Mini Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, these Mini Sugar Cookies are just the thing! They are crunchy, buttery, and melt in your mouth – a little bite of happiness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging on a cozy evening at home, these cookies will make your heart sing. Plus, they’re an excellent addition to a cookie platter during the holidays or a charming gift for friends.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a big batch. Trust me; you’ll want to keep these on hand for nonstop nibbling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can have delightful cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves sugar cookies, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, parties, or just because – they fit every occasion!
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be stored easily, so you can bake them in advance.
• Deliciously Crunchy: The combination of textures makes each bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the simple, wholesome ingredients for these Mini Sugar Cookies. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

• 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Sprinkles: Make them extra fun by adding colorful sprinkles before baking!
• Try Different Extracts: Swap almond extract for lemon or orange extract for a citrus twist.
• Chocolate Chunks: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Touch: Add finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While it heats up, line three baking sheets with parchment paper so you’re ready to go!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that light texture we all love. Then add the oil and beat until combined—don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl!

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing until everything is well combined. Scraping down the sides again ensures no flour remains at the bottom.

Step 4: Prepare for Rolling

Set aside ¼ cup of granulated sugar for topping after baking. Place the remaining sugar in a wide container where you can toss your dough balls. This will help coat them evenly without mess!

Step 5: Portion the Dough

Scoop out about 2 teaspoons of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Drop them into your container with sugar (do this in batches of about 8–10). Gently shake or roll them around until they are nicely coated.

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Place each dough ball on your prepared baking sheets with a couple of inches apart between them—this allows room for spreading while baking. Use a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 9–12 minutes until they puff and start setting around the edges. They might look slightly undercooked—that’s okay; they’ll firm up as they cool! Once out of the oven, sprinkle some reserved sugar on top while they’re still warm. Let them cool completely on wire racks before storing them away.

Enjoy every crunchy bite of these Mini Sugar Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Mini Sugar Cookies

Baking the perfect mini sugar cookies is all about attention to detail and a little bit of love! Here are some pro tips to elevate your cookie game:

• Use Cool Butter: Starting with softened but still cool butter helps achieve that perfect texture, ensuring your cookies are crunchy on the outside and soft inside.

• Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt can help remove lumps and create a lighter cookie. This step ensures an even distribution of ingredients, leading to uniform baking.

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading. This results in thicker cookies that hold their shape beautifully!

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up while cooling.

• Experiment with Sprinkles: Adding colorful sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking can give your cookies a festive touch, making them perfect for any celebration!

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies

These mini sugar cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, here are some delightful ways to present these adorable bites.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet finish and an elegant touch to your mini sugar cookies.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled cookies creates a beautiful contrast and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits pairs wonderfully with these sweet cookies, offering a light and healthy contrast.
• Vanilla Soy Yogurt: Creamy soy yogurt serves as a delightful dip for your cookies, enhancing their sweetness while keeping things light.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea brings out the buttery flavor of these cookies and makes for a cozy snack experience.
• Milk Alternative: Pairing these mini sugar cookies with almond or oat milk provides a creamy counterpart that complements their crunchiness perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering mini sugar cookies that everyone will adore! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or share them with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For optimal freshness, place a piece of bread in the container. This will help keep the cookies soft.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for that just-baked taste!

FAQs

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

Can I use a different type of oil for Mini Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! While canola or vegetable oil works well, you can also use melted coconut oil or any neutral oil of your choice.

How do I make Mini Sugar Cookies less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much. Adjusting the powdered sugar will also help balance it out.

Can I add sprinkles to my Mini Sugar Cookies?

Yes! Sprinkles can be added before baking. Just gently press them into the dough balls after you’ve coated them with sugar for an extra fun touch.

What makes these Mini Sugar Cookies special?

These cookies are not only cute but also have a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. Perfect for any occasion!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Mini Sugar Cookies as much as I do! Their crunchy yet buttery texture makes them a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. So grab your ingredients and start baking—I’m sure you’ll create something wonderful that brings smiles all around. Happy baking!