Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Soft & Sweet Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up these delightful grandmas sour cream sugar cookies that remind me of cozy kitchen moments.

Soft and pillowy textures promise pure comfort in every single bite.

Childhood nostalgia wraps around classic ingredients that blend effortlessly into tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

Butter and sugar create magic through simple techniques passed down through generations.

Warm ovens and gentle mixing reveal secrets behind perfect cookie crafting.

Crisp edges with delicate centers make these cookies irresistible to everyone who tastes them.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread across faces eager to savor these delectable treasures.

Favorite Features of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful cookies with minimal prep and simple ingredients that come together in a snap.
  • Nostalgic Family Favorite: Enjoy a classic recipe passed down through generations, bringing warmth and memories to your kitchen.
  • Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet afternoon snack that everyone will love.
  • Soft and Tender Texture: Experience melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a delicate crumb that's sure to please both kids and adults.

Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich and creamy base for a soft cookie texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the cookies.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the cookie's base.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic essence to the cookies.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Creamy Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip the butter and sugar together until they transform into a fluffy, cloud-like mixture that looks light and dreamy.

Step 3: Blend Wet Wonders

  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Crack in the egg, splash of vanilla, and dollop of sour cream. Mix everything until it becomes a smooth, silky blend that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Dry Delights

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

In a separate bowl, sift these dry ingredients together, creating a light and airy mixture that will give your cookies their perfect texture.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until a soft, pillowy dough forms. Don’t overmix – you want a tender cookie!

Step 6: Shape Cookie Dreams

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down on each to create a classic cookie shape.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden-brown color. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and wait (if you can!) before taking that first delicious bite.

Must-Know Tips for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

  • Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Let butter, egg, and sour cream sit out for 30 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing and better texture.
  • Handle Dough Gently: Mix dry ingredients into wet just until combined to prevent tough, dense cookies that lose their soft, tender crumb.
  • Control Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for consistent shape and even baking, ensuring each cookie looks perfectly uniform.
  • Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking; golden edges mean perfectly soft centers without overbrowning.

How To Keep Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Soft

  • Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator's cool environment.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain quality for 2-3 months when sealed properly.
  • Place cookies in sealed container at room temperature, keeping away from direct sunlight. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or let thaw naturally at room temperature for soft, delicious results.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Complements

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Milk: Smooth, cold milk highlights the cookie's delicate sweetness and complements its soft texture perfectly.
  • Create Cinnamon Spice Tea Companion: Warm herbal tea with subtle cinnamon notes balances the cookie's richness and provides a cozy contrast.
  • Match Elegant Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Delicate white buttercream adds an extra layer of sweetness, enhancing the cookie's classic homestyle flavor profile.
  • Serve Caramel Drizzle Accent: Light caramel drizzle adds depth and transforms these simple sugar cookies into a gourmet dessert experience.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Cookie Swap: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt for plant-based eaters.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar to reduce overall sugar content for health-conscious bakers.
  • Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest, cinnamon, or almond extract to create unique taste profiles while maintaining the classic cookie texture.

FAQs

  • Why use sour cream in cookies?

Sour cream adds moisture and creates a soft, tender texture in cookies. It also provides a subtle tangy flavor that makes these cookies unique and extra delicious.

  • Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

While an electric mixer helps create a fluffy texture, you can use a wooden spoon and mix vigorously by hand. Just ensure the butter and sugar are well combined and creamy.

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

Look for light golden edges and a slightly set center. The cookies should look soft but not wet. They’ll continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

  • Are these cookies good for kids?

Absolutely! These sugar cookies are mild, sweet, and have a soft texture that kids typically love. They’re not too complex in flavor and make a great treat for children.

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Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

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

Description

Grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies deliver nostalgic comfort with each sweet, pillowy bite. Generations of bakers have cherished this simple yet irresistible family recipe that brings warmth and memories to your kitchen table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Dairy and Wet Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

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

Instructions

  1. Assemble all necessary culinary equipment and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a parchment-lined baking sheet is ready for cookie preparation.
  2. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and creamy consistency.
  3. Introduce the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly. Gently fold in the sour cream until seamlessly integrated.
  4. In a separate vessel, meticulously sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  5. Gradually merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with measured strokes until a cohesive dough emerges.
  6. Utilizing a spoon or cookie scoop, deposit uniform dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining approximately two inches of separation between each cookie.
  7. Delicately press down on each dough mound to create a slightly flattened, classic cookie silhouette.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing cookies to transform for 8-10 minutes until the edges acquire a subtle golden hue.
  9. Remove from oven and permit cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, enabling them to firm up and stabilize.
  10. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and achieve optimal texture.

Notes

  • Softening butter at room temperature helps create a smoother, more evenly mixed dough that blends perfectly.
  • Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
  • Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size and consistent baking, giving each cookie an identical golden-brown edge.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 40 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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