Name: Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; ½ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as needed); Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

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As you walk into a cozy kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies, your heart immediately warms. The air is thick with buttery goodness, and you can almost taste the soft, fluffy texture of these delightful treats even before they’ve cooled. Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe) bring back fond memories of childhood baking sessions, where flour dust danced in the air, and laughter echoed in the background. These cookies, dressed in a swirl of creamy frosting and perhaps a sprinkle of colorful decorations, are perfect for any occasion—be it birthdays, holidays, or simply a day that needs a little cheer.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned)

I first discovered this recipe at my grandmother’s kitchen table, surrounded by the warmth of family and the comfort of home. Every bite of these cookies transports me back to those cherished moments, and I know they’ll bring a sense of nostalgia and joy to your home as well. So, roll up your sleeves, dust off that mixing bowl, and let’s create some memories with these melt-in-your-mouth Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just over an hour, perfect for those moments when you need something sweet.
Irresistible Flavor: The subtle tang of sour cream combined with sweet buttery goodness makes for a delightful flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their fluffy texture and frosting, these cookies are as pretty as they are tasty.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free flour or vegan substitutes for butter and egg.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-Purpose Flour (2 ¾ cups): This acts as the foundation for the cookie, providing structure. You can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend if needed.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise, contributing to that fluffy texture.
Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Adds a lightness and slight crispness that balances the softness of these cookies.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and helps to balance flavors.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup total, softened): Richness from butter creates moisture and flavor. Make sure it’s softened but not melted for best results.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetness that helps achieve that light, tender crumb. You can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Large Egg (1): Acts as a binder, adding moisture and richness.
Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds a tangy flavor and contributes to that soft texture. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you’re out of sour cream.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Essential for providing richness and depth. Always choose pure vanilla for the best flavor.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): For making the frosting light and sweet, helping it spread smoothly.
Milk (1 tablespoon, adjust as needed): Used to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
Food Coloring (optional): Fun for decorating if you want to personalize your cookies.
Sprinkles (optional): These can add a festive touch that’s perfect for any celebration.

How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies (Soft, Fluffy, Old-Fashioned Recipe)

Combine Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This mix is essential as it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any pockets of baking powder from forming in your cookies. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. The dry ingredients’ consistency is crucial for that perfectly fluffy texture.

Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is key, as introducing air into the butter and sugar creates an airy structure in the cookie. Next, beat in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla until well combined and smooth.

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar blend, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing – you want the dough to maintain a tender texture that melts in your mouth. If you overmix, your cookies might turn out dense, and we all prefer soft and fluffy, right?

Chill the Dough: Divide your cookie dough into two even portions. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight if you prefer. Chilling helps to solidify the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking—allowing them to keep their classic shapes.

Preheat and Prepare: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This is essential to prevent sticking and allows for easy cleanup later on. The right temperature is crucial for achieving that lovely golden edge while keeping the center tender.

Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Grab your favorite cookie cutters, and cut into delightful shapes. Once shaped, transfer the cookies gently onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for a little spreading.

Bake Until Golden: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keeping an eye on the oven is key; you want the centers to look slightly underbaked for that perfect soft texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will have your family wandering into the kitchen!

Prepare the Frosting: While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make that delightful frosting! Beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can separate the frosting and add food coloring for a festive touch.

Decorate the Cookies: Once your cookies have cooled completely, it’s time for the fun part! Use a butter knife or piping bag to spread or pipe the frosting onto the cookies as desired. Let your creativity run wild—add sprinkles or other fun decorations. Remember to let the frosting set before indulging or storing.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Sour Cream Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftover cookies, you can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness for about two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat by letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying, as this helps refresh their soft texture. Whether enjoyed fresh or a bit chilled, rest assured that these cookies will always deliver that comforting nostalgia.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Prevent Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
Soften the Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature but not melted. This is crucial for preventing greasiness in your cookies.
Watch Baking Time: All ovens vary! Check your cookies at the 8-minute mark. They should look slightly underdone for the best texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill overnight, allowing for hassle-free baking when the time comes.
Flavor Boosts: A touch of almond extract or a pinch of nutmeg can add an extra warmth to your cookies.

When you take that first bite of these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, the soft and fluffy texture combined with the creamy frosting will remind you of cozy gatherings from the past. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or simply to enjoy at home, I encourage you to play around with flavors and shapes. There’s something magical about baking that brings joy, not just to those eating the cookies but to you, the creator. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or add about 1/4 teaspoon to help with the texture. The cookies will still turn out delicious!

How can I store leftover cookies?

Keep your Sour Cream Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls or discs and wrap in plastic before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Bake straight from the freezer, just adding a minute or two to the baking time.

What can I do if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too liquidy, simply add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you achieve a thicker consistency. You can also refrigerate the frosting for 10 to 15 minutes to help it firm up before decorating the cookies.