There’s something undeniably joyful about the sight of warm Mini Sugar Cookies fresh out of the oven, their golden edges just waiting to melt in your mouth. The first time I made these delightful treats, I was surprised by how such simple ingredients could transform into a burst of sugary happiness. With the lovely combination of buttery goodness and sweet vanilla flavors, these cookies have become a family favorite—and trust me, they disappear faster than you can say “homemade!”
Perfect for gifts, parties, or a quiet night in, these cookies hold a special place in my heart (and my pantry). Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them an ideal solution for when you’re looking to satisfy a sweet craving without hours spent baking. Join me as we dive into this recipe that promises to fill your home with warmth and laughter, one delicious bite at a time!
Why will you love Mini Sugar Cookies?
Irresistible Flavor: These Mini Sugar Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery richness and sweet vanilla, guaranteed to please everyone from kids to adults.
Quick and Easy: The recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for inexperienced bakers or busy chefs looking for a fast treat.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as is, or decorate with sprinkles for holidays and special occasions.
Fun to Make: Get the whole family involved in the rolling and shaping— baking can be a joy-filled activity.
Sweet Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy movie night, these cookies will soon become the star of your dessert table.
Mini Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup (113g) softened, adds rich flavor and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar – ½ cup (115g) provides sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
- Powdered sugar – ½ cup (60g) ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture for your Mini Sugar Cookies.
- Canola or vegetable oil – ½ cup (108g) helps keep the cookies moist and ensures a chewy center.
- Pure vanilla extract – 1¼ teaspoons for that classic, warm flavor that everyone loves.
- Almond extract – ¼ teaspoon to add a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the cookie’s aroma.
- Large egg – 1 for binding the ingredients and providing richness to the dough.
- All-purpose flour – 2⅓ cups (291g), spooned and leveled, forms the base of your cookie dough.
- Baking soda – ¾ teaspoon for the perfect rise, making your cookies puffy and light.
- Cream of tartar – ¾ teaspoon adds softness and stability, ensuring beautifully baked cookies.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon to enhance all the sweet flavors in your cookie dough.
For Rolling and Topping
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup (173g), divided, for coating the dough and sprinkling on top for extra sweetness.
How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!
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Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, then add the oil, egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, beating until well combined.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, scraping the bowl’s sides and bottom as needed until the dough is smooth and cohesive.
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Reserve ¼ cup of granulated sugar for topping your baked cookies. Put ½ cup of sugar in a separate container for coating the dough balls later.
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Scoop the dough into 2-teaspoon portions and roll them into balls. Drop each dough ball into the sugar container, gently shaking or using your fingers to coat each one well.
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Arrange the coated dough balls a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass to flatten each ball slightly, giving them their classic cookie shape.
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Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the cookies puff up and the edges begin to set. Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle the tops immediately with the reserved sugar and allow them to cool completely on wire racks before storing.
Optional: Drizzle with icing for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Mini Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate your Mini Sugar Cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks, keeping them cool and crisp.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container, where they can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore their delightful texture.
Expert Tips for Mini Sugar Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Use softened but cool butter to ensure the right texture. If it’s too warm, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
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Sifting Matters: Sift your powdered sugar and flour to avoid clumps. This simple step helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Mini Sugar Cookies.
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Chill the Dough: If your cookie dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading and results in fluffier cookies.
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Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges for the best flavor.
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Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months for a sweet treat anytime!
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Creative Twists: Experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful twist on classic Mini Sugar Cookies.
Make Ahead Options
These Mini Sugar Cookies are a fantastic candidate for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance—simply scoop the dough into balls, roll them in sugar, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Then, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This prevents the dough from drying out while allowing the flavors to deepen. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat the oven and arrange the dough balls on your baking sheets, then flatten and bake as directed. Enjoy delicious, fresh cookies with minimal effort!
Mini Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful cookies to suit your tastes or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These cookies can be just as tender and delicious!
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Vegan: Replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Your cookies will be cruelty-free yet scrumptious!
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the dough for a fresh, zesty twist. The bright flavor will lift your cookies to new heights!
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for cozy, fall-inspired baking!
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Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and a nutty taste. This will give your cookies a delightful texture!
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Chocolate Kisses: Top each cookie with a chocolate kiss right after baking for a sweet surprise. The melty chocolate adds a rich layer of flavor!
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Coconut Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut (unsweetened) for a tropical touch. The coconut’s chewiness pairs beautifully with the buttery sweetness!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips for a delightful treat anyone can enjoy. These cookies can still be rich and satisfying!
What to Serve with Mini Sugar Cookies?
Creating an exceptional dessert experience is easier than you think when you accompany these delightful treats with the perfect pairings.
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Cold Glass of Milk: A classic choice that enhances the cookie’s sweetness while providing a creamy contrast to its buttery flavor.
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Hot Chocolate: This warm, rich drink elevates the cozy experience, especially during chilly evenings when you crave warmth and sweetness.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of fresh fruits offers a refreshing burst of flavor, balancing the sugary indulgence of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements these chewy cookies, creating a deliciously dreamy combination.
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Coffee or Espresso: This bold beverage adds depth, cutting through the sweetness to provide a delightful flavor pairing with your cookies.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch, offering an indulgent experience when served alongside.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For a decadent twist, serve with a warm chocolate dipping sauce, inviting everyone to indulge even further.
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Bright Lemonade: A homemade lemonade brings from refreshing citrus notes that brighten up the overall dessert experience, enhancing those sweet flavors deliciously.
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Decorated Cookie Platter: Arrange your Mini Sugar Cookies with decorative touches, such as colorful sprinkles or icing designs, for an appealing dessert table display at gatherings.
Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for my Mini Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! Always opt for unsalted butter that’s softened but cool to touch. This helps achieve the perfect texture. If your butter is too warm, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
What’s the best way to store Mini Sugar Cookies?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months. They’ll still taste delicious!
Can I freeze the dough for Mini Sugar Cookies?
Very much so! To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze the balls for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly in the oven—no thawing needed!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your Mini Sugar Cookies spread excessively, it might be due to overly warm butter or too much moisture in the dough. To fix this, ensure that your butter is softened but still cool. Also, if you find your dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before rolling into balls. These steps will help keep your cookies perfectly shaped!
Are there any dietary considerations for these Mini Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! If you have allergies, make sure to use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. For egg allergies, you can substitute the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, allowing it to sit until it thickens. Just remember to check the specific ingredients for any additional allergens!
What if I want to add flavors or mix-ins to my Mini Sugar Cookies?
Go for it! You can easily enhance your cookies by adding ½ cup of chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts into the dough. Just fold them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients. The more the merrier with your treats!
Delicious Mini Sugar Cookies Your New Sweet Treat Adventure
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line three baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the oil, egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, beating until well combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until the dough is smooth.
- Reserve ¼ cup of granulated sugar for topping your baked cookies.
- Scoop the dough into 2-teaspoon portions and roll them into balls, then coat each in the sugar.
- Arrange the coated dough balls on the baking sheets and flatten each slightly.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes until the cookies puff up and the edges set.
- Immediately sprinkle with reserved sugar and allow cooling on wire racks.