Baking cookies can be a delightful way to spend a day, and there’s nothing more satisfying than creating a beautiful box of homemade treats to share or give as a gift. Using a mini oven for your baking adventures can be just as fun and effective as using a larger one, especially if you’re looking to make small batches or bake for a more personal touch.

In today’s baking vlog, we’ll walk you through the process of making a variety of delicious cookies: classic Sablé cookies, tangy Jam-filled cookies, and the ever-popular Chocolate Chip cookies. The best part? You’ll be able to create an adorable cookie box with these treats, perfect for gifting to loved ones or enjoying with your own family.

Let’s Get Started with Our Mini Oven!

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about the star of today’s baking session – the mini oven. These compact ovens are perfect for home bakers who don’t have a lot of space or for those who prefer to bake in smaller batches. They heat up quickly, cook efficiently, and are especially great for those cozy, relaxed baking days. Plus, they are the ideal size for experimenting with different cookie recipes.

Now, let’s get baking!

1. Sablé Cookies (French Butter Cookies)

Sablé cookies are buttery, crumbly cookies with a subtle sweetness that melts in your mouth. The name “Sablé” comes from the French word “sable,” meaning “sand,” due to their sandy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour

• ½ cup of unsalted butter (softened)

• ¼ cup of powdered sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your mini oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

4. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.

5. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

6. Once chilled, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

7. Place cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown around the edges.

2. Jam-filled Cookies

Jam-filled cookies are simple yet delicious. The tartness of the jam contrasts perfectly with the sweet, buttery cookie dough.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup of unsalted butter (softened)

• ½ cup of sugar

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp of baking powder

• ¼ cup of your favorite fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)

Directions:

1. Preheat your mini oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into circles.

6. Place a spoonful of jam in the center of each cookie, then top with another cookie to form a sandwich.

7. Press the edges slightly to seal and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

A classic chocolate chip cookie is always a crowd favorite! These cookies are crispy on the edges and chewy in the middle, packed with gooey chocolate chips.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened)

• ¾ cup of granulated sugar

• ¾ cup of brown sugar

• 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp of baking soda

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups of chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your mini oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.

5. Stir in the chocolate chips.

6. Scoop out dough onto a lined baking tray, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Packaging Your Cookie Box

Once your cookies are baked, it’s time to assemble your cookie box. You can use a small gift box or a decorative tin to create a beautiful presentation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Layer the cookies: Start with a layer of parchment paper at the bottom of the box to keep the cookies from sticking. Then, arrange the cookies carefully, mixing up the types so the recipient gets a delightful assortment.

2. Add some extras: You can also add a few other homemade treats, like small chocolate truffles or candies, to make the box extra special.

3. Finish with a bow: Tie a ribbon or twine around the box for a cute finishing touch.

Why Make a Cookie Box?

Creating a cookie box is not only a fun and creative activity, but it’s also a thoughtful way to share homemade treats with friends, family, or coworkers. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just because, a cookie box is a sweet and personal gift that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Final Thoughts

Baking with a mini oven is a fantastic way to make small batches of cookies that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making buttery Sablé cookies, fruity Jam-filled cookies, or classic Chocolate Chip cookies, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your mini oven, and get ready to create a beautiful cookie box to enjoy or gift to loved ones.

For more baking inspiration, you can check out these links:

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