Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies filling the kitchen. These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, with just a hint of tanginess from the sour cream. They’re the kind of treat that brings back memories of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and sneaking a second (or third!) cookie when no one was looking.

I first discovered this recipe in my grandmother’s tattered recipe box, handwritten in her perfect script. It has since become a cherished family tradition, especially during the holiday season. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special.

Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these classic cookies that are as nostalgic as they are delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

First, these cookies are delightfully soft and tender. The sour cream in the dough creates a pillowy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite, making them stand out from typical sugar cookies.

Next, they’re incredibly easy to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment – just a few simple pantry staples and a rolling pin to create these showstoppers.

Another great thing about these cookies is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or decorate them with frosting and sprinkles for a festive touch. They’re perfect for any occasion.

Finally, they store beautifully, meaning you can make them ahead of time for parties or as holiday gifts. The flavors only get better with a little time, making them even more irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies lies in the combination of classic ingredients that come together to create a timeless treat. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Sour Cream is the star of this recipe, giving the cookies their signature softness and subtle tang. Use full-fat sour cream for the best results, as it adds richness to the dough.

All-Purpose Flour provides the structure for the cookies. Be sure to measure it carefully – too much flour can make the dough stiff.

Butter adds a buttery flavor and keeps the cookies tender. Let it soften at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar.

Granulated Sugar sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a lightly golden color when baked.

Eggs act as a binder and add moisture. For the fluffiest cookies, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing.

Vanilla Extract enhances the flavor with its warm, sweet notes. You can also try almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.

For equipment, you’ll need a rolling pin and cookie cutters to shape the dough. A stand mixer or hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier.

How To Make Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Creating these cookies is a simple and enjoyable process that even beginner bakers can handle. Follow these steps for perfect cookies every time.

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial for achieving a light, airy texture. Mix until the butter and sugar are pale and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling the dough is key to making it easier to roll out and shape.

Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed.

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Decorate as desired or enjoy them plain – they’re delicious either way!

Storage Options

These cookies store exceptionally well, making them ideal for advance preparation or gifting.

For short-term storage, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days.

If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer.

To thaw, simply let the cookies sit at room temperature for about an hour. If decorated, ensure the frosting is fully set before freezing to prevent smudging.

When reheating, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

For a citrus twist, add a tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. The bright, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with the richness of the sour cream.

Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract to give the cookies a nutty, aromatic flavor that’s equally delightful.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, try using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. It adds a similar tangy flavor while reducing the fat content.

For festive occasions, add food coloring to the dough or sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.

Finally, experiment with glazes or frostings to take these cookies to the next level. A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully.

These cookies are the perfect canvas for your creativity. Don’t be afraid to try new flavors and decorations – Grandma would approve!

Print