Some recipes feel like home — and sugar cookies are one of them. I can still picture the kitchen table dusted with flour, the sound of spoons clinking against mixing bowls, and the smell of butter and sugar baking in the oven.
When I was little, these cookies weren’t just cookies — they were tradition. My grandma always pressed a single raisin right into the middle of each cookie before sliding the tray into the oven. It was her quiet signature, and it turned something simple into something special. I remember standing on a chair, watching closely, waiting for my turn to press a raisin in place. That tiny step made me feel like I was part of something important, something worth remembering.
That’s what I love most about sugar cookies. They’re plain and unassuming, yet they carry with them a piece of history, a touch of love, and endless possibilities. Whether you keep them classic, add a raisin like Grandma did, or dress them up with lemon zest or chocolate, they’re the kind of cookie that feels right in every season and at every gathering.
So tie on your apron, dust off that mixing bowl, and let’s bake a little tradition together.
How Long to Chill the Dough?
- Minimum: 30–45 minutes (if you’re short on time).
- Best: 1–2 hours for easier handling and clean cuts.
- Overnight: If prepping ahead, just let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before rolling.
Rolling Tip:
If the dough is too firm after chilling, let it rest at room temp for 5–10 minutes before rolling it into circles. Dust your rolling surface lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Milk vs. Egg Wash – Which is Best?
✔ Milk:
- Creates a softer, matte finish.
- Helps the sugar adhere well without altering the texture too much.
- Best if you want a light, natural-looking sugar-coated top.
- Works well for delicate cookies like yours!
✔ Egg Wash (Egg + Water or Milk):
- Gives a shinier, slightly crisp finish.
- Helps the cookies brown just a bit more.
- Best if you want a more golden, bakery-style appearance.
- Can make the sugar glisten more but may give a firmer texture.
Storage & Serving Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- They freeze well for up to 3 months—just separate layers with parchment paper.
- Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a cozy treat.
Variations
- 🍇 Raisin-Centered Sugar Cookies (Vintage Style): Already included above!
- 🍋 Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tsp lemon zest + ½ tsp lemon extract to dough.
- 🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Sugar Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate, sprinkle with sugar or sprinkles.
- 🌰 Nutty Sugar Cookies: Press a pecan half, walnut half, or almond in the center before baking.
- 🥥 Coconut Sugar Cookies: Stir in ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut or sprinkle on top after baking.
- 🌿 Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ tsp cinnamon + pinch nutmeg; roll in cinnamon sugar.
The Best Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
- Shape the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball lightly in sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press a single raisin into the center of each cookie ball before baking.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are soft.
- Let cool on the pan for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Press the raisin lightly into the dough so it stays in place while baking.
- Use coarse or sanding sugar for an extra sparkly, crunchy finish, or just regular granulated sugar for a classic touch.
- Brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash before sprinkling the sugar to help it adhere better.
