Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect little treat to brighten up your day, you’re going to adore this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these tiny goodies come out soft, sweet, and delightfully coated with a sprinkling of sugar that gives them just the right amount of sparkle and crunch. Whether you’re baking for a party, gift-giving, or just because you need a sugar pick-me-up, this recipe will soon be your go-to. Trust me, once you try these mini sugar cookies, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe is in how buttery, sweet, and lightly flavored the dough is. Each ingredient works in harmony to give you a dough that’s easy to handle and cookies that bake up soft, subtly chewy, and with just a hint of vanilla and almond to make them irresistible.

• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened but still cool to help with the right dough consistency.
• Granulated sugar: Used both in the dough and for rolling, it adds sweetness and a slight crunch when baked.
• Powdered sugar: This keeps the texture soft and tender.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Surprising but vital—it adds extra moisture for chewiness without heaviness.
• Pure vanilla extract: The warm aroma that ties everything together.
• Almond extract: Just a touch for a subtle, nutty background flavor.
• Large egg: Gives structure and helps bind the dough.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds it all together. Spoon and level for accuracy!
• Baking soda: For a gentle lift and light texture.
• Cream of tartar: Adds that classic tang and crispness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds the flavors.

Variations

I love making this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe my own by mixing in flavors or adding little accents to fit the season or mood. Feel free to play around—you’ll find that these cookies are a fantastic blank canvas.

• Flavored sugars: I once rolled the dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a cozy fall twist—my family went crazy for the warm spices.
• Extract swaps: Try lemon or orange extract instead of almond for a fresh, citrusy version I sometimes make in spring.
• Decorative touch: Sprinkles or colored sugar right after baking make these mini cookies party-ready and fun for kids.
• Gluten-free edition: I’ve had success replacing all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—just make sure to adjust baking time slightly and watch for texture.

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream and Combine the Wet Ingredients

Start by beating the softened butter with the granulated and powdered sugars until smooth and fluffy. The mix might look a little curdled after you add the oil and egg, but don’t worry—that’s totally normal. I usually scrape the bowl a couple of times as I go to keep everything well mixed. This part sets the stage for soft and tender cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt together in another bowl. This ensures an even distribution of rising agents so your mini cookies puff up evenly. When you add it to the wet mixture, beat just until the dough comes together—you don’t want to overwork it.

Step 3: Sugar-Coat and Scoop the Dough

Reserve some sugar for sprinkling over the cookies after baking. Then, place the rest of the sugar in a wide container for rolling the dough balls. I love using a shallow rectangular container—it makes rolling the dough balls easier and less messy. Scoop the dough into small, roughly two-teaspoon portions using a cookie scoop or two spoons, then gently roll each into the sugar to coat. This not only adds sparkle and crunch but also helps you handle the supple dough much easier.

Step 4: Flatten and Bake

Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls a couple of inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass to flatten each cookie evenly. Bake at 350°F for about 9-12 minutes until you see the edges start to set and the cookies puff up. I like to sprinkle the reserved sugar on top right after they come out of the oven while they’re still hot—this gives that irresistible sugary crunch. Then, cool them completely before storing or serving.

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping garnishes simple but festive. Right after baking, a quick sprinkle of extra sugar or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar adds extra sparkle. For holidays or parties, I’ve used colored sanding sugars or tiny edible glitter, which makes these mini sugar cookies feel extra special without overpowering their buttery goodness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk—classic combo that never fails. During holiday gatherings, I like to arrange them near a fruit platter or alongside spiced hot cider to balance sweetness with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve presented this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe on tiered serving trays decorated with fresh flowers or seasonal greenery—perfect for a tea party vibe. Wrapping small batches in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbons also makes for thoughtful homemade gifts that friends and family adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mini sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between parchment paper to keep them from sticking. They tend to stay fresh for about 3 days this way, which is perfect because they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully—perfect if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. I freeze them in single layers on baking sheets first, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature for an hour, and they’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you enjoy warm cookies like I do, pop them in a 300°F oven for 4-5 minutes when thawed but still cold. This revives their softness and brings that fresh-baked aroma right back into your kitchen. Avoid microwaving, which can make them too soft or soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years now because it’s just so reliable and tasty. The ease of making so many at once and their perfectly bite-sized goodness make them a hit whether I’m baking for friends, kids, or just a cozy afternoon treat for myself. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do and that they bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. So grab your mixing bowl, get your sugar ready, and let’s bake some magic happen!

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