Mini Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings joy to every occasion, these Mini Sugar Cookies are just what you need! Made with simple ingredients, they are crunchy and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re perfect for the holidays, family gatherings, or even as a sweet snack to enjoy while watching your favorite show. I can’t help but smile every time I pull a batch out of the oven; they remind me of cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones.

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. Whether you’re packing them in gift boxes or laying them out on a cookie platter for guests, these tiny wonders are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re easy to make, making them a go-to choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for unexpected guests.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these mini treats! They’re just the right size for little hands.
• Make Ahead: Bake a big batch and store them; they keep well and are great for snacking throughout the week.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite flavors or toppings to switch things up.
• Deliciously Irresistible: With their crunchy exterior and soft center, it’s hard to eat just one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Mini Sugar Cookies is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (softened but still cool to the touch)
• ½ cup (115g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (108g) canola or vegetable oil
• 1¼ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 large egg
• 2⅓ cups (291g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (173g) granulated sugar, divided (for rolling and sprinkling)

Variations

This Mini Sugar Cookies recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your additions. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Sprinkles: Mix in colorful sprinkles before baking for a festive touch!
• Try Different Extracts: Swap the almond extract for lemon or coconut extract for a unique flavor twist.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Add mini chocolate chips into the dough for an extra sweet surprise.
• Use Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor, replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking and prevents sticking. Take a moment here to read through the notes below—preparation is key!

Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Then add in the oil—mixing until everything is combined is important so each bite of cookie has that wonderful buttery flavor. Don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled when you add the egg and extracts; it will all come together beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This step ensures that all your leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your cookies. Gradually mix this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until just combined—over-mixing can lead to tough cookies!

Step 4: Prepare for Rolling

Set aside about ¼ cup of sugar for topping your baked cookies. Place the remaining sugar in a wide container where you can easily toss the dough balls around—it makes coating so much easier!

Step 5: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out portions of dough about two teaspoons each—using a small cookie scoop helps here! Drop these balls into your sugar container and gently shake them around to coat. This will give each cookie that delightful sugary crunch on the outside.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Use either a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass to flatten each ball slightly; this helps them spread evenly during baking.

Step 7: Bake!

Bake your cookies for about 9-12 minutes or until they puff up slightly and begin setting around the edges. As they cool on wire racks, sprinkle some of that reserved sugar on top—this adds an extra touch of sweetness! Allow them to cool completely before storing; they’ll keep their delicious texture this way.

Enjoy sharing these Mini Sugar Cookies with friends and family—they’re bound to become everyone’s favorite treat!

Pro Tips for Making Mini Sugar Cookies

Baking can sometimes feel daunting, but with these handy tips, you’ll be on your way to perfect mini sugar cookies in no time!

• Use room temperature butter – This helps the butter cream more easily with the sugars, creating a light and fluffy texture that enhances the cookie’s overall structure.
• Chill the dough if necessary – If your dough feels too soft or sticky after mixing, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and roll into balls, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
• Don’t overbake – Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just starting to set around the edges. They will continue to firm up on the baking sheet as they cool, resulting in a perfectly soft center.
• Experiment with flavors – While vanilla and almond extracts are classic choices, feel free to explore other flavors like lemon zest or orange extract for a delightful twist on this traditional recipe.
• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh and crunchy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain moisture balance while keeping them crunchy!

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies

There’s something lovely about serving these adorable mini sugar cookies. Whether it’s at a gathering or simply for your family, presenting them beautifully makes all the difference!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or sanding sugar adds visual appeal and fun texture on top of each cookie.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of decadence, drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled cookies to create an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy touch to your dessert spread.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea provides a soothing contrast to the sweet cookies, making it perfect for afternoon tea.
• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience that’s sure to please everyone!
• Coffee or Latte: A rich cup of coffee or latte enhances the flavors of these sugary treats, making for an inviting snack during chilly afternoons.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your mini sugar cookies will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any table! Enjoy every crunchy, buttery bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store or freeze them, making your holiday baking a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, consider layering them with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet for about an hour until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, bake directly from the freezer at 350°F for about 12-15 minutes.
• For thawed cookies, simply warm them in the oven for 5 minutes to regain their crunchiness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Mini Sugar Cookies:

Can I make Mini Sugar Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens before adding it to your mixture.

How do I ensure my Mini Sugar Cookies are crunchy?

To achieve that perfect crunch, avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Bake just until they start to set around the edges and allow them to cool completely before storing.

Can I use other flavors instead of almond extract?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract or any other flavor you enjoy, like lemon or orange zest.

What makes these Mini Sugar Cookies special?

These cookies are uniquely buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Their small size makes them perfect for sharing during holidays or gatherings!

How can I decorate my Mini Sugar Cookies?

You can decorate these cookies with icing, sprinkles, or even edible glitter after they’re baked and cooled. Get creative and have fun!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Mini Sugar Cookies! They’re not only a treat but also a wonderful way to bring friends and family together during the holidays. Enjoy every bite and share your creations with those you love; happy baking!