Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

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There’s something deeply nostalgic about soft, pillowy sugar cookies that almost melt in your mouth. Sour cream sugar cookies bring a special richness and tang that sets them apart from your typical sugar cookie. These cookies are tender, slightly cakey, and just sweet enough to satisfy any craving without being overpowering. They’re the kind you remember from grandma’s kitchen—timeless, simple, and undeniably delicious.

What makes these cookies truly stand out is the sour cream. It does more than just add moisture; it brings a subtle tang and creaminess that balances beautifully with the vanilla and sugar. Whether you frost them or enjoy them plain, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any season or occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies are soft, thick, and absolutely dreamy. The dough is easy to roll out and holds its shape well, making it ideal for cut-out cookies. Plus, they stay soft for days, which is perfect for gifting or baking ahead. And let’s be honest—anything that reminds us of cozy childhood memories earns bonus points.

What Kind of Sour Cream Should I Use?

Full-fat sour cream works best for this recipe. It gives the cookies a richer flavor and a softer texture. Low-fat or fat-free varieties can make the dough too wet or compromise the final texture. If you’re in a pinch, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute, but you’ll miss some of the classic tang and depth.

Ingredients for the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

The magic of these cookies comes from a few humble pantry staples that work in perfect harmony.

All-purpose flour is the backbone of the dough, giving it structure and allowing it to be rolled out without becoming sticky.

Baking powder helps these cookies rise just a touch, keeping them light and fluffy.

Baking soda reacts with the sour cream to create a tender crumb and slight lift.

Salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Unsalted butter brings that rich, buttery taste and keeps the cookies soft.

Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create a light, golden top.

Eggs add richness and help bind everything together.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.

Sour cream is the star, adding moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang.

How To Make the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft, airy texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is fully combined before moving on.

Step 3: Stir in Sour Cream

Fold in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth. It might look a bit curdled, but that’s normal.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour. This makes it easier to roll out and cut without sticking.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven and roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into your favorite shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let cookies cool completely before frosting or decorating, if desired. Or enjoy them just as they are!

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

This recipe yields about 24 to 30 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies (unfrosted) for up to three months.

What to Serve With Sour Cream Sugar Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

Pair your cookies with a mug of creamy hot cocoa for a winter-perfect dessert.

Fresh Berries

Add a bowl of berries for a fresh, fruity contrast to the sweet, soft cookies.

Whipped Cream

A dollop on the side turns these cookies into a dessert plate centerpiece.

Iced Coffee

For summer days, an iced vanilla latte is the ideal partner.

Lemon Curd

Spread a little tangy lemon curd on top for a bright twist.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Create cookie sandwiches for a frozen treat.

Frosting Buffet

Set out bowls of colored frosting and sprinkles for a fun decorating activity with kids.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these sour cream sugar cookies, you might want to try a few more unique twists on the classic:

• Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth richness.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls if you love fruity meets sweet.
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for a citrusy pop.
• Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies for fun colors and flair.
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars if you like chewy with a twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you frost them or leave them plain? Did you use cookie cutters or go rustic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Sour cream sugar cookies are one of those sweet treats that feel both nostalgic and special. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a celebration, or just because, their soft texture and subtle tang are sure to win hearts. They’re the kind of cookie that gets asked for again and again—and once you try them, you’ll understand why.

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