Are you ready to bake something special? These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and, of course, sour cream, you’ll create cookies that melt in your mouth. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through each step, share tips for perfecting your cookies, and explore fun variations. Let’s dive into the sweet science of baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Soft: These sour cream sugar cookies are incredibly soft and tender, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Customizable: You can easily personalize these cookies with your favorite extracts or decorations for any festive event.
- Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 24 cookies, they’re perfect for sharing at parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying with friends and family.
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup sour cream
Optional Ingredients
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Measurement Details
– All-purpose flour: Use 2 ¾ cups. This gives the cookies structure.
– Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened. It helps create a creamy texture.
– Granulated sugar: 1 cup. This sweetens the cookies nicely.
– Egg: Just one large egg binds the ingredients together.
– Sour cream: 1 cup. This gives the cookies a soft and moist feel.
– Almond extract (optional): ½ teaspoon. It adds a nice flavor twist.
– Colored sugar or sprinkles: Use as much as you like for fun decoration.
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies soft and tasty. The sour cream stands out, giving them a unique flavor. You can add almond extract for extra depth, or keep it simple. When you bake these cookies, they will fill your kitchen with a sweet aroma. Enjoy the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cookies bake evenly.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps cookies from sticking.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside. It is important for the right texture.
Making the Cookie Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You want it light and fluffy, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Next, add in the egg and mix well. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract. If you like, you can also add almond extract.
3. Mix in the sour cream until everything is smooth and creamy. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookies.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are fine.
Baking the Cookies
1. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie. They will spread while baking.
2. Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles. This makes them look festive and fun.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden. They will firm up as they cool.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them soft.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To achieve the perfect cookie texture, keep these tips in mind:
– Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream well, leading to a soft cookie.
– Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined. Overmixing makes cookies tough.
– Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies stay thick.
Common mistakes to avoid include:
– Skipping the baking soda or powder: These are key for good rise.
– Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method. Too much flour makes cookies dry.
– Baking on a hot sheet: Always use a cool baking sheet for even baking.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also:
– Layer with parchment paper: This prevents sticking.
– Add a slice of bread: Place it in the container to keep cookies soft.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
For a lovely presentation, arrange the cooled cookies on a decorative plate. You can also:
– Use a tiered stand: This adds height and charm.
– Drizzle icing: Mix powdered sugar with milk for a sweet touch on top.
Pair these cookies with:
– Milk: A classic choice that never fails.
– Tea or coffee: These warm drinks enhance the flavor.
– Fruit juice: A refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For a thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add zest from citrus fruits or a dash of your favorite spice, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to elevate the taste.
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can easily change the flavor of sour cream sugar cookies. Using different extracts adds a fun twist. For a bright taste, try lemon or orange extract. These flavors brighten up the cookie and make them unique. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Dark chocolate chips give a rich taste, while nuts add crunch. Each option can create a new favorite cookie.
Dietary Adjustments
For those needing gluten-free options, you can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure to use one that works well in cookies. This change keeps the cookies soft and delicious. If you prefer vegan cookies, replace the egg with a flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter too. These swaps keep the cookies tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Seasonal Twists
Changing the look of these cookies can be fun for holidays. You can use colored sugar or sprinkles to decorate them. For winter, try red and green for Christmas. In spring, use pastel colors for Easter. You can also add festive flavors like peppermint or pumpkin spice during holidays. These changes make the cookies perfect for any season or celebration.
FAQs
What is the Texture of Sour Cream Sugar Cookies?
Sour cream sugar cookies are soft and chewy. They differ from traditional sugar cookies, which can be crisp. The sour cream adds moisture, making them tender. You will notice a rich flavor and a cake-like density. These cookies are fluffy and melt in your mouth. They are perfect for any occasion, and their texture is simply delightful.
Can I Freeze Sour Cream Sugar Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze sour cream sugar cookies. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to avoid sticking. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature. You can also warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
How Long Do Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Last?
Sour cream sugar cookies last about one week at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to stay fresh. For longer storage, you can freeze them, as mentioned before. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to two weeks. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying them.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrient Breakdown
Each sour cream sugar cookie has about 120 calories. They contain around 5 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. The fat comes from the butter and sour cream. Carbs mainly come from the sugar and flour. These cookies are tasty but should be enjoyed in moderation.
Healthier Substitutions
You can make these cookies a bit lighter. Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This swap cuts some fat while adding protein. You can also reduce the sugar by 25%. Use a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-calorie option. These changes keep the cookies delicious and less sweet.
Allergen Information
These cookies contain common allergens. They have gluten from flour and dairy from butter and sour cream. The recipe may also include egg. If you have nut allergies, skip the almond extract. Always check all ingredients for allergens before baking.
This blog post covered all you need to know about baking sour cream sugar cookies. We discussed main and optional ingredients, plus how to measure them. I shared clear steps for making the dough and baking. You learned baking tips, storage methods, and serving ideas.
In the end, whether you seek classic flavors or fun variations, this recipe is simple and rewarding. Enjoy creating your cookies and sharing them with others. Your baking journey can bring joy to everyon
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