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Decorated sugar cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles.
Jana Rae

The Best Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet—The Best Sugar Cookies are easy to roll, hold their shape, and bake up with a delicate crisp edge. A classic homemade treat topped with sugar and a raisin for the perfect nostalgic touch!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 30 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Optional: raisins one per cookie, if making the raisin-centered variation

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
  5. Chill dough for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
  6. Shape the Cookies
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball lightly in sugar.
  9. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Optional Raisin Variation
  1. Gently press a single raisin into the center of each cookie ball before baking.
  2. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers are soft.
  3. 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.