My grandmother used to make the most delicious sugar cookies topped with red sanding sugar and raisins. They were so soft and fluffy, and completely different than any other sugar cookie I’ve ever had.
After she passed, my grandfather gave me her recipe books to look through and I found the recipe for her soft sugar cookies, written in her handwriting. I had it enlarged and framed, and display it every Christmas in honor of her.
Looking for other ways to decorate with family heirlooms or vintage décor at Christmas? Check out this post!
There’s a bit of debate in my family about which way is better to serve these cookies – with sugar and raisins or with frosting. No matter how you decide to top them, these cookies are soft and buttery and will surely win your family over!
The problem with my grandmother’s recipe is that there aren’t any directions – just ingredients! I’ve made them several times with different techniques, and I’m pretty sure I’ve cracked the code. And today I’m sharing it with you! I also put together a list of ways to transform a beloved family recipe into the sweetest gift for the holidays! Make sure to read to the end!
Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 C granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 1 C milk
- 2 T lemon juice
- decorations – see the end of the directions for ideas!
- I found these adorable sprinkles here
Baking Tools
- stand mixer
- spatula
- mixing bowl – this one is adorable too!
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking sheets – these are my absolute favorites!
- parchment paper – this kind makes it so simple
- or for an eco-friendly option, silpats are awesome!
- slotted turner
- cooling racks
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir lemon juice into milk and let sit for a few minutes. Note: You can also just use 1 C buttermilk if you have it.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the dough until just mixed.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes. This will prevent your cookies from baking flat.
- Spoon out dough with a Tablespoon onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Pro Tip: only put 6-7 cookies on each tray because they will expand and push together if overcrowded.
- Baking for 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
- Cool and decorate as desired.
Topping options
Before baking, sprinkle with sanding sugar and top with raisins – 3 raisins to stay true to Grandma Groff!
Frosting – This is a personal preference! Vanilla buttercream and cream cheese frosting are delicious. Want to take it up a notch? Chocolate peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes would taste amazing!
Gift Ideas
The recipes I have from my loved ones that are written in their hand are so incredibly special to me. There are so many ways to transform these treasures into beautiful gifts for your family!
- Recipe Platter
- Recipe Ornament
- Enlarge the photo and have it printed
- Include a copy of the recipe along with some beautiful kitchen ware like this gorgeous mixing bowl and some baking tools
Is there a family recipe you hold near and dear to your heart? Leave a comment and let me know! I hope you find some sweet inspiration here to get in the kitchen with your family. And if you have a favorite way to top these cookies, let me know!
And don’t miss these other holiday cookie recipes, including another from my grandma!
Ginger Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Christmas Wreath Treats
Sand Tarts
Make sure to follow along on Instagram for more easy DIY’s, home styling tips, and a peek inside our every day life!
xoxo, L
