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Sour Cream Cookies

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Sour cream cookies are soft, fluffy, and melt in your mouth with every bite! These delicious cookies have the perfect balance of sweetness and tangy sour cream flavor. They make a great treat for any occasion, and you can top them with your favorite frosting for extra fun. Whip up a batch today and enjoy these irresistible cookies fresh from your kitchen!
This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the guide below to get perfect results. We include step-by-step photos and directions, plus pro tips and tricks to make the process even easier. Don't forget to check out the frequently asked questions for helpful answers!

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These sour cream cookies take just thirty minutes to make, and they’re perfect for any occasion! The cookies are soft, fluffy, and have a tangy-sweet flavor that everyone loves.
Whether for a party, potluck, or a simple treat, they’ll be a crowd-pleaser. Make a batch at home for a fun, delicious dessert that stands out from the rest!
Ingredients

What you'll need to make this recipe for Sour Cream Cookies:
For The Cookie Dough:
- 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ cup of salted sweet cream butter, softened
- ½ cup of sour cream, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
For The Frosting:
- ½ cup of salted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon of clear vanilla flavoring
- 2¼ cups of powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of half and half
- 2-3 drops of pink gel food coloring (I used rose pink)
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your recipe for sour cream cookies by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These easy changes will make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Swap Vanilla Extract: Use almond or lemon extract to create a new flavor profile that stands out in every bite. Substitutions and additions can easily be made while still maintaining the deliciousness of these soft sour cream cookies.
Substitute Sour Cream: Use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture while still keeping that tangy flavor in your cookies.
Add Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing, zesty twist to your sour cream cookies.
How to Make Cookies with Sour Cream
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks to make perfect sour cream cookies. Let’s get started on this delicious recipe! You'll love how easy and fun it is to bake these sweet treats.
Pro Tip
For best results, make sure to use room temperature butter and eggs for this soft sugar cookies with sour cream recipe.
FIRST STEP: Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Set dry ingredients aside.
SECOND STEP: Using a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter and sour cream for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.
Pro Tip
Creaming the ingredients as instructed is important to achieve the right texture for the cookie.
THIRD STEP: Add the vanilla and granulated sugar. Continue mixing for another 1 minute.
FOURTH STEP: Lower the mixer speed to low speed and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg until no yellow streaks remain.

FIFTH STEP: Increase the mixer speed to medium. Add the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, mixing just until well incorporated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

SIXTH STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
SEVENTH STEP: Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the cookie dough. Space the balls of dough 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Very gently depress the cookie dough ball. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or the bottom edge of the cookies is barely golden in color. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring the baked cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

EIGHTH STEP: For the frosting, add the softened butter and clear vanilla flavoring to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed and beat the butter and vanilla flavoring for 1 to 1½ minutes.
NINTH STEP: Lower the mixer speed to medium, and add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time alternating with the half and half, until the frosting is smooth. Add the pink gel food coloring and mix just until the color is evenly distributed.
TENTH STEP: Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost your cookies and serve.

How To Serve Cookies made with Sour Cream
You can serve these sour cream cookies in so many fun and delicious ways! They work for any occasion, season, or crowd. Here are some great ideas for serving this recipe:
- Holiday Parties: These cookies are perfect for festive gatherings with friends and family. Add festive sprinkles or frosting for a holiday touch. Pair them with hot chocolate or eggnog for a cozy, sweet treat.
- Birthday Celebrations: Kids and adults will love these soft and sweet cookies at any birthday party. Top with colorful icing to match the theme! Serve them alongside a cake or ice cream for extra fun.
- Spring and Summer Picnics: These light and fluffy cookies are great for warm weather picnics. Add fresh fruit or a lemon glaze for a refreshing twist. Pair with lemonade or iced tea for a bright, tasty combination!

Why You'll Love This Sour Cream Cookie Recipe
This Sour Cream Cookies recipe is a favorite with our readers for so many irresistible reasons:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tangy sour cream perfectly blends with the sweetness of the cookie, making each bite deliciously unique. Readers love how these cookies bring a rich, moist texture that stands out from other recipes.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a breeze to whip up any time. Readers enjoy how quickly they can make a batch for family or friends.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: These cookies have an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply unbeatable. The fluffiness makes them an ideal treat for any occasion, big or small.
Sour cream cookies are not just a treat—they're a reader favorite that brings joy with every bite!

Recipe FAQ
Can I use light sour cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can use light sour cream for a lower-fat option, and it won’t affect the cookie's texture or flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers are soft but set.
Why is my dough too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for fifteen to twenty minutes to firm it up before baking.
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer works great for mixing the dough. Just ensure you mix until the ingredients are well combined.

Serving FAQ
How should I serve sour cream cookies for a party?
Serve these cookies on a decorative platter, and consider adding fun toppings like sprinkles or colored frosting for a festive look.
Can I frost or glaze the cookies before serving?
Yes, you can frost or glaze them before serving for added sweetness and a fun decorative touch.
Should I let the cookies cool before serving?
Yes, allow the cookies to cool completely so the texture sets and they are easier to handle.
Can I serve sour cream cookies warm?
Absolutely! These cookies taste great warm, offering a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for fresh-from-the-oven enjoyment.

Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your old fashioned sour cream cookies. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got everything covered to keep your cookies fresh and delicious!
Can I make sour cream cookies ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough ahead, and refrigerate it for up to twenty-four hours before baking.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them soft.
Can I freeze sour cream cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months for longer storage.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen sour cream cookies?
Thaw cookies at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Sour Cream Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 extra large eggs (room temperature)
Frosting
- ½ cup salted sweet cream butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons half and half
- 2 to 3 drops pink gel food coloring (I used rose pink)
DIRECTIONS
- Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Set it aside.
- Using a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the softened butter and sour cream for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.
- Add the vanilla and granulated sugar. Continue mixing for another 1 minute.
- Lower the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each egg until no yellow streaks remain.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium. Add the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, mixing just until well incorporated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Use a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop the cookie dough. Space the dough 2 inches apart. Very gently depress the cookie dough ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or the bottom edge of the cookies is barely golden in color. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, add the softened butter and clear vanilla flavoring to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed and beat the butter and vanilla flavoring for 1 to 1½ minutes.
- Lower the mixer speed to medium, and add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time alternating with the half and half, until the frosting is smooth. Add the pink gel food coloring and mix just until the color is evenly distributed.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost your cookies and serve.
Notes
- For best results, make sure to use room temperature butter and eggs for this soft sugar cookies with sour cream recipe.
- Creaming the ingredients as instructed is important to achieve the right texture for the cookie.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cookies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.






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