Nothing beats the pure joy of biting into soft, buttery, sweet cookies that melt in your mouth, and that’s exactly why you’re going to fall head over heels for The Easiest Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe. These bite-sized treats are delicately crisp on the edges with a tender, melt-away center, perfect for any occasion from everyday snacking to festive celebrations. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to whip up, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients that come together effortlessly but deliver remarkable flavor and texture every single time. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface, featuring a white speckled bowl filled with a heap of white flour in the center, a smaller brown bowl above it filled with granulated sugar, and a small brown plate to the left holding three white powders, likely baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. To the right of the flour bowl is a dark brown glass bottle of vanilla bean paste, and below the bowl is an unopened yellow stick of butter with clear labeling. A single white egg sits near the butter, and a whisk with a wooden handle lies to the left on the surface. The scene is bright and softly lit, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient here plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and even color in these delightful mini sugar cookies. From the soft buttery richness to the sweet vanilla notes and the gentle lift from baking soda, this list is straightforward but powerful.

All-purpose flour (200 grams / 1 2/3 cups): The foundation that gives your cookies structure and tenderness.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Adds softness and a slight delicate crumb that keeps these cookies from being dense.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a gentle lift and slight chewiness to the cookies.
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
Unsalted butter, softened (115 grams / 1/2 cup): The star for that rich, creamy texture and flavor.
Granulated sugar (250 grams / 1 1/4 cups, divided): Adds sweetness and helps create that irresistible crackled sugar coating.
Large egg, room temperature (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture for tender cookies.
Vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic notes that truly elevate the flavor.

How to Make The Easiest Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt in a small bowl. This even distribution of ingredients ensures your cookies bake evenly and have the perfect tender bite. Setting this blend aside now makes the next step a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and 150 grams (3/4 cup) of granulated sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat them together on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration step is critical for achieving cookies that are soft and tender rather than dense.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Now mix in the egg and your vanilla bean paste or extract. Stir until smooth and well combined—the vanilla truly brings these mini sugar cookies to life with its sweet, comforting aroma and taste.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour your flour mixture into the wet ingredients and mix gently, just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can create tough cookies, so be gentle here. Cover the dough and pop it into the fridge to chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and enhancing the cookie’s flavor.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour the remaining half cup (100 grams) of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl — this will be for rolling your dough balls to create a gorgeous sugary crust.

Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Bake

Use a #100 cookie scoop or just a teaspoon to portion out your dough into small balls. Roll each one in the granulated sugar until fully coated, then arrange them about one inch apart on your prepared sheets. Keep any leftover dough chilled while the cookies bake, so it stays easy to handle. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes — exactly enough time for the edges to set while keeping the centers soft and slightly underbaked, which is the secret to that perfect chewy texture.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the sheet for 4 to 5 minutes after baking; this helps them firm up slightly without losing their delightful softness inside. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Get ready to savor the scrumptiousness of these bite-sized gems!

How to Serve The Easiest Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

A close-up view of many small, round cookies tightly packed together, each about one layer thick. The cookies have a light golden color with a rough texture and a slightly darker, soft center that looks like a mix of cinnamon and sugar. The tops are sprinkled with fine sugar crystals that give a slightly sparkling effect. The cookies are on a white marbled surface, filling the entire frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for special occasions. For a pop of color and texture, try sprinkling some finely chopped nuts or colorful sugar crystals before baking.

Side Dishes

These mini sugar cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. For a fun twist, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn your snack into a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your mini sugar cookies on a tiered serving tray for parties or package them in small gift boxes tied with a ribbon — they make perfect homemade gifts. You can also sandwich them with flavored jam or chocolate ganache to create mini cookie sandwiches that impress every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking and maintain their soft texture.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer. Once solid, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time as needed.

Reheating

To bring your mini sugar cookies back to life, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. This’ll revive that just-baked softness and enhance their buttery aroma.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional kosher salt in the recipe to prevent your cookies from becoming too salty.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and intensifies the flavors. It also makes the dough easier to handle and scoop.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts would be a delicious addition, just fold them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

What’s the best way to measure flour for this recipe?

For accurate measurement, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can pack the flour and cause dry, dense cookies.

How can I make the cookies more colorful for a holiday or party?

Try rolling the dough balls in colored sugar or sanding sugar before baking. You can also decorate cooled cookies with icing or edible markers for personalized fun.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, The Easiest Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves quick, reliable, and truly scrumptious homemade cookies. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time and again because it’s simple, rewarding, and endlessly versatile. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let these sweet little delights fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!

The Easiest Mini Sugar Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Sara
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 94 mini cookies

Print Recipe

Description

These Mini Sugar Cookies are delightfully simple to make, featuring a tender, buttery texture with a subtle vanilla flavor. Perfectly sweetened and coated in granulated sugar, they offer a soft center with just-set edges. Ideal for a large gathering or as an easy-to-make treat that requires minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

200 grams all purpose flour (1 2/3 cups)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

115 grams unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup)
250 grams granulated sugar, divided (1 1/4 cups)
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or 15 milliliters/1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 150 grams (3/4 cup) of the granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla bean paste or extract and mix until smooth.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and beat just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours, or ideally overnight to enhance the flavor and texture.
Prepare for baking: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper. Pour the remaining 100 grams (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl for rolling the cookie dough balls.
Scoop and sugar coat: Using a #100 cookie scoop or a teaspoon, scoop the dough into small balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat evenly. Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared sheet pans. Keep any leftover dough refrigerated while baking the sheets.
Bake the cookies: Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until the edges are just set and the centers appear slightly underdone. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy center and prevent crunchy cookies. Let the cookies cool on the sheet pans for 4 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfectly soft mini sugar cookies!

Notes

Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and improves texture.
Using room temperature egg ensures better mixing and texture.
The vanilla bean paste adds an intense vanilla flavor, but pure vanilla extract works perfectly fine.
Don’t overbake; the cookies will firm up as they cool.
The recipe yields a large batch, perfect for parties or gifting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes per batch
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American