’s my blog post about making small-batch desserts, written in a casual, conversational style, and focusing on the process:
So, I’ve been on this kick lately where I really want something sweet, but I don’t want a whole cake staring me down for a week. You know that feeling? Like, I want a treat, not a commitment. That’s where small-batch desserts come in. I started messing around in the kitchen, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
My First Attempt: Tiny Chocolate Chip Cookies
My first go-around was with chocolate chip cookies. I found this recipe online, but honestly, I kinda just winged it. I halved everything. I mean, everything. Flour, sugar, butter, even the egg (I just whisked it and used half…ish). The chocolate chips? I just threw in a handful. No measuring there, just pure vibes.
I mixed it all up in a small bowl – no need to drag out the big stand mixer for this! – and it looked… well, it looked like cookie dough, just less of it. I plopped a few spoonfuls onto a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper, because I’m not a monster), and popped them in the oven.
- Flour: Eyeballed it, probably about 1/2 cup.
- Sugar: A couple of tablespoons, mostly brown, some white.
- Butter: A chunk. Melted it in the microwave.
- Egg: Whisked, then used about half.
- Chocolate Chips: A generous handful.
I baked them for… I don’t know, 8-10 minutes? I just kept checking until they looked golden brown and delicious. And guess what? They were! Seriously, they were perfect. Warm, gooey, and just enough to satisfy my craving without making me feel like I needed to run a marathon.
Getting a Little Braver: Mini Mug Cake
After the cookie success, I felt emboldened. Next up: a mug cake. I’ve seen these all over the internet, and they seemed like the ultimate single-serving dessert. I found some basic instructions, but again, I mostly just did my own thing.
I grabbed a mug, threw in some flour, cocoa powder, sugar, a pinch of baking powder, and a splash of milk. I stirred it all up with a fork, right in the mug. Then, because I’m extra, I added a spoonful of Nutella in the middle. For a molten center, you know?
I microwaved it for about a minute, maybe a minute and a half. I just kept an eye on it until it looked cooked but still a little gooey. And oh. My. Goodness. It was like a warm, chocolatey hug in a mug. The Nutella center was chef’s kiss.
The main takaway is I could make the dessert that could satisfy me and I don’t need waste a lot time and material.
So, yeah, that’s my small-batch dessert journey so far. It’s been super fun, and it’s definitely cured my fear of baking. If you’re like me and you want a sweet treat without all the leftovers, give it a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment and just have fun with it. That’s what I did, and it worked out pretty darn well.
