There is something utterly delightful about the simplicity and charm of these tiny treats, which is exactly why the Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe has won a special place in my heart. These perfectly bite-sized cookies bring together sweet buttery goodness, a touch of vanilla and almond, and that irresistible sugary sparkle on top. Each cookie is soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, making them ideal for sharing or sneaking a handful whenever the craving hits. If you love a no-fuss, comforting cookie that’s as easy to make as it is to love, this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe will be your new go-to.

A white tray filled with small round cookies that have a light golden color and a crisscross pattern on top. The cookies have a sugar coating that makes them look slightly sparkly. A red spatula is lifting a small pile of the cookies. In the background, there is a transparent container also filled with the same cookies, all placed on a white marbled surface. The scene looks clean, with soft natural light highlighting the cookies' texture and color photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right combination of simple ingredients is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic sugar cookie flavor. Each item plays an essential role from the creamy softness of butter to the subtle lift from cream of tartar.

Unsalted butter (½ cup softened): Provides rich flavor and tender crumb, make sure it’s cooled but still soft for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar (½ cup plus ¾ cup divided): Adds sweetness and crunch when sprinkled on top.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Helps create a delicate, slightly chewy texture.
Canola or vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cookies moist and adds a subtle richness.
Pure vanilla extract (1¼ teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
Almond extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle nutty note that elevates the classic sugar cookie taste.
Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and gives the dough structure.
All-purpose flour (2⅓ cups): The foundation of the dough, spooned and leveled for accuracy.
Baking soda (¾ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough, creating that tender texture.
Cream of tartar (¾ teaspoon): Provides a mild tang and supports the fluffiness of these mini delights.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining three baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation is crucial for even baking and easy cleanup. While preheating, take a moment to organize your ingredients—it makes the process flow smoothly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter along with the granulated and powdered sugars. This step is where the cookies get their airy texture, so mix until everything is well combined and fluffy. Then, add the oil while continuing to beat, scraping down the bowl as needed to incorporate every last bit.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, toss in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit curdled—that means the fat and liquid are still coming together and will smooth out once the flour is added.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures an even distribution, which is essential for consistent texture in each cookie.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom so all the flour is incorporated without overmixing the dough, which could make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Prepare Sugar Coating and Shape Dough Balls

Set aside ¼ cup of sugar for sprinkling on top of the baked cookies. Place ½ cup sugar into a wide container for coating the dough balls. Scoop the dough into 2-teaspoon portions—using a small cookie scoop is perfect here—and drop them into the sugar to gently coat each ball.

Step 7: Flatten and Bake

Arrange the sugared dough balls a couple of inches apart on your parchment-lined sheets—about 30 per sheet, depending on size. Flatten each gently with a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes until puffed with edges just beginning to set. Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle the reserved sugar on top for that extra sparkle as they cool.

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

A close-up image shows a stack of five light golden cookies with a crumbly texture. Each cookie layer is thin and slightly uneven, showcasing a soft, airy inside with a slightly crisp outer edge. The top surface has a fine dusting of sugar, adding a subtle sparkle. Below the stack, more cookies with a similar texture are placed randomly on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the stack of cookies in the center. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These mini sugar cookies shine on their own but feel free to add a fun twist by sprinkling colored sanding sugars or edible glitter before baking. For a decadent touch, drizzle with melted chocolate or a light glaze once cookies have cooled.

Side Dishes

Pair these charming cookies with a warm cup of tea or a cold glass of milk for a comforting classic duo. If you’re serving at a party, add bowls of fresh fruit or small cheese selections to balance the sweetness and provide variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Mini Sugar Cookies on decorative platters or stack them tied with twine for charming gift ideas. Another fun presentation is to sandwich a thin layer of jam or frosting between two cookies for bite-size cookie sandwiches that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your mini sugar cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain their softness by retaining moisture.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, the dough balls can be frozen in the sugar coating for up to a month. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer into a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh their softness and bring back that fresh-baked warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level, you can use salted butter but reduce or omit the added salt to avoid overly salty cookies.

What makes these cookies ‘mini’?

The recipe’s dough is portioned into small 2-teaspoon-sized balls, resulting in tiny bite-sized cookies perfect for portion control and delightful snacking.

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

Yes, if you don’t have almond extract, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of extra vanilla extract for a pure vanilla flavor.

Why do we use cream of tartar in the recipe?

Cream of tartar reacts with baking soda to provide lift and a slight tang, enhancing the texture and flavor that distinguishes these sugar cookies from typical ones.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Mini Sugar Cookies stay fresh and tasty for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat.

Final Thoughts

Trying out this Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little burst of sweetness and nostalgia into your kitchen. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers and charming enough to impress guests or brighten your own day. Trust me, once you make these delightful petite cookies, you’ll find countless excuses to bake them again and again.

Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe