Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

There's something magical about biting into a soft, pillowy sugar cookie that melts in your mouth. Grandma's Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are the perfect balance of tender crumb and delicate sweetness, with just a hint of tang from the sour cream.

These cookies hold a special place in my heart. My grandmother would always make a fresh batch for every holiday, the house filled with the warm scent of vanilla and butter. Whether plain or topped with a swirl of frosting, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Why You'll Love Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Get ready to discover a cookie recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are a timeless classic, beloved for their flavor, texture, and versatility.

First, these cookies are incredibly soft and fluffy, thanks to the addition of sour cream. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can be dry, these stay tender for days.

They’re also incredibly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and you don’t even need to chill it before rolling—perfect for those last-minute baking sessions.

What makes them extra special is how versatile they are. Leave them plain for a simple treat, or dress them up with colorful frosting and sprinkles for holidays and celebrations.

Lastly, they’re steeped in nostalgia. Baking these cookies feels like reconnecting with cherished memories of family gatherings, warm kitchens, and a grandmother’s love baked into every bite.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, humble ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of softness and flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure. Be sure to measure it accurately to avoid dense cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Gives the cookies their delicate sweetness. You can use superfine sugar for an even smoother texture, but regular works just fine.
• Butter: For that rich, buttery flavor. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in the recipe.
• Sour cream: The secret ingredient! It adds moisture and a slight tang, which balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Eggs: Act as a binder, helping the cookies stay soft and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth. For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure the cookies rise just enough to be soft and pillowy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the cookies taste salty.

Equipment Needed

A few basic tools are all you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

How To Make Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies is a joy from start to finish. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Prepare the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating tender cookies, as it incorporates air into the dough. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as there are no streaks of flour.
2. Roll and Cut
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape the cookies, re-rolling scraps as needed.
3. Bake
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between them. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Don’t overbake—they should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
4. Cool and Decorate
   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, decorate as desired. A simple powdered sugar glaze or a swirl of buttercream frosting makes them extra special.

These cookies are ready in under an hour from start to finish—a delightful treat for any occasion.

Storage Options

To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If frosted, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (undecorated) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before decorating. You can also freeze the unbaked dough—roll it out and cut the cookies directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies is their adaptability. Here are some ways to make them your own:

• Flavor the dough: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a touch of lemon zest for a twist.
• Swap the sour cream: If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Festive shapes and colors: Tailor the cookies to the season with themed cookie cutters and colored frosting.
• Healthier tweaks: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly less sweet option.

Baking is all about experimenting and making recipes fit your taste. Feel free to get creative and share your own variations!

These cookies aren’t just a recipe—they’re a tradition. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because, Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to bring joy. Let the aroma fill your home, and don’t forget to save one (or two) for yourself!

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