There’s something truly comforting about a classic sugar cookie — crisp edges, a tender crumb, and just the right amount of sweetness. If you’ve ever wanted to bake a batch of small sugar cookies that are perfect for snacking, gifting, or decorating, you’re in the right place!
This small sugar cookie recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and yields bite-sized treats that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Plus, their petite size means you can enjoy more without the guilt!
From casual afternoon tea to festive holiday plates, these cookies bring a nostalgic charm to any occasion. Let’s dive into how you can make these tiny bites of joy from scratch, with helpful tips and tricks to make your baking experience smooth and fun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This small sugar cookie recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, the dough is incredibly easy to work with, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
The cookies bake quickly and evenly, resulting in perfectly golden edges with a soft center. Because they’re small, they’re ideal for portion control or for sharing at parties.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can leave these cookies plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or decorate them with icing and sprinkles for a festive touch.
They also store well, so you can bake ahead for holidays or special events.
Best of all, the recipe uses pantry staples — no need for fancy ingredients or equipment. This means you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Small cookie scoop or teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and helps cookies bake evenly.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion gently into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for extra flair.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly uniform cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading and keeps the cookies thick and tender.”
Customize your cookies with these ideas:
- Lemon zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist.
- Almond extract: Replace half the vanilla with almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Decorate: Use royal icing and sprinkles to turn these into festive holiday cookies.
- Chocolate dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let set for an indulgent touch.
Remember, the key to small sugar cookies is to keep an eye on them while baking, as their size means they can quickly go from perfectly golden to overdone.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Small Cookie (approx. 20g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Serving Suggestions
These small sugar cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
They also make a wonderful addition to dessert platters alongside chocolate-dipped fruits or mini cheesecakes.
For festive occasions, stack them in pretty tins or wrap them in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons — they make excellent homemade gifts! You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dip them in hot chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious baking ideas like Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Soft Gingerbread Cookies, and Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins for more crowd-pleasing treats!
Conclusion
Small sugar cookies offer a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a timeless treat. Their petite size makes them ideal for snacking without overindulging, and their classic flavor appeals to all ages.
This recipe is straightforward, uses everyday ingredients, and is highly adaptable to your personal taste and creativity.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual snack, or a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to bring smiles around the table. With just a little time and love, you can create perfectly tender, buttery bites that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Small Sugar Cookie Recipe
Description: These small sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and delightful to eat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 24 small cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Extra sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix well.
- Add milk to form a soft dough.
- Roll dough into small balls and roll them in sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 80 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 10 g
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