Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

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Soft, pillowy, and perfectly sweet, these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are the kind of nostalgic treat that brings holiday memories rushing back. Unlike traditional crunchy sugar cookies, these are melt-in-your-mouth soft with a subtle tang from the sour cream, balanced beautifully by a creamy vanilla frosting and a cheerful sprinkle topping. Whether you make them for a festive cookie swap or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

These cookies have a bakery-style texture with a homemade heart. Sour cream makes all the difference—it adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight richness that elevates the cookie from ordinary to exceptional. Pair them with a glass of milk, a mug of hot chocolate, or serve them at your next holiday gathering, and they’ll disappear faster than you can say “Merry Christmas.”

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Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Super soft and fluffy with a delicate crumb.
• Not too sweet, allowing the frosting to shine.
• Easy to make in large batches—perfect for gifting.
• A fun decorating project for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile for any holiday—just switch the sprinkles!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the best Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients to avoid overmixing.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth, fluffy dough, especially when creaming the butter and sugar.
• Rolling Pin: Even though these cookies don’t need to be rolled thin, a gentle roll helps flatten them to the perfect thickness.
• Cookie Cutter or Round Glass: For consistent cookie shapes and sizes.
• Baking Sheets & Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly before frosting.
• Offset Spatula or Butter Knife: For spreading the frosting smoothly.

Every tool here contributes to either maintaining the cookie’s tender texture or making the decorating process easier.

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Preparation Tips

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for ideal creaming. Sour cream should be at room temperature so it blends smoothly into the dough. Chill the dough slightly if it feels sticky—that helps keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. When frosting, wait until the cookies are completely cooled to avoid melting the icing. And finally, don’t skip the sprinkles—they add a festive crunch and visual appeal that makes these cookies truly special.

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Ingredients for this Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

For the Cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
• Pinch of salt

Optional:

• Festive sprinkles for decorating

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Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a consistent rise and fluffy texture.

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Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This aerates the mixture and helps create the cookie’s soft texture.

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Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then add the sour cream and mix just until smooth. Don’t overmix—this can lead to tough cookies.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly. The dough will be soft but not sticky.

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Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30–60 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and enhances flavor development.

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Step 6: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

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Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or palm of your hand to gently flatten each ball.

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Step 8: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes. The edges should be set but not browned, and the centers should still look slightly underbaked. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 9: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat until fluffy and smooth, adding more milk to reach your desired consistency.

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Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each using a spatula or knife. Top with colorful sprinkles while the frosting is still soft so they adhere.

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Notes

These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are incredibly forgiving and versatile. You can customize them by adjusting the frosting flavor (try almond or lemon extract), or by using different sprinkle themes to match various holidays or events. If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough longer and scoop larger portions. For a tangier profile, use a touch more sour cream, but reduce other liquids slightly to balance the dough.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
2. Skipping the chill time – If your dough is too soft, the cookies may spread too much.
3. Overbaking – These cookies should not brown significantly. Pull them out when the edges are just set.
4. Frosting warm cookies – Wait until they are fully cooled or the frosting will melt and slide off.
5. Using low-fat sour cream – Full-fat sour cream gives the best texture and flavor.
6. Inconsistent cookie size – Use a cookie scoop for even baking results.
7. Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make the cookies dry.
8. Storing with strong-smelling foods – These cookies easily absorb odors, so store them in airtight containers away from onions, etc.

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Storage Instructions

Store your frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze frosted cookies, but the sprinkles and icing texture may slightly change upon thawing.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 190
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Sugar: 17g
• Fiber: <1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Freeze the baked cookies without frosting, or frost them after thawing. They stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This usually happens when the butter is too soft or the dough isn’t chilled long enough. Try chilling longer next time.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for best results.

Do I have to use frosting?

No, they taste great plain too! But the frosting adds a lovely sweet and creamy finish that enhances the flavor.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

You can, but it will slightly alter the texture and tang. Make sure it’s full-fat and plain for the closest match.

What type of sugar works best?

Granulated white sugar is ideal. Brown sugar changes the texture and flavor profile too much.

How thick should the cookies be before baking?

Aim for about 1/2 inch thickness when flattening the dough balls. Thicker cookies stay soft and cake-like.

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Conclusion

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and festive charm. Their soft texture and creamy frosting make them ideal for holidays, parties, or just a sweet everyday indulgence. With their easy prep and customizable flair, they’re bound to become a go-to in your cookie rotation. Grab your apron, gather your sprinkles, and make a batch that everyone will rave about!

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