These mini sugar cookies are sweet bites of happiness! Soft, buttery, and just the right size for a quick treat, they are perfect for sharing or popping into your own mouth.
Honestly, I can’t resist their cute size! I love making these for parties—they disappear so fast. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making baking a joy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This ingredient gives the cookies their rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter; just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best for sweetness, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar can also be used. It might give the cookies a slightly darker color and flavor!
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. If you want an egg-free version, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
All-purpose Flour: This is the main structure of the cookies. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Colored Sprinkles: Totally optional but fun! If you prefer a healthier option, try using chopped nuts or dried fruit for decoration instead.
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Perfectly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a vital step that sets the stage for your cookies. It combines the fats with air, making your cookies light and fluffy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter. It should be creamy but not melted.
- Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer at medium speed. Mix the butter alone for a minute or so first to get it smooth.
- Add in the granulated sugar gradually. Once mixed, continue beating for about 3-4 minutes, until fluffy and pale.
- Scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure even mixing.
This step really matters, so take your time! It makes a huge difference in texture. Happy baking!
How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar sprinkles or sanding sugar for decoration (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to bake, making it a quick and fun activity. Be sure to take a little extra time to let the cookies cool after baking—trust me, they’re best enjoyed when they’re nice and chilled!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Space:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take out your baking sheets and cover them with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer at medium speed to beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get everything well mixed!
3. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, add in the egg and the vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until everything is fully combined and smooth. This adds flavor and moisture to your cookies!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, so your dough is consistent.
5. Mix the Dough:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into your butter mixture. Stir it in gently with a spatula or your hands until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cookies to be tender.
6. Roll and Cut:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Here comes the fun part! Use small cookie cutters to cut out your mini cookies—shapes like stars or flowers work wonderfully!
7. Arrange and Decorate:
Place the cut-out cookies about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. If you want to add a bit of color, sprinkle some colored sugar or sanding sugar on top of the cookies now.
8. Baking Time:
Pop those cookies into your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want the edges to be just starting to turn golden. They’ll continue to set a bit after you take them out!
9. Cooling Off:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting to taste them!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your mini sugar cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter, but the texture may differ slightly. Margarine often has a higher water content, which can make the cookies a little softer. If possible, use a margarine that is formulated for baking to achieve better results.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your mini sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just place the cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
What If I Don’t Have Any Cookie Cutters?
No worries! You can simply use a knife to cut the dough into squares or use the rim of a glass to cut out round cookies. As long as you get creative, your cookies will still turn out delicious!
