Mini Sugar Cookies
Discover the perfect Mini Sugar Cookies recipe for irresistible sweet treats that are easy to bake and delight every time. These tiny, buttery cookies carry the classic sweet flavor of sugar cookies but come in a cute, bite-sized form that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or making treats with kids, these Mini Sugar Cookies are bound to become your go-to for quick, delicious results that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Mini Sugar Cookies recipe comes together in no time with straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
- Perfectly Bite-Sized: Small enough to pop in your mouth, these cookies are ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or just snacking.
- Soft Yet Crisp: The texture strikes a beautiful balance, soft at the center with just enough crisp on the edges.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily add sprinkles, zest, or extracts to make each batch uniquely yours.
- Great for Decorating: Their size makes them perfect for icing, sanding sugars, or other festive toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is simple and crucial for achieving the perfect taste and texture in your Mini Sugar Cookies. Each component plays an important role, from sweetening to the buttery softness and the golden color.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light texture without puffing up too much.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-the-mouth softness when creamed properly.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to a delicate crunch.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for a chewy center.
- Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, inviting aromas and an enhanced sweet flavor.
Variations for Mini Sugar Cookies
One of the best things about this Mini Sugar Cookies recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to customize it with flavors or mix-ins to make every batch exciting and unique.
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar: Roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a cozy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for allergies or preferences.
- Lemon Zest Upgrade: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough to brighten the flavor with citrus notes.
- Chocolate Chip Mini: Mix in finely chopped mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey surprise in every bite.
- Decorate with Royal Icing: Use colorful royal icing to personalize cookies for holidays or celebrations.
How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates the perfect texture for your Mini Sugar Cookies. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough holds together—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough ball with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Shape the Mini Cookies
Roll the dough into small, evenly sized balls—about one inch in diameter. Space them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough room to spread slightly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Mini Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It creams better with sugar, creating a lighter cookie texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye for the golden edges to maintain a soft, chewy center.
- Uniform Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop for even baking and consistent cookie size.
- Chill Dough Properly: Prevents spreading and ensures better shape and texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Sprinkle coarse sugar or tiny sprinkles before baking for extra sparkle.
How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Add a simple dusting of powdered sugar, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal to your Mini Sugar Cookies.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of tea, or hot cocoa for a classic, comforting snack experience that’s always satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Mini Sugar Cookies on a decorative platter with edible flowers or wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming homemade gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Mini Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This preserves their soft texture and keeps them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop your Mini Sugar Cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute, keeping in mind the cookies might be less rich and slightly different in texture.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding excessive butter or sugar will help keep your Mini Sugar Cookies firm and prevent them from spreading too thin.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg in place of the regular egg to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.
How do I add flavor variations?
Mix in citrus zest, spices like cinnamon, or small chips of chocolate directly into your dough before baking for simple yet tasty variations.
What’s the best way to decorate Mini Sugar Cookies?
Royal icing and sprinkles are perfect for decorating these cookies. Because of their small size, detailed designs can be quick, fun, and eye-catching.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about baking and sharing Mini Sugar Cookies, whether for a quiet afternoon treat or a festive gathering. With their sweet flavor, perfect texture, and endless customization options, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try and watch these delightful treats become your household’s favorite go-to sweet bite!
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PrintMini Sugar Cookies
Mini Sugar Cookies are bite-sized buttery treats that combine a soft center with slightly crisp edges, delivering the classic sweet flavor in a quick, easy-to-make recipe perfect for any occasion. Ideal for beginners and kids, these cookies allow endless customization, from cinnamon sugar twists to colorful decorations, making them a versatile favorite for snacks, parties, and gifts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 36 mini cookies 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made gluten free with flour substitution
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates the perfect texture for your Mini Sugar Cookies. Then, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, stirring just until the dough holds together—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough ball with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Shape the Mini Cookies: Roll the dough into small, evenly sized balls—about one inch in diameter. Space them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough room to spread slightly.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for better creaming and lighter texture.
- Don’t overbake; watch for golden edges to keep cookies soft and chewy inside.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
- Chill dough properly to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Experiment with toppings like coarse sugar or sprinkles before baking for added sparkle and fun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mini cookies
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: mini sugar cookies, bite-sized cookies, easy sugar cookies, buttery cookies, party snacks, holiday cookies, gluten free sugar cookies option