Mini Sugar Cookies

These Mini Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! Crunchy on the outside and buttery soft on the inside, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Ideal for holiday cookie platters, delightful gifts, or simply a sweet snack at home, these cookies will surely impress your guests and keep everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can whip these up quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because! Customize with sprinkles or enjoy them plain.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a unique taste that stands out.
• Great for Sharing: Yielding around 90 mini cookies, they are ideal for sharing at gatherings or gifting to friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your mini sugar cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional)
• Wire racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows enough space to mix all the ingredients without making a mess.
• Electric Mixer: This tool makes it easy to beat butter and sugars together until creamy, saving you time and effort.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

To create these delightful mini sugar cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 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)

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Reading through the notes below before you proceed will help ensure success.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer:
1. Beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until creamy.
2. Add in the canola or vegetable oil, blending until combined while scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Mix in one large egg, along with both extracts. Don’t worry if it looks slightly curdled; it’s perfectly fine!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until well combined.

Step 4: Prepare Sugar Coating

Set aside ¼ cup of granulated sugar for topping after baking:
1. Pour ½ cup of granulated sugar into a wide container that can be used to toss dough balls.

Step 5: Shape Dough Balls

1. Scoop out dough into approximately 2-teaspoon portions using a cookie scoop.
2. Drop each dough ball into the container with sugar, gently shaking to coat.
3. Place the coated dough balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart.

Step 6: Flatten Cookies

Using a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass:
1. Gently flatten each dough ball before baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

1. Bake in preheated oven for about 9–12 minutes until puffed up and edges start to set.
2. Immediately sprinkle tops with reserved granulated sugar after removing from oven.
3. Cool completely on wire racks before storing or serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful mini sugar cookies!

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini sugar cookies are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these cookies can fit any occasion.

As a Festive Platter

• Create a colorful cookie platter by combining mini sugar cookies with other types of cookies. Use bright decorations or edible glitter for an eye-catching display.

Gift Packaging

• Place mini sugar cookies in decorative boxes or jars tied with a ribbon. They make lovely gifts for holidays, birthdays, or as a thank-you gesture.

Snack Bowl

• Fill a bowl with mini sugar cookies for casual snacking. Keep them on the kitchen counter or coffee table for easy access during gatherings.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Pair two mini sugar cookies with your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious ice cream sandwich. The cookies’ crunch complements the creamy texture perfectly.

Party Favors

• Wrap individual mini sugar cookies in cellophane bags and give them as party favors. This is an excellent way to leave guests with a sweet memory of your event.

How to Perfect Mini Sugar Cookies

To ensure your mini sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading.

• Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

• Measure accurately: Use the spoon and level method for flour to avoid adding too much, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when they are just set around the edges, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

• Add toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts before baking for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Sugar Cookies

Pairing side dishes with mini sugar cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options you can consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of mini sugar cookies and adds a healthy touch to your dessert spread.

2. Milk: Serving cold milk alongside these cookies is classic. It enhances their buttery flavor and makes them even more enjoyable.

3. Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs nicely with mini sugar cookies, providing a perfect contrast to their sweetness.

4. Tea: A variety of teas, especially herbal or chai, complement mini sugar cookies’ flavors beautifully, making them ideal for afternoon tea.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a delightful parfait that contrasts well with the crunchy texture of the cookies.

6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses to balance the sweetness of the cookies; soft cheeses like brie work particularly well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking mini sugar cookies can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind for a successful batch.

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to overly greasy cookies. Always start with softened but cool butter for the right texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. If you’re in a warm environment, consider refrigerating the dough before baking.
• Overbaking cookies: Cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. Bake until just set around the edges for a chewy center.
• Not using parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking. Always line your baking sheets for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store mini sugar cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Mini Sugar Cookies

• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Mini Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making mini sugar cookies.

What are Mini Sugar Cookies?

Mini sugar cookies are small, crunchy treats that have a buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are perfect for any occasion.

How do I make Mini Sugar Cookies soft?

To ensure your mini sugar cookies remain soft, bake them just until they set around the edges and avoid overmixing the dough.

Can I customize my Mini Sugar Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add sprinkles, chocolate chips, or nuts to the dough before baking to create unique flavors and textures.

How long do Mini Sugar Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, mini sugar cookies can last up to one week at room temperature and three months in the freezer.

Can I use different extracts in my Mini Sugar Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut for a fun twist on traditional flavors.

Final Thoughts

These mini sugar cookies offer delightful crunchiness and buttery goodness that everyone will love. Perfect for gifting or sharing during festivities, you can easily customize them with various flavors or toppings. Try making these versatile treats today!