Name: Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting; food coloring (optional); sprinkles (optional)

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Soft, fluffy, and impossibly tender, these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen. Imagine the sweet scent wafting through your home as they bake, hinting at buttery goodness with a light tang that only sour cream can provide. The dough is so soft and pliable, making it a joy to roll out and cut into delightful shapes. When finished, each cookie is a dreamy canvas for creamy frosting, ready to be topped with colorful sprinkles, perfect for the holidays or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)

I can still remember my grandmother baking these cookies while we’d play games in the kitchen, her laughter mixing with the clinking of cookie cutters. They’ve been a staple in my family for as long as I can recall, bringing smiles and hugs with each batch. Whether you’re whipping them up for a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat, these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe) are sure to bring joy to your home. Let’s gather some ingredients and make something magical!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in about 25 minutes, making it incredibly easy to whip up a batch on short notice.
Irresistible Flavor: The unique tang from the sour cream creates a delightful balance that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Decorate these cookies however you like! They’re fun to dress up with frosting and sprinkles, making them perfect for any celebration.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just an afternoon snack with tea or coffee!
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to substitute ingredients like using gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter for a more inclusive treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cookies, giving them structure and a tender crumb. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise, giving them that lovely, fluffy texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: A small amount that helps balance the acidity of the sour cream.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened but not melted for the best texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and this helps create that lovely, crisp edge.
1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
½ cup sour cream: The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their soft, velvety texture and a slightly tangy taste. Greek yogurt can be a good substitute if needed.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: It enhances the flavor profile of the cookies beautifully.
Frosting Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Used for the frosting as well, to ensure a creamy consistency.
2 cups powdered sugar: This is necessary for a sweet, spreadable frosting.
1 tablespoon milk: Adjust this to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Of course, can’t forget to add that extra flavor!
Food coloring (optional): To make the frosting vibrant and fun!
Sprinkles (optional): For that extra flair when you decorate!

How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe)

Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. This step is essential because it prevents any lumps from forming and ensures that the leavening agents are well combined, setting the stage for fluffy cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer for about two minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. The key here is to incorporate air into the butter, which will help the cookies rise beautifully. Scraping down the sides of the bowl might be necessary to ensure everything is well mixed.

Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. You should have a glossy mixture at this point. The sour cream adds not just flavor but moisture, which is a hallmark of these incredible sour cream sugar cookies.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the dough as this will affect the final texture. You want to keep that tenderness that makes these cookies so amazing!

Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, up to overnight. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Preheat and Prepare: About 15 minutes before you plan to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature helps achieve even baking.

Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie, as they may spread a bit, although not too much.

Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will appear soft but will firm up as they cool. Do keep an eye on them—no one likes burnt edges!

Cool Down: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short resting period lets them set up just right, avoiding any breakage when moving.

Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until you have a smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a spreadable frosting. If you’d like different colors, divide the frosting into bowls and add food coloring.

Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie. Don’t hold back on the fun—add sprinkles or any other decorations you fancy! Allow the frosting to set before packing them away or serving.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Sour Cream Sugar Cookies fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you have extra cookies, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes; refreshing the taste and texture might take a gentle microwave reheat of 10-15 seconds!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Mix until just combined after adding the flour for tender cookies; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this will give your cookies the right consistency.
Chill Dough: Chilling is crucial for maintaining shape during baking; don’t skip it!
Decorate Sparingly: Sometimes, less is more! Try to keep the frosting light for a delightful bite.
Experiment with Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a delightful twist, or even stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise!

These classic Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe) are bound to bring joy to your kitchen and home. They offer a heavenly canvas for your creative flag to fly high! So, gather your ingredients and embrace the fun of baking. Whether you enjoy them plain, frosted, or adorned with sprinkles, you’ll have a batch of cookie magic that everyone will cherish. Happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure to use one that has a good balance of textures for optimal results. It might take a little experimenting, so don’t hesitate to try different brands for your perfect cookie!

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make your cookies dairy-free, swap the unsalted butter for dairy-free butter, and use a non-dairy sour cream substitute or Greek yogurt. These changes will help achieve a similar texture and flavor without the dairy!

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Roll it into discs as directed and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.

What are some variations I can try?

Get creative! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for extra flavor. Experimenting with different extracts, such as almond or lemon, can also add a unique twist!