These mini sugar cookies are cute little bites of sweetness! They’re soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of sugar to make your day a little brighter.
Perfect for snacks or parties, I love how quickly they come together. Plus, who can resist their fun shape? Just pop them in your mouth and enjoy a moment of cookie joy! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it gives you full control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute, though the flavor may vary.
Sugar: Granulated sugar works nicely for a sweet crunch. For a healthier twist, you can swap half for coconut sugar, but note that this may change the cookies’ color and texture slightly.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients. You can replace it with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
Vanilla Extract: It adds a lovely flavor. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can give a nice twist; just use a bit less since it has a stronger flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookies. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free blend may work well, but check the blend’s properties for best results!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is key for fluffy cookies. The goal is to incorporate air, making the finished cookie light. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened butter at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a mixer on medium speed. Beat the butter until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add sugar gradually, then increase mixing time to about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the bowl occasionally for even mixing.
This step makes a big difference in texture, so take your time for the best results!
Mini Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Colored sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and an additional 10-12 minutes to bake. After that, allow your cookies some time to cool, and you will have scrumptious mini sugar cookies in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, get your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help ensure your dry ingredients are distributed evenly.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft but not sticky.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
7. Flatten and Decorate:
Lightly flatten each dough ball using the back of a fork, creating a nice crisscross pattern on top. If you like, you can press some colored sprinkles onto the top of the cookies for a fun touch!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for the edges to just start turning golden.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now that your mini, buttery sugar cookies are ready, serve them up and enjoy a delightful treat! They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Make sure it’s also at room temperature for optimal mixing!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them or even freezing the cookies for up to three months!
What If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough seems too sticky, add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing until you achieve a soft, workable consistency. Avoid adding too much to keep the cookies tender!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time!
