Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Classic Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Byquickrecipez.com December 1, 2024December 1, 2024

As autumn arrives, the smell of cookies fills the kitchen. It brings back memories of my childhood. My grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies were a big part of our holiday tradition. They were soft and delicious, making our family gatherings special.

If you love baking or are just starting, this recipe is perfect. It’s known for its sweetness and soft texture. Over 384 reviews have given it a 4.75-star rating. Get ready to enjoy these holiday treats.

Key Takeaways

Sour cream adds a delightful richness and tender texture to these classic sugar cookies.
The recipe yields approximately 36 cookies, making it perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
With a total prep and bake time of just 40 minutes, these cookies are a quick and easy treat to whip up.
The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead option.
Customize the cookies by substituting some vanilla extract with almond extract for a delightful twist.

Introduction to Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Sour cream sugar cookies are a favorite in many homes, especially during holidays. They come from a family recipe that’s been passed down for years. These cookies are known for their soft texture and just the right amount of sweetness.

The History Behind This Family Recipe

These cookies have a special history. They come from a grandmother’s recipe that’s been kept alive in the family. Each batch brings back memories of happy times and family gatherings.

What Makes These Cookies Special

These cookies are special because of their texture and taste. The sour cream makes them soft and cake-like, unlike regular sugar cookies. This makes them perfect for decorating and frosting.

Why Sour Cream Makes a Difference

Sour cream is the key to these cookies. It adds moisture and richness, making them tender and delicious. It also balances the sweetness, creating a unique flavor that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

“These cookies have become a family tradition that brings us together year after year. The soft, delicate texture and the perfect balance of sweetness make them a crowd-pleaser every time.”

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

To bake the perfect batch of bakery treats or christmas cookies, you need the right stuff. For this sour cream sugar cookie recipe, here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Sour cream
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
All-purpose flour

For the creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, you’ll use:

Butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk

You’ll need an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar. Also, baking sheets, parchment paper, and wire cooling racks are must-haves.

The recipe requires specific measurements for each ingredient. This ensures the perfect texture and flavor. It’s important to measure the flour correctly – either weigh it or lightly spoon it into the measuring cup. Also, make sure the butter is at room temperature to avoid flat cookies.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

With the right ingredients and tools, you’re ready to bake delicious, soft and fluffy sour cream sugar cookies.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Baking these soft, pillowy soft baked goods is a delightful process, perfect for holiday baking traditions. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to ensure your sour cream sugar cookies turn out beautifully every time.

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft and almost cake-like in texture.

Proper Baking Techniques

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop the dough by the rounded tablespoon and place the portions about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooling and Storage Tips

Once the cookies have cooled, they are ready to be frosted or enjoyed as is. For long-term storage, unfrosted cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The cookies also freeze well for 2-3 weeks, making them a great make-ahead option for your holiday baking needs.

Creating the Perfect Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Take your sour cream sugar cookies to the next level with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. This topping enhances the cookies’ tangy sweetness and opens up decoration possibilities. It’s perfect for any occasion or a special treat.

Start by beating softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until it’s fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it’s just right. Mix in vanilla extract and a bit of milk or cream for a smooth texture.

½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (30ml) milk or heavy cream

Want to add a pop of color? Try adding a drop of gel food coloring to the buttercream. It’s a great way to match your cream cheese frosting or sweet snacks theme. You can choose vibrant colors for holidays or soft pastels for baby showers.

When your cookies are cool, spread the buttercream on each one with an offset spatula or butter knife. Smooth it out and get creative with your decorations. The creamy frosting will make your cream cheese frosting and sweet snacks even more indulgent.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of effort, you can make the perfect vanilla buttercream frosting. Enjoy this delicious mix of tangy and sweet, perfect for any time.

Tips for Achieving Soft and Fluffy Texture

To get the best soft and fluffy sour cream sugar cookies, follow some key tips. Avoid common baking mistakes and watch the temperature and timing closely. These steps are crucial for the perfect texture.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the dough – Be gentle when mixing the ingredients to prevent gluten development, which can lead to tough, dense cookies.
Using cold ingredients – Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before starting. This helps them incorporate more easily.
Overbaking the cookies – Keep a close eye on the oven and remove the cookies when they are lightly golden on the bottom and just begin to set on top. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly cookies.

Temperature and Timing Considerations

Bake your buttery cookies at 375°F for 8-9 minutes for the softest texture. This temperature and timing keep the cookies soft and tender. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

“The secret to these classic sour cream sugar cookies is all in the temperature and timing. Bake them just until set, and they’ll stay deliciously soft and fluffy every time.”

By using these simple tips and techniques, you can make your sour cream sugar cookies perfectly soft and fluffy. This will make a delightful treat that everyone will love.

Creative Variations and Decorating Ideas

Make your sour cream sugar cookies special with these creative ideas. They can turn your baking into a fun experience for everyone.

Try adding different flavors to your dough. Orange or lemon zest can make it bright and refreshing. A little almond extract adds a nice nutty taste. These small changes can make a big difference.

Decorating is where you can really get creative. Use a flavorful buttercream frosting and let your imagination run wild. Try different colors like chocolate, red, or green. Add festive christmas cookies or sprinkles for extra holiday fun.

Make your cookies look like festive designs. Use cutters like turkeys or leaves for a Thanksgiving touch. Decorating together can make special memories and delicious treats for the whole family.

Metric	Value
Total Shares	22.6K
Recipe Rating	4.48 out of 5 from 234 votes
Total Servings	3 dozen cookies
Calories per Serving	90 kcal
Cook Time	30 minutes
Prep Time	1 hour and 30 minutes
Positive Ratings without Comments	90%
Recipe Category	Desserts

With these ideas, your sour cream sugar cookies can be a true holiday treat. Enjoy baking and decorating together. Make festive desserts that everyone will love.

“Baking sour cream sugar cookies has been a cherished family tradition for generations. The aroma of freshly baked cookies and the act of decorating them together has a way of bringing us closer and creating lasting memories.”

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Your freshly baked sour cream sugar cookies can last up to a week if stored right. Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks. For longer storage, freezing is best. After frosting sets, freeze cookies on a baking sheet. Then, stack them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen, unfrosted cookies stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze your sour cream sugar cookies, let the frosting set first. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once solid, move the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. Use parchment paper to separate layers to avoid frosting damage. Frozen cookies can be stored for 1-2 months.

Thawing Recommendations

When you’re ready to serve your frozen sour cream sugar cookies, just thaw them at room temperature. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your kitchen’s temperature and humidity. Enjoy these holiday treats fresh from the freezer or after they’ve warmed up a bit.

FAQ

What makes these sour cream sugar cookies unique?

These cookies are soft and cake-like, with just the right sweetness. The sour cream makes them special, unlike regular sugar cookies.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Also, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. For the frosting, use butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.

How long does it take to prepare and bake these cookies?

This recipe makes about 36 cookies. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and bake them.

What is the proper technique for mixing the cookie dough?

Mix the dough carefully to avoid overmixing. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

How should the cookies be stored and frozen?

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To freeze, set the frosting, then freeze on baking sheets. Stack with parchment paper between layers. Frozen cookies last up to 3 months and should thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can these cookies be customized for different occasions?

Yes, these cookies are perfect for any holiday or special event. Try adding citrus zest or using almond extract for different flavors. You can also change the frosting colors and flavors.

Source Links

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

Have you tried this recipe? Leave a rating

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.