Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies
Christmas cookies made with a treasured family recipe, passed down through generations.
Christmas cookies made with a treasured family recipe, passed down through generations.
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 2/3 cups flour
- 1/4 cup shortening (crisco)
- 1 bag confectioners sugar
- 1 cup milk add 1/4 tsp at a time
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract or any flavor preferred (almond, orange, rum, etc.)
- 3-4 bottles sprinkles variety
- 1 bottle cinnamon red hots
- Carbohydrate 8.73790378481354 g
- Cholesterol 8.89461805967147 mg
- Fat 3.27421694595561 g
- Fiber 0.00256736102369097 g
- Protein 0.301103993134864 g
- Saturated Fat 2.06174906344722 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (21g)
- Sodium 24.9652534795885 mg
- Sugar 8.73533642378985 g
- Trans Fat 0.232981763998238 g
- Calories 64 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 375°F (or 350°F in a convection oven).
- In a large mixing bowl, mix shortening, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- In a separate large bowl, blend dry ingredients; add to the creamed mixture alternately with sour cream.
- Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick on a well-floured pastry cloth; cut with 2-inch cutters; place on a greased baking sheet (greasing isn't necessary for non-stick baking sheets).
- Sprinkle with sugar (optional; you can skip this if using a glaze and sprinkles).
- Bake for 8-10 minutes (check at 7 minutes to account for oven variations).
- Allow to cool completely, then frost and decorate.
- Glaze: Combine 1 cup confectioner's sugar with milk, 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until smooth and thick enough to coat the cookies. Add peppermint extract (or your preferred flavoring) and food coloring as desired.
- Decorate with sprinkles.
- Note: The first batch may bake faster (5-6 minutes) - monitor closely to prevent burning. Don't roll the dough too thin to avoid burning.
A Taste of Tradition: Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies
The aroma of freshly baked cookies is a comforting scent, one that instantly transports me back to childhood Christmases. For me, that scent is inextricably linked to the taste of my Grandma Hughes's Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies – a recipe passed down through generations, a testament to family and tradition. It’s more than just a cookie recipe; it's a story etched in flour, sugar, and the warmth of shared moments in the kitchen.
I remember vividly those Christmas baking days, the flurry of activity in Grandma's cozy kitchen, the rhythmic clatter of measuring cups and spoons, and the warm glow of the oven light. My Uncle D and I would eagerly assist, our tiny hands carefully measuring ingredients, our eyes wide with anticipation. Grandma, with her gentle smile and nimble hands, would guide us through each step, sharing anecdotes and stories from her own childhood as we worked side by side. These weren't just cookies; they were little pieces of history, each bite a taste of the past, a connection to generations gone by. The recipe itself, passed down from her grandmother, Alma Sternitzky, and then her own mother, Dorothy Guillaume, held a special magic – a legacy of love and culinary tradition.
The process of making these cookies isn't just about following a set of instructions; it’s about the experience, the shared moments, the laughter, and the anticipation of the delicious reward at the end. It's a cherished tradition that I now carry on, sharing the same joy and excitement with my own family. The delicate balance of flavors, the soft texture, the slightly sweet and tangy taste – these cookies are a true representation of classic Christmas baking.
I love the versatility of this recipe. The simple glaze allows for endless variations. Sometimes I stick to the classic peppermint, creating a festive treat perfectly complementing the holiday spirit. Other times, I'll experiment with different flavors: almond, orange, rum – each offering a unique twist on this timeless recipe. The addition of colorful sprinkles adds a touch of playful whimsy, turning these simple cookies into small works of art. My family and friends eagerly anticipate these cookies each year, knowing that every bite brings a touch of warmth and happy memories.
Making these cookies isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories. It's about passing on a tradition, sharing the love and care that went into each ingredient, each careful step, each shared moment in the kitchen. As I carefully measure the flour, sugar, and other ingredients, I feel a deep connection to my family history. The aroma filling my kitchen is a sensory reminder of the love and joy that have been baked into these cookies for generations. This recipe is more than just a list of instructions; it's a recipe for love, connection, and the creation of lasting memories.
So, this Christmas, as you gather with your loved ones, consider making a batch of Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies. Let the sweet scent of these cookies fill your home with the warmth of tradition, and let each bite be a cherished moment shared with those you love most. They’re more than just cookies; they’re a reminder of the enduring power of family and the timeless joy of baking together.
Beyond the simple act of baking, these cookies represent the enduring legacy of family traditions. They’re a link to the past, a connection to the women who came before me, and a testament to the enduring power of shared experiences and treasured recipes. The careful measuring of ingredients, the precise baking time, the delicate art of decorating – it’s all a part of the story. And every time I bake these cookies, I carry on that story, adding my own chapter to the legacy.
These cookies, with their perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, are a timeless classic, a reminder of simpler times, and a testament to the enduring power of family traditions. They are a reminder that sometimes the most cherished recipes are not the most complicated, but rather the ones that hold the most meaning. So, gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and let the magic of Christmas baking begin.
