Mini Sugar Cookies

These Mini Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. With their crunchy and buttery texture, they melt in your mouth, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them during the holidays, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these cookies will not disappoint. Their versatility and charm make them a must-try recipe for cookie lovers everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Bite-Sized: These mini cookies are just the right size for a quick treat without the guilt of overindulging.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Versatile Occasions: Great for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or casual snacking at home.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or toppings to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether served on a platter or given as gifts, everyone loves these sweet bites.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Mini Sugar Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a fluffy dough.
• Cookie scoop: Using this ensures uniform cookie sizes, resulting in even baking.

Ingredients

These tiny cookies are crunchy and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are perfect for the holidays – put them on your cookie platter, give them as a gift, or place them in a bowl for nonstop nibbling.

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. This step ensures an easy release from the pan after baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer:
1. Beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the canola oil, mixing until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
3. Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. It’s fine if it looks slightly curdled.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
2. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until fully combined.

Step 4: Prepare Sugar Coating

Set aside ¼ cup of sugar for topping baked cookies:
1. Place ½ cup of granulated sugar in a wide container suitable for tossing dough balls with sugar.

Step 5: Shape Dough Balls

Scoop out dough into approximately 2-teaspoon portions:
1. Drop dough balls into your sugar container (work with about 8–10 at once).
2. Gently shake or roll each ball to coat it evenly with sugar.

Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place dough balls on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart:
1. Use a cookie stamp or the bottom of a glass to flatten each ball slightly.

Step 7: Bake Until Set

Bake cookies for about 9–12 minutes until puffed and edges begin to set:
1. Once done, transfer pans to wire racks; sprinkle tops with reserved sugar immediately.
2. Allow cooling completely before storing in an airtight container.

With this simple guide, you can enjoy making delicious Mini Sugar Cookies that everyone will love!

How to Serve Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini Sugar Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies add a sweet touch to any occasion.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing mini sugar cookies with your favorite brew enhances the flavors and provides a comforting experience.

As Party Favors

• Package them in cute bags or boxes for guests to take home. These cookies make charming gifts that are sure to please.

On a Cookie Platter

• Include mini sugar cookies on a festive cookie platter alongside other treats. Their small size makes them perfect for sampling.

With Ice Cream

• Crumble mini sugar cookies over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an added crunch and sweetness.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Serve them during holidays as a festive treat that everyone will enjoy. Decorate with colored sprinkles for extra cheer!

How to Perfect Mini Sugar Cookies

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

• Use Cool Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. This helps create the right texture without melting the dough too quickly.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overly dense cookies.

• Chill Dough if Necessary: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps in shaping the cookies and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle when you take them out.

• Store Properly: Once cooled, store your mini sugar cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Sugar Cookies

Mini Sugar Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their sweetness and offer balance. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese to pair with the sugary flavor.
3. Nut Mix: A variety of nuts adds crunch and savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, fruity side that pairs well with these cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Serve melted chocolate for dipping; it’s a fun way to enjoy both flavors together.
6. Homemade Lemonade: A tangy drink like lemonade refreshes the palate and complements sweet treats wonderfully.
7. Herbal Tea Selection: Offer a variety of herbal teas, which provide soothing flavors that go hand-in-hand with baked goods.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create a DIY sundae bar where guests can top their ice cream with crushed mini sugar cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mini sugar cookies can be easy, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using butter that is too warm can lead to greasy cookies. Ensure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch before mixing.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined, allowing for a tender texture.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can pack it down. Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat to 350°F before placing your cookies in.

• Skipping the cooling step: Removing cookies from the pan too soon can cause them to break apart. Allow them to cool on wire racks for proper set-up.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Mini Sugar Cookies

• Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will last up to three months frozen.

Reheating Mini Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm for 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, warming each cookie for about 30 seconds per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making mini sugar cookies:

What makes mini sugar cookies crunchy?

The combination of butter and granulated sugar contributes to their delightful crunchiness, while proper baking time ensures they don’t become too soft.

Can I customize mini sugar cookies?

Yes! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for different flavors and textures that suit your taste.

How do I make mini sugar cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and ensure not to overmix the dough when combining ingredients.

Can I use alternative sweeteners in mini sugar cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or other sweeteners, keeping in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

These mini sugar cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their crunchy texture and buttery flavor make them perfect for holiday trays or everyday snacks. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or toppings to make them uniquely yours!