Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Try this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies recipe.
Try this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies recipe.
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups (330g) all-purpose flour* (scoop and level top to
- 2 1/2 tbsp (24g) cornstarch
- 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup (120g) regular sour cream
- 1/2 cup (112g) butter softened (i recommend using 1/4 cup unsalted 1/4 cup salted)
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp half and half then more as needed
- Carbohydrate 3.69773499801588 g
- Cholesterol 245.36791666501 mg
- Fat 53.9157799996355 g
- Fiber 0.00441666666666667 g
- Protein 5.65061166529559 g
- Saturated Fat 33.2864991664397 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen cookie (152g)
- Sodium 402.30658328984 mg
- Sugar 3.69331833134921 g
- Trans Fat 3.9192653333147 g
- Calories 522 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt for 20 seconds, set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together butter and sugar until blended.
- Mix in egg then blend in sour cream, vanilla extract and almond extract.
- With mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Divide dough into 2 fairly equal portions.
- Place each portion on a sheet of plastic wrap and shape each into a round disk about 6-inches.
- Wrap with plastic wrap and chill 1 1/2 - 2 hours until fairly firm for rolling.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees during last 10 minutes of chilling.
- Dust a work surface with a fair amount of flour.
- Remove one portion of dough from refrigerator, remove from plastic wrap and transfer to floured surface.
- Dust top with flour, then using a rolling pin, roll out to a 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut into rounds or hearts (note that this dough does puff up so I don't recommend using detailed cookie cutters).
- Transfer to an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Gather scraps and press together then re-roll dough and cut into shapes.
- Bake in preheated oven for 9 - 11 minutes until cookies are nearly set (you don't really want to under-bake these or they just taste doughy).
- Let cool several minutes on baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack to cool (after about 5 minutes of cooling on a wire rack I transfer to an airtight container to finish cooling to seal in moisture).
- Repeat process with remaining dough in refrigerator.
- Once cookies are cool frost with the vanilla frosting and store in an airtight container.
- For the frosting:
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer (or in a mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer) blend together butter, powdered sugar, half and half and vanilla until well combined and fluffy, while adding in a little more half and half as needed 1 tsp at a time to thin.
- Keep covered until ready to use.
- To measure flour: scoop flour with a measuring cup and sweep top using a butter knife. If you are in high humidity you may need to fold in a couple more tablespoons of flour at the end if the dough is super sticky.
My Perfect Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. These Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies fit the bill perfectly! They're incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth delightful, and surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a weeknight. The addition of sour cream adds a unique tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and sophisticated. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a perfectly frosted sugar cookie?
I’ve experimented with countless sugar cookie recipes over the years, trying to achieve that perfect balance of texture and taste. Some were too crunchy, others too dry, and some simply lacked that "wow" factor. But these cookies? They're the gold standard in my kitchen. The secret, I believe, lies in the combination of butter, sour cream, and a touch of almond extract. The sour cream keeps the cookies wonderfully moist and tender, while the almond extract adds a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the overall experience. It's a simple addition, but it makes all the difference.
The process itself is straightforward and manageable, even for novice bakers. The chilling step is crucial; it allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll and cut. And while I understand the temptation to rush through the baking process, patience truly is key here. Baking the cookies until they're almost set ensures that they're perfectly soft and chewy without being underbaked and doughy. A few minutes of cooling on the baking sheet followed by transferring them to a wire rack is essential to prevent sticking and allows them to cool evenly.
These cookies are not just for special occasions; they're perfect for any day you need a little bit of sweetness in your life. I often bake a batch on a weekend morning and enjoy them with a cup of coffee while I plan my week. They also make a fantastic treat to share with friends and family, or to pack in lunchboxes for a special midday surprise. They're delightful with a tall glass of milk, hot cocoa, or even a cup of tea on a chilly evening. The possibilities are endless!
The vanilla frosting is the perfect complement to the cookies, adding a creamy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor. It's simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients that you probably already have on hand. A little extra half-and-half can be added for a smoother, runnier consistency, depending on your preference. The slightly tangy frosting cuts through the richness of the cookies, providing a perfectly balanced bite. The frosting is essential. It's more than just a topping; it's an integral part of the complete cookie experience.
These cookies are versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different extracts, add sprinkles, or use different cookie cutters to create unique shapes. The recipe is a fantastic starting point, but the true magic lies in customizing it to your personal taste. Whether it's a simple addition of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. And don’t forget the airtight container – storing your cookies properly will help preserve their wonderful texture and freshness for days to come.
So, the next time you're craving a delicious and easy-to-make cookie, give these Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies a try. They're sure to become a new family favorite!
