These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet! The sour cream adds a unique flavor that makes them stand out from regular cookies.
They’re perfect for any occasion! I love making a big batch and sharing them with friends. Just watch out, they disappear fast! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sour Cream: This is what makes these cookies so soft and adds a nice tangy flavor. If you’re out of sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a similar texture and taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended here for better control of the sweetness. You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar: While regular sugar gives great results, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor and chewier texture. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the cookie’s color.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but for a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure your blend has xanthan gum for binding.
How Do I Get the Cookies to Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
To achieve that perfect soft texture, pay attention to your mixing and baking times. Here are some essential tips:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, mix until light and fluffy for about 2-3 minutes. This incorporates air which helps make the cookies tender.
- Don’t overmix once you combine your wet and dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough.
- Bake only until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
Following these simple steps will help ensure you end up with delightful, soft sour cream sugar cookies that everyone will love!
How to Make Delicious Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (as desired)
- Sprinkles or decorative sugars (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and 8-10 minutes for baking. Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. For frosting, plan on an additional 10 minutes. In total, you can expect around 40 minutes to complete your batch of cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream:
Now, add the sour cream to the mixture and blend until it’s well incorporated. This will add moisture and flavor!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a low mixing speed to combine everything gently, just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if some small flour pockets remain.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. They’ll look slightly undercooked in the center—that’s okay! They’ll continue to set as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract, until the mixture is smooth. Feel free to add food coloring for a fun touch!
11. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top of each cookie. Get creative with sprinkles or decorative sugars to make them festive!
12. Let It Set:
Finally, let the frosting set before enjoying your delightful Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. These treats are perfect for any occasion!
Enjoy baking and sharing these tender, flavorful cookies with friends and family!
Can I Substitute Sour Cream in This Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk as a substitute. Both will give a similar texture and tangy flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, layered between parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free option. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How Can I Make These Cookies Thicker?
If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape while baking and results in a thicker, chewier texture.
