There’s something special about baking sugar cookies during the holidays. It might be the soft glow of the oven light. It could also be the smell of vanilla and butter in the air. Or maybe it’s how these little cookies bring everyone to the kitchen to help decorate. This Mini Sugar Cookies recipe is one I’ve made many times. It has become a family tradition. It is quick, simple, and totally irresistible.
When my kids were small, we used to make big, cut-out cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles. But one year, I decided to make them smaller tiny, bite-sized sugar cookies you could pop right in your mouth. They came out soft and golden, with crispy edges and chewy centers. The kids called them “cookie buttons,” and now, I can’t imagine the holidays without them.
If you love easy, festive baking, you’ll also enjoy my Sugar Cookie Cheesecake or Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread. Both share the same sweet simplicity that makes every bake feel special.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into small 1-teaspoon-sized balls and place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Optionally flatten slightly and top with colored sugar or sprinkles.
- Bake for 7–9 minutes, just until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on pan before transferring to wire rack.
Nutrition
Notes
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What You’ll Need for Mini Sugar Cookies
These cookies use classic pantry staples: butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. That’s it — no fancy ingredients, just a few basics that come together beautifully. I always make sure my butter is at room temperature so it creams perfectly with the sugar. The result? That light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every cookie irresistible.
You can roll the dough into small balls or use a mini cookie cutter for fun shapes. I like to dip the tops in colored sugar before baking to make them sparkle. If you’re planning a cookie platter, these pair beautifully with my Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Bites and Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
How to Make Mini Sugar Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Slowly add flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring just until combined.
Once the dough is ready, roll it into small balls — about one teaspoon each — and place them on the baking sheet about two inches apart. You can gently press each one with the bottom of a glass for that perfect rounded top. For a festive touch, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar or nonpareils.
Bake for 7–9 minutes, just until the edges turn light golden. Don’t overbake — the magic of these cookies is in their soft centers. Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a rack.
I like serving these alongside a mug of Costa Rican Tea or after a cozy dinner with Garlic Butter Bread Rolls. The sweetness of the cookies perfectly balances any savory meal.
Tips for the Best Mini Sugar Cookies
Use real butter for the best flavor — margarine just won’t give the same soft, rich texture. If you like your cookies extra soft, take them out right before they start browning. For crispy edges, bake them a minute longer. And if you want to get fancy, drizzle them with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk once they cool.
These cookies make perfect edible gifts too. I like to pack them in small jars or boxes lined with parchment, tied with a red ribbon. They look as good as they taste. For another great homemade gift idea, try my Heavenly Moist Fruitcake or Christmas Fruit Cake — both are beautiful, festive bakes.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These Mini Sugar Cookies are everything you love about sugar cookies, just in smaller, cuter form. They’re quick to make, bake in minutes, and vanish even faster. The buttery flavor and soft texture make them perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just an afternoon snack with family.
If you want to add variety to your baking lineup, these cookies pair perfectly with savory favorites like Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin — both dishes bring out the warmth and comfort of the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can chill the dough for up to 3 days. Just let it soften slightly before baking.
2. Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely. Bake them, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
3. How can I decorate them?
Colored sugar, sprinkles, or a drizzle of icing all work perfectly. You can even sandwich them with frosting for bite-sized cookie sandwiches.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be soft and buttery.
For more fun, easy recipes to bake with kids, try my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls or Creamed Corn Thanksgiving. Both bring that same cozy homemade feeling to the table.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are so versatile. Serve them warm from the oven with hot cocoa, or pile them on a plate for guests during your next holiday party. For Christmas, roll them in red and green sugar. For birthdays, use rainbow sprinkles. They’re the kind of cookie that fits every celebration.
If you’re making a full dessert board, add a few slices of Christmas Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread and squares of Sugar Cookie Cheesecake. The mix of textures — chewy, soft, creamy — is pure dessert bliss.
A Sweet Bite of Home
Every time I bake these Mini Sugar Cookies, I’m reminded that the best things come in small packages. They’re easy, quick, and filled with that buttery sweetness that defines home baking. Whether you bake them for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or just a lazy Sunday afternoon, these little cookies bring joy in every bite.
And if you want to keep the baking fun going, my Golden Creamy Scalloped Potatoes and Mouthwatering Vegetable Soup will help balance your sweet and savory cravings perfectly.
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