Sour cream sugar cookies. Just the name conjures up images of warm kitchens, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon wafting through the air, and of course, that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are a beloved classic for a reason—they are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
The secret ingredient? You guessed it—sour cream! Unlike traditional sugar cookies, the addition of sour cream creates a cookie that is incredibly soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is for you. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for the Best Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to get started. Remember, baking is all about precision, so try to stick to the measurements for the best results:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat is best!)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- Optional: Your favorite sprinkles, sanding sugar, or frosting for decorating
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Delicious Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Ready to dive in? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a batch of delicious cookies:
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour.
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Gradually Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
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Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each disc into a circle, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
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Preheat and Prepare: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Roll and Cut the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, and place them on your prepared baking sheets.
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Time to Bake! Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before decorating with your favorite sprinkles, frosting, or sanding sugar.
Sour Cream Sugar Cookie Ingredients
FAQs: Your Sour Cream Sugar Cookie Questions Answered
Q: Can I freeze sour cream sugar cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! This dough freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Q: My cookies turned out flat. What went wrong?
A: Don’t worry, even experienced bakers have been there! Flat cookies usually happen when the dough is too warm or the butter is over-creamed. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for the full recommended time.
Q: Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?
A: While sugar substitutes might alter the texture and taste of the cookies, it’s certainly worth experimenting! Start by substituting half of the granulated sugar with your preferred sugar substitute and adjust from there. You may need to make slight adjustments to the baking time as well.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Batch
- Use high-quality butter: The flavor of your cookies will be influenced by the quality of your butter, so splurging on a good brand is worth it.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Chill your cookie cutters: For cleaner cuts, try chilling your cookie cutters in the freezer for a few minutes before using them.
- Get creative with decorations: Use cookie cutters in different shapes and sizes, experiment with food coloring, or try your hand at royal icing for a festive touch.
Enjoy Your Scrumptious Cookies!
Freshly Baked Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for classic sour cream sugar cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. Want to explore other delicious cookie variations? Check out our recipe for equally irresistible potato chip cookies! Happy baking!
