Grandma’s Magic Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe: Family Joy

Grandma’s cherished sour cream sugar cookies dance between nostalgic comfort and sweet indulgence.

Memories of warm kitchen counters and flour-dusted hands come flooding back with each bite.

Soft, pillowy textures promise a delightful experience that whispers of home.

Generations have savored these delicate treats, passing down a recipe that speaks of love and tradition.

Simple ingredients blend into something magical, creating cookies that melt perfectly on your tongue.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these cookies irresistible for any gathering.

You’ll want to bake a batch and create your own sweet memories right now.

What Makes Grandma’s Sugar Cookies Special

• Nostalgic Comfort: Reminisce about grandma's classic recipe that brings warmth and memories of home-baked goodness straight from the kitchen.
• Super Simple Preparation: Whip up these delightful cookies with basic pantry ingredients and minimal mixing steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, tender sugar cookies that appeal to both kids and adults, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats.
• Quick Sweet Satisfaction: Enjoy freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish, satisfying sudden sugar cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Butter: Softened butter creates a rich and creamy base for the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cookies.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the soft, tender texture and adds a subtle tangy richness.

• Spoon: Used to flatten the cookie dough before baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures even baking.

How to Bake Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab some parchment paper and line your baking sheets, creating a perfect non-stick surface for these delightful cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set this fluffy mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Create a Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.

Introduce your egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until everything just comes together – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into cute little balls or use a cookie scoop.

Place them on your prepared baking sheets.

Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the cookies into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden color.

Let them cool completely on wire racks before enjoying these melt-in-your-mouth treats.

Pro Tips for Soft Sugar Cookies

• Leave butter out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to achieve the ideal fluffy texture.
• Stop mixing as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to keep cookies tender and soft.
• Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor development.
• Use a cookie scoop for consistent cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Sour cream adds incredible tenderness and a subtle tangy flavor that makes these cookies extra special.

Flavor Variations on Classic Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use vegan butter to create a lactose-free version of the classic cookie.
• Healthier Whole Grain Cookies: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutritional value and a nuttier flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or reduce sugar content by 25% and add mashed banana for natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Sugar Cookies

• Sweet Sprinkle Sensation: Dust cookies with colorful sugar sprinkles for a festive and fun look that delights both kids and adults.
• Holiday Gift Charm: Package these soft cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or cookie exchanges.
• Frosting Fancy: Top cooled cookies with a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting, adding a delicate swirl of sweetness that elevates the classic cookie.
• Tea Time Treat: Serve alongside a warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea for a comforting afternoon snack that pairs beautifully with the cookie's subtle tang.

Storage Advice for Sugar Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent softening.
• Wrap raw cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Check temperature to prevent overheating and maintain soft texture.

FAQs

• What makes sour cream special in these cookies?

Sour cream adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor that makes these cookies softer and more delicate compared to traditional sugar cookies.

• Can I make these cookies without sour cream?

While sour cream is key to the recipe’s unique texture, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk, but the taste and texture might slightly change.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a soft, slightly puffy center. They should look set but not dark brown, which indicates they’re done.

• Are these cookies good for decorating?

Yes! These cookies have a sturdy yet soft base that’s perfect for frosting, sprinkles, or simple sugar dusting, making them great for holidays or special occasions.

Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies offer a nostalgic journey through family baking traditions. Sweet memories and simple ingredients combine to create a timeless treat you’ll cherish and share with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie performance.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until light and airy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the butter mixture, mixing until the ingredients are fully integrated and uniform.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
6. Shape the dough into uniform balls or use a cookie scoop to create consistent portions, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Delicately flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon, creating a slightly rounded shape for even baking.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for a subtle golden edge that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks, allowing them to reach room temperature before serving or storing.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create a more tender cookie texture.
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy alternative that maintains moisture and richness.
• Use a light hand when mixing dry ingredients to keep cookies soft and prevent tough, dense results.
• Customize cookies by adding zest from lemon or orange, or sprinkle with colored sugar before baking for festive flair.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg