Mini Sugar Cookies Easy Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Mini Sugar Cookies

Whether you’re planning a special celebration or just craving something sweet, these bite size cookies will quickly become your go-to treat. Let me share why this sugar cookie recipe deserves a special place in your recipe collection.

Ease of Preparation

These homemade mini sugar cookie recipes come together with minimal effort and basic kitchen tools. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required. The dough comes together in just a few minutes, and since they’re small, they bake faster than traditional cookies perfect when you’re short on time but still want homemade treats. You’ll have about 60 adorable cookies ready to share in under an hour from start to finish.

Health Benefits

While cookies are certainly an indulgence, making them at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients. By using real butter instead of processed fats, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract, you avoid artificial additives and preservatives found in store-bought versions. The portion control aspect is also a bonus having smaller cookies means you can satisfy your sweet tooth with less overall consumption. Many bakers find that using high-quality ingredients results in greater satisfaction with smaller quantities. Calories in mini sugar cookies can vary by recipe, but these smaller portions help with mindful eating.

Versatility

These small sugar cookies adapt beautifully to various occasions and dietary preferences. They work wonderfully for holiday platters, birthday parties, school events, or just as an everyday treat. You can customize them with different decorations, colors, and toppings to match any theme or season. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes or bags. Check out our easy cookie recipes collection for more inspiration.

Distinctive Flavor

What sets these mini sugar cookies apart is their perfect balance of sweetness and buttery richness. Unlike some cutout sugar cookies that can be dry or overly sweet, these maintain a tender, slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The smaller size means a higher ratio of crispy edges to soft centers, creating a delightful texture contrast in every bite.

How to Prepare the Perfect Mini Sugar Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect batch of easy mini sugar cookies recipe requires just a little attention to detail. Follow these steps for foolproof results every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Preparation Steps

First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place

Begin by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Make sure your butter is truly softened it should yield easily to pressure but not be melting. Have your mixing bowls, measuring cups, parchment paper, and baking sheets ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prep work makes the actual baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Second Step: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed, or slightly longer by hand. This process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in lighter cookies. The mixture should appear pale and have increased in volume. Take your time with this step as proper creaming makes a significant difference in the final texture of your cookies.

Third Step: Adding Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until fully combined, about 1 minute. The mixture may appear slightly curdled at first, but continue mixing until it becomes smooth again. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This step builds the flavor base of your cookies and adds richness from the egg.

Fourth Step: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies bake uniformly. Measure your flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense cookies. This simple technique makes a surprising difference in your results.

Fifth Step: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but this is normal. It may seem easier to mix thoroughly, but resist the urge stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Sixth Step: Chilling the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Chilling also allows the flour to hydrate properly, leading to better texture and flavor development. If you’re planning to bake the cookies later, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Many bakers find that chilled dough produces cookies with better flavor and shape. For more helpful tips, visit our baking tips section.

Seventh Step: Shaping the Cookies

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For a decorative touch, dip the bottom of a glass in granulated sugar and gently press each ball to flatten slightly. This creates a pretty pattern on the cookies and helps them bake evenly.

Final Step: Baking and Finishing Touches

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This short cooling period allows the cookies to set so they don’t break when moved. Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or enjoy as is. This recipe yields about 60 adorable mini sugar cookies.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Mini Sugar Cookies

These simple bite size sugar cookies can be easily adapted to meet various dietary needs and preferences. Here are some substitutions to help you create the perfect version for your family.

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

For those with dairy restrictions or preferences, you can substitute the butter with an equal amount of vegan butter sticks or coconut oil. Keep in mind that coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut flavor and may make the cookies slightly firmer when chilled. If using a dairy-free spread, choose one specifically designed for baking rather than tub varieties which often contain too much water.

To make these cookies egg-free, replace the single egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. These substitutions work well in this recipe and maintain the cookie’s structure without changing the flavor significantly.

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Measure the same amount as the original recipe calls for. Be aware that gluten-free flours may absorb liquid differently, so you might need to adjust by adding a teaspoon more liquid if the dough seems too crumbly, or a tablespoon more flour if it’s too sticky.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

While traditional sugar cookies focus on vanilla flavor, there are many ways to customize the taste profile. Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nuttier flavor, or try lemon extract for a bright, citrusy variation. You can also add citrus zest lemon, orange, or lime for an extra flavor dimension that pairs beautifully with the sweet dough.

For a seasonal twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the dry ingredients during autumn months. In winter, a dash of peppermint extract transforms these cookies into a festive treat. These small additions create entirely new flavor profiles while keeping the beloved sugar cookie texture.

For decoration options beyond traditional royal icing, try dipping the cooled cookies in melted white or dark chocolate. This adds both visual appeal and another layer of flavor. You can also roll the dough balls in colored sprinkles before baking for a fun confetti look that’s especially popular with children.

Mastering Mini Sugar Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these professional tips and creative variations to take your mini sugar cookies to the next level.

Pro Cooking Techniques

For perfectly uniform cookies, invest in a small cookie scoop (often called a disher) rather than shaping by hand. This ensures all cookies are the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly and look professionally made. A 1-inch scoop is ideal for true mini cookies.

Temperature control is crucial for cookie success. Room-temperature ingredients cream together properly, creating the right texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream well; if too warm, the cookies will spread too much. Aim for butter that gives slightly when pressed but still holds its shape.

Another professional technique is to weigh your ingredients rather than using volume measurements. A kitchen scale provides more consistent results, especially for flour. One cup of all-purpose flour should weigh approximately 120-125 grams. This precision can make the difference between good and exceptional cookies.

The secret to picture-perfect cookies is uniform size and proper chilling. Small differences in cookie size lead to uneven baking, while skipping the chilling step results in flat, spread-out cookies. Taking time with these two elements makes the biggest difference in final results.

Flavor Variations

Beyond the classic vanilla version, try these exciting flavor combinations to create signature cookies that will have everyone asking for your recipe:

• Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds to the dough. Glaze with a simple lemon icing after cooling.
• Chocolate Mint: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and replace vanilla with peppermint extract. Top with a chocolate mint candy while still warm.
• Coconut Lime: Replace 1/4 cup flour with shredded coconut and add 1 teaspoon lime zest. The tropical flavors pair perfectly with the sweet buttery dough.
• Salted Caramel: Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to the dough and drizzle cooled cookies with homemade caramel sauce.

Presentation Tips

For stunning presentation, consider creating a cookie bar with various decorating options. Set out bowls of colorful sprinkles, edible pearls, different types of icing, and small candies. This interactive element makes gatherings more memorable and allows guests to customize their own treats.

When packaging cookies for gifts, alternate flavors and colors in decorative boxes or clear bags tied with ribbon. The smaller size of mini cookies makes them perfect for creating visually appealing arrangements. Consider using mini cupcake liners to separate different decorated varieties within the same container.

Make-Ahead Options

The dough for these cookies can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated, or frozen for up to 3 months. Portion the dough into balls before freezing for convenience simply bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This make-ahead approach makes fresh-baked cookies possible even on busy days or unexpected company situations.

For hosting events, bake the cookies 1-2 days ahead and store in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers. This frees up valuable time on the day of your event. Undecorated cookies store better than iced ones, so consider decorating just before serving for the freshest appearance.

How to Store Mini Sugar Cookies: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your mini sugar cookies tasting fresh and maintaining their delightful texture. Follow these guidelines to enjoy your cookies at their best.

Refrigeration

Freshly baked mini sugar cookies stay fresh for 4-5 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For the best results, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store the container in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Surprisingly, refrigeration is not recommended for plain sugar cookies as the cold, dry environment can make them stale more quickly than room temperature storage.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy. Place cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, baked cookies maintain their quality for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

You can also freeze the dough balls before baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer bags. Label with the date and baking instructions. Bake frozen dough balls at 350°F for 9-11 minutes, adding 1-2 minutes to the original baking time.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost some of their freshness, a brief warming can help restore their appeal. Place cookies on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes just until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out further. Alternatively, microwave for just 5-8 seconds for a softer result. This technique works particularly well if you plan to serve them with ice cream or as part of a dessert.

Meal Prep Considerations

For efficient baking, consider preparing large batches of dough and portioning it into balls. Freeze the portions on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. This way, you can bake just the number of cookies you need for any occasion. This approach is especially helpful during busy holiday seasons when you want fresh-baked treats without the full preparation process each time.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini Sugar Cookies

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🍪✨ Bite-sized bliss with crisp edges and soft centers in these easy mini sugar cookies – perfect for parties, gifts, or endless snacking!
🥄 No-fuss recipe with basic ingredients, quick bake time yields dozens of customizable treats ready in under an hour!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 60 mini cookies

Ingredients

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Instructions

1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place: Begin by gathering all ingredients and equipment. Make sure your butter is truly softened it should yield easily to pressure but not be melting. Have your mixing bowls, measuring cups, parchment paper, and baking sheets ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prep work makes the actual baking process smooth and enjoyable.

2-Second Step: Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This typically takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed, or slightly longer by hand. This process incorporates air into the dough, resulting in lighter cookies. The mixture should appear pale and have increased in volume. Take your time with this step as proper creaming makes a significant difference in the final texture of your cookies.

3-Third Step: Adding Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat well until fully combined, about 1 minute. The mixture may appear slightly curdled at first, but continue mixing until it becomes smooth again. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. This step builds the flavor base of your cookies and adds richness from the egg.

4-Fourth Step: Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cookies bake uniformly. Measure your flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense cookies. This simple technique makes a surprising difference in your results.

5-Fifth Step: Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, but this is normal. It may seem easier to mix thoroughly, but resist the urge stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

6-Sixth Step: Chilling the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps firm up the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Chilling also allows the flour to hydrate properly, leading to better texture and flavor development. If you’re planning to bake the cookies later, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Many bakers find that chilled dough produces cookies with better flavor and shape. For more helpful tips, visit our baking tips section.

7-Seventh Step: Shaping the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For a decorative touch, dip the bottom of a glass in granulated sugar and gently press each ball to flatten slightly. This creates a pretty pattern on the cookies and helps them bake evenly.

8-Final Step: Baking and Finishing Touches: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly soft. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This short cooling period allows the cookies to set so they don’t break when moved. Once completely cool, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, or enjoy as is. This recipe yields about 60 adorable mini sugar cookies.

Last Step:

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Notes

❄️ Chill dough balls 10 minutes before baking for better shape retention.
💎 Use a small cookie scoop for uniform mini size and even baking.
🍬 Roll in colored sugar before baking for festive sparkle without icing.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini cookie
• Calories: 60 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg