Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Classic Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe: Soft & Sweet

Grandma’s cherished sour cream sugar cookies dance with nostalgic memories of sweet kitchen moments.

Soft whispers of vanilla and butter weave magical childhood connections.

Generations have savored these delicate treats passed down through loving hands.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise pure comfort in every bite.

Delightful aromas will transport you back to warm afternoon baking sessions.

Simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary that feels like a sweet family hug.

Store Sour Cream Cookies To Stay Soft

  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature for best texture.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked taste.
  • If cookies become slightly stale, add a slice of bread to the container overnight to help restore moisture and softness.

Tasty Accompaniments for Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Chai Tea: Complement the cookies' sweetness with a warm, spiced chai that echoes the vanilla notes and provides a comforting contrast to the sugary treat.
  • Serve with Caramel Latte: The rich, buttery caramel tones will enhance the cookie's soft texture and bring out the subtle sour cream depth, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Match with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top the cookies with a dollop of cinnamon-infused whipped cream to add a delicate, aromatic layer that elevates the classic sugar cookie flavor profile.
  • Enjoy with Cold Milk: The classic childhood pairing of sugar cookies and cold milk remains unbeatable, offering a refreshing and nostalgic complement to the homemade treat.

Grandma’s Sour Cream Cookies with Flavorful Add-Ons

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt, and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap white sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cookie texture and sweetness.
  • Keto-Friendly Transformation: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese instead of sour cream to create a low-carb cookie alternative.

FAQs

  • What makes sour cream important in this cookie recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tangy flavor to the cookies, making them softer and more rich compared to traditional sugar cookies.

  • Can I substitute the sour cream with another ingredient?

Greek yogurt works as an excellent alternative to sour cream, providing similar moisture and tanginess while maintaining the cookie’s soft texture.

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

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be soft when touched and not appear wet or raw in the middle.

  • How can I ensure my cookies stay soft after baking?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps maintain moisture and prevents the cookies from becoming dry or crisp.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Everyone Asks For

  • Quick Family Favorite: Nostalgic cookies that remind you of childhood baking moments with grandma.
  • Super Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners can nail these delightful treats.
  • Versatile Dessert Option: Easily customizable with different frostings, sprinkles, or decorations for holidays, birthdays, or casual gatherings, making them a crowd-pleasing choice.
  • Speedy Baking Time: Requires only 8-10 minutes of baking, allowing you to whip up a batch of soft, tender cookies in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Sugar Cookies With Sour Cream Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie's texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and create a soft, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden cookie surface.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tangy, soft cookie.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor and aromatic depth.

Note: Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best cookie results. Unsalted butter allows better control of salt content. Full-fat sour cream ensures maximum moisture and tenderness. Pure vanilla extract offers the most authentic flavor compared to imitation versions.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisking helps eliminate any lumps and ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a separate large bowl, beat together sugar and butter until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like soft clouds.

This creates the perfect foundation for your cookies.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add to the butter mixture:
  • Sour cream
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven.

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

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to wire racks and let them cool completely.

Now they’re ready to be devoured or decorated as you wish!

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Made Simple With Baking Tips

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
  • Use a cookie scoop for consistent size and even baking, ensuring all cookies cook perfectly.
  • Swap full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without losing moisture.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for added texture and a delightful sweet crunch.
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Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

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

Description

Grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies deliver nostalgic comfort with each delightful bite. Sweet memories unfold through simple ingredients and classic baking magic that connect generations of home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare workstation by heating oven to 375°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie preparation.
  2. Create dry mixture by whisking flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
  3. In a separate large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend sugar and butter until achieving a light, airy texture with maximum volume.
  4. Introduce sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract into butter mixture, stirring methodically to ensure smooth, consistent incorporation.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing until dough forms a cohesive, soft consistency without overmixing.
  6. Shape dough into uniform round balls, strategically positioning them on prepared baking sheets with gentle flattening to promote even baking.
  7. Transfer cookies to preheated oven, monitoring closely and baking approximately 8-10 minutes until edges develop a delicate golden hue.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on wire cooling racks, enabling them to set and develop optimal texture.
  9. Optional: Decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or powdered sugar once cookies have reached room temperature for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, consistent cookie texture.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon for unique flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 145
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 18 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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