Festive, fun, and utterly delicious, these mini Christmas sugar cookies are your ticket to holiday baking success. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet treat by the tree, they’re sure to spread cheer.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfectly sized for snacking, these mini cookies are irresistible and easy to decorate.
- The dough is forgiving and easy to work with, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable with colors and sprinkles, they’re a festive canvas for your holiday creativity.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rolling pin
- Mini cookie cutters
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until a dough forms. Tip: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use mini cookie cutters to cut out shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed. Tip: For even baking, try to make all cookies the same thickness.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let cool on the sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: For softer cookies, bake for the shorter time; for crisper cookies, go for the full 10 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure your butter is properly softened to room temperature before starting. This ensures a smooth, even dough. When rolling out the dough, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour as it can make the cookies tough. Decorating these mini cookies is where the fun really begins. Use royal icing or melted chocolate for detailing, and add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Remember, the key to beautiful cookies is patience and creativity.
Recipe Variations
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spicy twist.
- Mix in zest from an orange or lemon for a citrusy flavor.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Add food coloring to the dough for colorful cookies without the need for icing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.
How do I store the baked cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I use this recipe for larger cookies? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Start checking at 10 minutes and add time as needed.
Summary
These mini Christmas sugar cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season. Easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat, they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.