Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

There are plenty of occasions throughout the year that call for the perfect cut-out cookie. Whether it’s hearts for Valentine’s Day or Santas for Christmas, piping frosting onto some holiday-themed cookies is one of our all-time favorite pastimes. But it’s so often the case that those cookies that look so beautiful don’t taste quite as great. But never fear. That’s definitely not the case with these cookies. These cookies are soft and nearly cake-like and they’re just the kind of dependable sugar cookie you want to have in your back pocket.

Their secret is a little bit of sour cream mixed into the dough. It doesn’t really impart any tangy sour cream flavor, but it ensures that the cookies stay fluffy and soft as they bake, which means that when you go to take a bite out of this decorated cookie, your teeth sink into it instead of being met with a crunch.

While most of the time we just flavor these with vanilla extract, a little nutmeg around the winter holidays feels just right. It adds a subtle hint of holiday spice, and while it’s definitely not mandatory, we suggest you give it a try at least once. Likewise, when it comes to chilling this dough… it’s not a totally necessary step. It does help the cookies stay a bit fluffier, and definitely helps the dough be less sticky, but you can always skip that step if you’re in a sugar cookie time crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Soft and Fluffy: Thanks to the sour cream, these cookies maintain a wonderfully soft texture.
• Customizable Flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg for a festive twist, or stick to classic vanilla for timeless appeal.
• Easy to Shape: Perfect for cut-out cookies, these hold their shape beautifully when baked.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until well combined. Mix in eggs and vanilla until thoroughly incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
4. Add dry ingredients to the sugar/butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, mixing well after each addition.
5. Flatten dough into a disc, cover in plastic wrap, and chill for about one hour. (You can skip this step if needed, but it helps make the cookies fluffier.)
6. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
7. Place onto prepared baking sheet and cook until lightly golden, about 7 minutes for soft cookies, 10 minutes for crispier cookies.
8. Let cookies cool on a wire rack and decorate with your favorite frosting. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Properly Soften Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
• Chill for Easier Handling: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and cut without sticking.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to achieve your desired level of golden perfection.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a different flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract in place of vanilla. You can also experiment with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Do I have to use nutmeg?
No, nutmeg is optional. Feel free to omit it or replace it with another spice you prefer.

Conclusion

These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just because, these cookies are sure to please. Give them a try and let us know how they turn out. We’d love to hear about your baking adventures!