Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and an adorably perfect size! These delightful treats are quick to make and sure to impress at any gathering or celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a sweet snack, Mini Sugar Cookies fit the bill. The best part? They don’t require any dough chilling, making them easy to whip up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With no dough chilling required, you can have fresh cookies ready in about 20 minutes.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Perfect for baking with kids—let them help mix and decorate!
• Versatile Treat: Customize them with different sprinkles or icing for any occasion.
• Soft and Chewy: Enjoy the perfect texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Great for Gifting: Package them in cute bags for delicious homemade gifts.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking Mini Sugar Cookies a breeze. Gather these essentials before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the bowl effectively to ensure all ingredients are mixed evenly.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining dry ingredients quickly and thoroughly.

Ingredients

Mini Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and an adorably perfect size! Made with all the same basic sugar cookie ingredients, they don’t require any dough chilling so they are easy peasy and quick to make!

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 whole egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup Christmas sprinkles

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for a few minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add in the whole egg along with pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) and almond extract. Beat until combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and baking soda—until well mixed.

Step 5: Mix Dough Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until a cookie dough forms; be careful not to over-mix.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the Christmas sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 7: Form Cookie Balls

Using a mini cookie scoop or spoon, cut each portion in half to form balls that contain about 2 teaspoons of dough. Shape them into round balls and place them on your prepared cookie sheet. Optionally, top with more sprinkles.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Enjoy your delicious Mini Sugar Cookies!

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini Sugar Cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your cookie experience even sweeter.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and softness.

Cookie Sandwiches

• Create mini sandwich cookies by spreading frosting, whipped cream, or nut butter between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange Mini Sugar Cookies on a colorful platter with other desserts like brownies and fruit tarts for an appealing dessert spread at parties.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in cute bags with ribbons to give as party favors. This adds a personal touch to any celebration.

Ice Cream Topping

• Crumble Mini Sugar Cookies over ice cream for added texture and flavor, creating a delicious dessert sundae.

Gift Cookies

• Bake a batch of these cookies and place them in decorative tins as gifts for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Mini Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Mini Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter creams better with sugar, resulting in a fluffier dough.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies caused by too much flour.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
• Watch the Baking Time: Bake until the edges are lightly golden; overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Experiment with Sprinkles: Try different types of sprinkles or toppings for unique flavors and appearances.
• Cool Before Storing: Ensure cookies are completely cool before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini Sugar Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside them.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat that satisfies chocolate lovers.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a balanced dish that pairs nicely with sugary treats.
4. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses and nuts on a cheese board for savory elements that balance the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Sparkling Water: Serve flavored sparkling water as a refreshing drink option that cleanses the palate.
6. Tea or Coffee: Pair Mini Sugar Cookies with aromatic tea or coffee for a comforting snack experience.
7. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent strawberries add elegance and enhance dessert offerings at gatherings.
8. Nut Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides texture contrast and is a great addition to any dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Sugar Cookies can be fun and easy, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure perfect results every time.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar. Make sure to soften it at room temperature before mixing for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the baking powder: Baking powder is essential for the cookies to rise. Always double-check that you have included it in your dry ingredients.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender and chewy bite.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make the cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: An inaccurate oven can affect baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Mini Sugar Cookies in an airtight container. They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
• item Layer parchment paper between the cookies if stacking them to avoid sticking.

Freezing Mini Sugar Cookies

• item Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. They can stay fresh for up to three months.
• item Thaw at room temperature before serving or reheating.

Reheating Mini Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping them gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mini Sugar Cookies that may help enhance your baking experience.

Can I make Mini Sugar Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How do I add flavor variations to Mini Sugar Cookies?

Feel free to experiment with different extracts like lemon or orange zest, or even spices like cinnamon for unique flavors.

What are some creative toppings for Mini Sugar Cookies?

You can top your cookies with icing, chocolate drizzle, or even crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.

How do I store leftover Mini Sugar Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to one week.

Final Thoughts

Mini Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed anytime! Their simple preparation makes them perfect for kids and adults alike. You can customize these cookies with various sprinkles, flavors, or toppings based on your preference. Try this recipe today and enjoy these adorable mini delights!