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Home » Recipes » Single Serving Desserts

By Joanie Zisk Published: Dec 7, 2018 · Updated: Nov 25, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Small Batch Lace Cookies

Jump to Recipe
lace cookies on a green and white plate.

Lovely Florentine Lace Cookies - these delicate, crisp lace cookies are easy to make and incredibly delicious! These thin cookies are a holiday favorite and this small batch cookie recipe yields 4-5 cookies.

Five lace cookies stacked on a plate

I love baking during the holidays. It's fun to step out of a "cookie comfort zone" and bake cookies I normally don't bake at other times of the year. Each year these old-fashioned lace cookies are at the top of my Christmas cookie-baking list and with good reason. They're incredibly delicious and so very easy to make.

Jump to:
  • What Are Lace Cookies?
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients & Ingredient Notes
  • How To Make A Small Batch Of Lace Cookies
  • Expert Tips
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Other Small Batch Cookie Recipes
  • Equipment Needed
  • Recipe

What Are Lace Cookies?

Lace cookies are very thin, delicate-looking cookies are also known as Florentines. These crisp cookies are made with sugar, cream, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, flour, or sometimes finely chopped almonds and oats.

They are said to have originated in Italy sometime around the Renaissance period. When researching the origin of oatmeal lace cookies, I discovered that Ireland also claims a lace cookie recipe too. Irish Lace Cookies are made with basically the same list of ingredients.

Looking a little further, I learned that the French also make a similar cookie. I guess that shows that these beautiful cookies are popular all over the world.

Why This Recipe Works

  • So easy to make: Lace cookies are surprisingly easy to make - just 7 ingredients are needed!
  • Beautiful cookies: They look so pretty on a dessert table.
  • Bake quickly: The cookies bake in just 8 minutes.
  • Incredibly delicious: Lace cookies are very thin and the longer they bake, the crispier they become. I love the buttery toffee-like flavor and brittle candy-like texture. They're almost too pretty to eat!

RELATED: The Best Cookie Recipes For One

an overhead picture of a florentine lace cookie on a while plate.
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Ingredients & Ingredient Notes

See below for ways to use leftover ingredients.

  • Oats: For best results, use old-fashioned oats.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is used in these oatmeal lace cookies. To make gluten-free lace cookies, I recommend using King Arthur Gluten Free Measure For Measure Flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Sugar: Use granulated sugar.
  • Heavy cream: Use heavy whipping cream or heavy cream. Both of these ingredients are essentially the same - they both have over 36% milk fat, and the name often depends on the brand.
  • Corn syrup: Use light or dark corn syrup
  • Butter: Use salted or unsalted butter.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful flavor.

How To Make A Small Batch Of Lace Cookies

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. The cookie dough is prepared on the stove. I hesitate to call it "cookie dough" as it is more like a cake batter. The sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter are stirred over medium heat on the stove until the butter has melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally for 1 minute.
  3. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Next, stir in the oats and flour.
  4. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes. There's no need to chill the cookie dough with this recipe. Just letting the dough rest will allow the dough to slightly thicken, making spooning it onto the baking sheet easier.
  5. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop that holds approximately 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough or a large tablespoon, drop the batter onto a cookie sheet lined with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow them to spread.
  6. Bake for 6-8 minutes in a preheated 350° F (177° C) oven. Be sure to watch the cookies closely to prevent the cookies from overbaking. The cookies should be a light brown color.
  7. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute, then remove them very carefully with a spatula and place them on a baking rack to cool completely. 

This small batch lace cookie recipe will yield 4-5 delicate lace cookies.

a close up picture of 5 florentine lace cookies on a lace plate.

RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One

Expert Tips

  • Only bake a few cookies at a time on a baking sheet. Lace cookies spread out quite a bit so leaving 2 to 3 inches between each cookie is a good idea.
  • Use a nonstick baking liner, such as Silpat. It makes it so easy to remove the cookies from the baking tray. Since lace cookies are very delicate, they break easily.
  • After the cookies have cooled on the baking sheet for 1 minute, use a wide spatula to transfer them to a cooling tray. If the cookie bunches or tears when you try to remove it, leave the cookies on the cookie tray and let them continue to cool for another minute.
  • Consider spreading a layer of Nutella or melted chocolate over a few of the lace cookies and top them with another cookie to make a sandwich. I have included the instructions for melting chocolate in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section below.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this classic oatmeal lace cookies recipe, you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

  • Oats: Butter Pecan Granola, Baked Apples, Baked Oatmeal, Peach Cobbler
  • Flour: Apple Fritters, Pumpkin Coffee Cake, Cornbread, Mini Dutch Apple Pie
  • Sugar: Zucchini Bread, Caramelized Plums, Blueberry Cobbler, Mini Devil's Food Cake
  • Cream: Zuppa Toscana, Crustless Pizza Quiche, Banana Cream Pie, Whipped Cream
  • Corn syrup: Pecan Pie
  • Butter: Bananas Foster, Apple Crisp, Pasta Primavera, Peanut Butter Pie
  • Vanilla: Pralines, Vanilla Pudding, Two Vanilla Cupcakes, Mini Boston Cream Pie

Frequently Asked Questions

How Should I Store Lace Cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Can I Freeze These Cookies?

You can freeze lace cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How Do I Melt Chocolate To Make A "Lace Cookie Sandwich"

The key to melting chocolate in the microwave is to make sure the chocolate is in small, uniform pieces. Use good quality chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate. I like using Ghirardelli or Bakers brand.

Pour the chocolate pieces and ¼ teaspoon of vegetable or canola oil into a glass bowl and heat the chocolate in 15-second bursts, stirring between each. You'll notice that the first time you stir, none of the chips will appear to have melted - that's okay. By the third stir, you will be moving the warmer chocolate chips from the edges of the bowl into the center, thereby helping to melt the chips more evenly and quickly.

I use about 2 ounces of chocolate chips. This is approximately ½-cup.

Sandwich, dip, or drizzle onto cooled cookies. All the chocolate to set completely in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or at room temperature for 45 minutes.

Can This Recipe Be Doubled?

Yes! If you'd like to make extra cookies, just double the ingredients and use a larger saucepan.

Other Small Batch Cookie Recipes

If you like this florentine lace cookies recipe, you might also like to try these small batch cookie recipes:

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Butter Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Frosted Sugar Cookies
  • Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Blossoms
  • Ginger Cookies
  • Oatmeal Cookies
  • Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie
  • Mini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Equipment Needed

For this small batch lace cookies recipe, I use a 1-quart saucepan, a large cookie sheet and a medium cookie scoop. 

If you would like information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried these lace cookies or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!

Recipe

five florentine lace cookies stacked on a white plate next to a red napkin

Small Batch Lace Cookies

Small Batch Lace Cookies Recipe - delicate, crispy oatmeal cookies that are easy to make and incredibly delicious! These thin cookies are a holiday favorite. This small batch lace cookies recipe yields 4-5 large cookies.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Cool: 1 minute
Total Time: 34 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 cookies
Calories: 122kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Silicone baking mat
  • 1-quart saucepan
  • cookie scoop
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons old fashioned oats
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the oats and flour. Set bowl aside.
  • Heat the sugar, cream, corn syrup, and butter in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until butter has melted and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally for 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
  • Stir in the oats and flour.
  • Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop which holds approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough, drop the cookie batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving at least 2 inches between each cookie to allow them to spread.
  • Bake for 6-8 minutes, watching closely to prevent the cookies from over baking. Cookies should be a light brown color.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for 1 minute, then remove them very carefully with a spatula and place them on a baking rack to cool completely. 

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Only bake a few cookies at a time on a baking sheet. Lace cookies spread out quite a bit so leaving 2 to 3 inches between each cookie is a good idea.
  • Use a nonstick baking liner, such as Silpat. It makes it so easy to remove the cookies from the baking tray. Since lace cookies are very delicate, they break easily.
  • After the cookies have cooled on the baking sheet for 1 minute, use a wide spatula to transfer them to a cooling tray. If the cookie bunches or tears when you try to remove it, leave the cookies on the cookie tray and let them continue to cool for another minute.
This small batch lace cookies recipe will give you approximately 4 large cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Small Batch Lace Cookies
Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories 122 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 14mg5%
Sodium 28mg1%
Potassium 17mg0%
Carbohydrates 19g6%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 160IU3%
Calcium 6mg1%
Iron 0.3mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Bettie Hammock says

    March 28, 2022 at 10:44 am

    I am happy that you also include recipes for larger quantities. I also am enjoying your Cooking for One Cookbook.

    Reply
  2. Valerie says

    November 21, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    No heavy cream or would have used this recipe tonight.
    Love this group and thank you all for sharing your expertise.

    Reply
  3. Pat R says

    March 30, 2020 at 8:16 am

    First off - thank you very much for your scaled down recipes, it is so appreciated from this empty nester. My question about lace cookies is : at what point would I roll them so that I can fill them with a brandy cream - a cookie I tasted one time while on a holiday. Thank you

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      March 30, 2020 at 6:36 pm

      Thank you. I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes.

      To roll the cookies, bake them and leave the cookies on the baking sheet for about a minute or two, carefully tuck the edge of a spatula under the edge of the cookie and roll the cookies around a spoon or other mold.

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. JIWA says

    March 04, 2020 at 10:43 pm

    I love lace cookies. I am delighted with this recipe. As I only have a toaster oven, I bake 2 at a time on my small cookie sheet. Perfect. If I feel really decadent, when I take them out of the oven, I place a few chocolate chips on one edge to melt. so good.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      March 05, 2020 at 11:54 am

      I love the idea of adding a few chocolate chips - such a great idea!!

      Reply
      • cyd weintraub says

        October 26, 2021 at 5:00 pm

        I melt about half a cup of milk chocolate chips then smear it on the bottom of one of the lace cookies and smash it onto the bottom of another one to make little chocolate sandwiches. They are incredible

  5. Punam Cooks says

    December 12, 2018 at 4:50 am

    Your cookies seems yummy and from above comment I also come to know its cosmopolitan recipe. Will surely try this recipe.

    Reply
  6. Jonathan G Handley-Packham says

    December 10, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    Your cookies had their origins in Italy. They traveled through the Catholic Europe, hence the recipes to be found in France and Ireland which are indeed similar. They have a Christmas origin although it is said it is more todo with the First Communion that they young people take hence the reference to lace.

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      December 11, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      Jonathan, thank you so much for letting me know. I find the history of foods we eat today so interesting. In fact, now that you mention it the cookies do remind me of a Communion wafer.
      Have a great week!
      Joanie

      Reply

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