Mini butter cookies are delightful bite-sized treats with a rich, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or pairing with coffee or tea, these versatile cookies are easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients create a rich, classic flavor.
- Bite-sized for easy snacking and portion control.
- Perfect for decorating or adding to dessert platters.
- Quick and easy to make with minimal prep time.
- Great for holidays, parties, or gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Salt
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll small portions of dough (about 1 teaspoon) into balls.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Press the tops lightly with a fork, the bottom of a glass, or your thumb to flatten slightly.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Decoration:
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate, or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for extra flair.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 40 mini cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Butter Cookies: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Butter Cookies: Mix in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Nutty Butter Cookies: Add finely chopped nuts or almond extract for a nutty flavor.
- Spiced Cookies: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Jam Thumbprints: Make small indentations in the dough and fill with jam before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Serve at room temperature; no reheating required.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavor.
2. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar creates a smoother texture, but granulated sugar can be used for a slightly crunchier cookie.
3. Why is my dough crumbly?
If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before shaping and baking.
5. Can I pipe the dough instead of rolling it?
If the dough is soft enough, you can pipe it using a star tip for decorative shapes.
6. How do I make them gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.
7. What toppings work best for decorating?
Sprinkles, powdered sugar, or melted chocolate are great options for decorating.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.
9. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is not overly softened, and chill the dough briefly if necessary to prevent spreading.
10. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, add a few drops of food coloring to create festive or themed cookies.
Conclusion
Mini butter cookies are a timeless treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a favorite for all ages. Whether you serve them plain, decorated, or with a creative twist, these cookies are sure to impress. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the classic goodness of homemade butter cookies!
Print
Mini Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 50 mini cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, European
Description
Mini Butter Cookies are tiny, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a rich buttery flavor. These bite-sized delights are perfect for snacking, gifting, or serving alongside coffee or tea. Their simplicity and versatility make them a timeless classic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate for drizzling or dipping
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 teaspoon each) and roll into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball, creating a decorative pattern if desired. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake. - Cool and Decorate:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate, or top with sprinkles once cooled.
Notes
- For extra flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.