Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

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Buttery, tender, and frosted with creamy vanilla goodness, Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. These soft-baked classics strike the perfect balance between rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With a hint of tanginess from sour cream and a fluffy interior, they’re a nostalgic bite of joy that takes you back to cozy family kitchens.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap, leaving something sweet for Santa, or just craving a comforting homemade dessert, these cookies deliver. The best part? They’re sturdy enough to decorate but soft enough to delight every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

These cookies are an easy win for bakers of all levels. They don’t require chilling, hold their shape well, and stay soft for days. The sour cream keeps them moist and fluffy, while the simple vanilla frosting makes them taste like a bakery-style dream. You can customize with sprinkles or tint the frosting for any festive theme.

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What Kind of Frosting Should I Use?

Classic vanilla buttercream works beautifully here. You can whip up a quick version with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. For a brighter finish, add a drop of food coloring to match any holiday. Want to skip homemade? Use your favorite store-bought frosting—just be sure it’s spreadable and not too thick.

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Ingredients for the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe brings a unique function to the soft texture and flavor. Here’s what you need and why:

• Butter: Provides richness and that unmistakable classic cookie flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the light, airy structure.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and add moisture.
• Sour Cream: The secret star—it keeps the cookies tender and adds a slight tang.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm depth to the flavor profile.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base structure of the cookie.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: A combo that gives rise and lightness.
• Salt: Balances all the sweetness perfectly.

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How To Make the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets for a soft texture.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Mix in Sour Cream

Add sour cream to the bowl and mix until well combined. The dough will begin to look fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until a dough forms. Don’t overmix.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden.

Step 7: Cool and Frost

Let cookies cool on a wire rack before frosting with your favorite vanilla icing and sprinkles.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing and gifting. They make lovely additions to holiday platters or as a sweet treat beside your morning coffee. This batch makes about 24 cookies, feeding 10 to 12 people easily.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months, and frost after thawing.

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What to Serve With Sour Cream Sugar Cookies?

Hot Cocoa

A cup of rich, creamy cocoa makes these cookies even cozier.

Chai Latte

The spices in chai complement the vanilla and tangy notes of the cookies.

Fresh Berries

Add a pop of freshness and color to your cookie platter.

Apple Cider

Serve warm for a fall-flavored pairing that’s divine.

Whipped Cream

Dollop a little next to your cookie for an elegant dessert plate.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Make it a sundae with a soft sugar cookie base.

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

For a luxe touch, add warm ganache over the frosted cookies.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet treats:

• Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe for buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Magic Lemon Cobbler if you want a zesty citrus surprise.
• Banana Bread Cookies for cozy breakfast vibes in cookie form.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake when you’re craving rich and fruity indulgence.
• Peanut Butter Cream Pie if you’re into creamy, nutty dessert perfection.

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Save This Pin 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 add sprinkles? Frosting flavors? I love hearing how you personalize these soft and chewy cookies. Questions are welcome too—let’s make sweet magic together!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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