Homemade Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Joy

Grandma’s time-honored sour cream sugar cookies dance with nostalgia and sweet memories.

Soft whispers of childhood afternoons echo through every delicate bite.

Butter-rich dough promises comfort and warmth from a cherished family recipe.

Delicate hints of vanilla weave magic into each perfectly crafted cookie.

Generations have savored these tender treats, passing down love through simple ingredients.

Simple yet extraordinary, these cookies connect us to past kitchen moments.

You’ll want to tie on an apron and start mixing right now.

Tips For Perfect Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a soft, thick cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smoother cookie dough consistency.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste.
  • Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or make a simple vanilla glaze to enhance the cookies' sweetness and presentation.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, tender crumb.

Different Versions Of Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use plant-based butter for lactose-intolerant bakers.
  • Chocolate Chip Upgrade: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly cookie that's still deliciously sweet.

What To Serve With Grandma’s Cookies

  • Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange these soft, golden cookies on a festive tray with sprinkles, creating a delightful dessert centerpiece for family gatherings.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these tender sugar cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, perfect for a relaxed mid-day break.
  • Dessert Decorating Party: Host a fun cookie decorating session where guests can frost and embellish these cookies with colorful icing, making it an interactive and enjoyable activity for all ages.
  • Kids' Baking Project: Invite children to help roll and shape the dough, teaching them basic baking skills while creating sweet memories together.

How To Store Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for 23 weeks. Place wax paper between layers to keep them from clumping together.
  • Refrigerate dough in a sealed container for up to 3 days before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen cookies in a 300F oven for 35 minutes until warm and crisp around the edges.

FAQs

  • Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute with similar texture and tanginess in the cookie recipe.

  • Why add sour cream to cookie dough?

Sour cream adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor that makes these cookies extra soft and rich.

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

Look for light golden edges and a slightly firm center. They should be soft but not wet when you touch them.

  • Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No chilling is required for this recipe. You can mix and bake the cookies immediately after preparing the dough.

Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Love

  • Cherish Nostalgic Flavors: Dive into a classic recipe passed down through generations, bringing warmth and memories of grandma's kitchen right to your home.
  • Stress-Free Baking Adventure: Create delightful cookies with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a batch of soft, tender cookies that will vanish quickly at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers with friends.
  • Versatile Dessert Delight: Enjoy these tender sugar cookies plain or dress them up with colorful sprinkles, frosting, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm.

Ingredients For Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and body to the cookie.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender texture in the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Sour Cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cookie dough.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the sweet treat.
Baking Accessories:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures easy cleanup.

How To Bake Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy.

Toss in:
  • Egg
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract

Mix everything until super smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a spoon to drop rounded dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Leave some breathing room between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges turn a delicate golden color. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before enjoying.

Print
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Homemade Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Homemade Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies blend nostalgic flavors with simple ingredients for a delightful treat. Crisp edges and tender centers make these classic cookies a cherished family favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2.75 cups (652.5 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg

Leavening Agents:

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

Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
  3. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy texture.
  4. Incorporate egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients are completely smooth and integrated.
  5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing until a cohesive cookie dough forms without overmixing.
  6. Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing between each cookie.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for light golden edges as an indicator of doneness.
  8. Remove cookies from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cookie’s soft texture.
  • Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt to create a lighter, equally tangy cookie option for those with lactose sensitivity.
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar or colored sanding sugar before baking to add a festive crunch and beautiful sparkle to these classic cookies.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out quickly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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