Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet little treat that’s perfect for anytime snacking or sharing at parties, you’re going to adore this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful gems are bite-sized, buttery, and sugar-coated just right — I absolutely love how they turn out every single time. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how soft yet crisp they ended up, and I’ve been making batches for friends and family ever since. Stick around, because I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get these perfect little cookies on your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a role in making these mini sugar cookies tender and flavorful. I always recommend using real butter for the flavor punch and measuring your flour carefully for the perfect dough consistency. Here’s the scoop on each one:

• Unsalted butter: Softened but still cool—this helps create the perfect creamy base without melting into oiliness.
• Granulated sugar: Used in both the dough and for rolling; the coarse sugar on the outside adds a lovely sweet crunch.
• Powdered sugar: Adds extra tenderness and just a hint of silkiness to the cookie texture.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and moist—an unusual twist that makes a big difference.
• Vanilla extract: Classic flavor booster that makes the cookie taste warm and inviting.
• Almond extract: Just a touch adds a fantastic depth—trust me, it’s worth it.
• Large egg: Gives structure and moisture to the dough.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it for accuracy; too much flour can make the cookies dense.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly, giving a nice airy texture.
• Cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and tenderness, a trick I discovered for that classic sugar cookie softness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Variations

I love how versatile this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe is — feel free to customize it to suit your mood or dietary needs. I often play with flavors or toppings, and it never fails to brighten up any gathering.

• Flavor swaps: Try swapping almond extract for lemon or orange zest for a fresh citrus twist; it’s a fun way to change things up without a fuss.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve experimented with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, and with a bit of trial, you can get a soft cookie that’s just as tasty.
• Sprinkles and toppings: Adding colorful sprinkles before baking turns these cookies into party favorites, especially with kids involved.
• Chocolate-dipped: After baking and cooling, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent finish that my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Start by beating the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. I love using an electric mixer because it makes this step a breeze. Then, add the oil and keep beating until everything is combined and glossy. Don’t worry if it looks a little curdled after you add the egg and extracts—that’s totally normal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This little combo is what gives your cookies their signature tenderness and slight rise. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, beating just until combined. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of your bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Scoop and Sugar-Coat the Dough

Here’s a trick I learned to keep things tidy: set aside a little sugar for sprinkling after they bake, but put about half a cup of sugar in a shallow container for rolling the dough balls. Use a 1-teaspoon scoop (or two spoons if you don’t have one) to portion the dough, then roll each ball gently in the sugar until fully coated. It makes them easier to handle and adds a lovely glisten after baking.

Step 4: Flatten and Bake

Arrange the dough balls a couple of inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Now, use a cookie stamp or the bottom of a drinking glass to gently flatten each cookie. Pop the tray into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. The cookies should puff up and just start setting around the edges. They’ll crisp a little more as they cool. Right when they come out, sprinkle with your reserved sugar for that final sparkle.

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra coarse sugar or colored sanding sugar right after baking for that pretty, sparkly look. Sometimes, I dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a delicate finish on special occasions. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

These mini cookies are fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or a chilled glass of milk—perfect for dipping! At parties, I’ve paired them with fresh fruit platters and soft cheeses for a sweet-savory balance that guests adore.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like stacking them in tall mason jars layered with colorful ribbons or arranging them on a pretty tiered cookie stand. Another fun idea is to sandwich two mini sugar cookies with flavored frosting for crowd-pleasing cookie sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover mini sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh and soft for up to three days. If I want them to last longer, I stash them in the fridge where they hold up well for about five days without losing their charm.

Freezing

One of my favorite things about this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe is how beautifully these cookies freeze. I pop them in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers and freeze for up to two months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I let them thaw at room temp—the texture is just as good as freshly baked.

Reheating

If I want a fresh-baked feel, I warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the crisp edges while keeping the centers soft. Alternatively, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch for that warm cookie feeling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this little kitchen chat about my favorite Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe. Baking these tiny treats has become one of those joyful rituals for me — the smell alone fills the house with warm nostalgia. I’m confident you’ll find them just as addictive and easy to make as I do, and your family or guests will be asking for seconds before you know it. So grab your mixer, dig out your cookie scoop, and let these mini delights bring a bit of sweetness into your day!

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