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

Grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies bring back memories of cozy kitchen afternoons filled with laughter and sweet aromas.

Soft and pillowy, these treats carry nostalgia in every delicate bite.

Generations have cherished this simple yet magical recipe passed down through loving hands.

Her secret ingredient adds a tangy richness that sets these cookies apart from ordinary sweets.

Perfectly balanced between tender and crisp, they melt in your mouth with a delightful whisper of sweetness.

Comfort and joy wrap around each morsel, promising a taste of home in every single crumb.

You’ll want to savor these cookies slowly, letting memories dance across your palate.

Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies That Impress

• Bake with Simplicity: These cookies require minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers looking to build confidence in the kitchen.
• Create Family Memories: The recipe captures a nostalgic, homemade touch that connects generations, inviting families to bond while mixing, rolling, and enjoying these delightful treats together.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Soft, tender sugar cookies with a hint of tang from sour cream work beautifully for casual gatherings, school events, holiday celebrations, or just a sweet afternoon snack that everyone will love.
• Quick Comfort Dessert: Requiring less than 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies deliver a quick solution for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients for Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and texture to the soft sugar cookies.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior on the cookies.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
• Sour Cream: Gives the cookies a tangy flavor and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic sweet and aromatic flavor to the sugar cookies.

• Decorative Sprinkles, Powdered Sugar: Adds a festive touch and extra sweetness to the finished cookies.

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 to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until the ingredients are smoothly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until a soft, pillowy dough forms.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small, adorable balls.

Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

Step 7: Flatten and Bake

Gently press down on each dough ball to slightly flatten.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Look for golden edges as your cue they’re ready.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Now they’re ready to munch, decorate, or share with loved ones!

Tips to Enhance Grandma’s Sugar Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more uniform cookie texture.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the cookie.
• Dust cookies with powdered sugar or add colorful sprinkles for festive decoration.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Flavorful Twists for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use plant-based butter to create a lactose-free alternative that maintains the cookie's soft texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while keeping the classic cookie flavor.
• Vegan Transformation: Use egg replacer, coconut yogurt instead of sour cream, and plant-based butter to create a completely plant-based version of the traditional recipe.

Perfect Complements to Grandma’s Cookies

• Cozy Family Gathering Treats: Serve these soft sugar cookies during a family game night, paired with warm milk or hot cocoa for a nostalgic dessert experience.
• Holiday Cookie Platter Centerpiece: Arrange cookies on a festive platter, dust with powdered sugar, and add colorful sprinkles to create a beautiful holiday dessert display that delights guests.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Stack cookies elegantly on a vintage plate alongside herbal tea, creating a delightful mid-afternoon sweet break that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
• Kid-Friendly Decorating Party: Set out plain cooled cookies with different colored frostings, sprinkles, and edible decorations, letting children unleash their creativity and enjoy personalized treats.

Storing Grandma’s Sugar Cookies Safely

• Refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Place wax paper between layers to maintain shape.
• Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
• Reheat refrigerated cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness and warmth.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make these cookies soft and tender?

Sour cream provides moisture and tenderness, while butter and egg contribute to the rich, soft texture of the cookies.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze the dough balls for up to 3 weeks.

• Are these cookies good for holiday baking?

Absolutely! These sugar cookies are perfect for holiday decorating and can be easily customized with frosting, sprinkles, or colored sugars.

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

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. They should be soft to the touch but not wet or doughy when you remove them from the oven.

Best Grandmas Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Grandma’s sour cream sugar cookies combine nostalgic comfort with sweet simplicity. Generations of bakers cherish this classic treat that brings warmth and memories to family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.75 cups (325 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and cover baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie release.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base.
4. Incorporate egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, stirring until ingredients are fully integrated.
5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, gently mixing until a soft, cohesive dough develops.
6. Shape the dough into uniform small spheres, placing them evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
7. Gently press down on each cookie ball to slightly flatten, creating a more uniform shape for even baking.
8. Transfer cookies to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, watching for delicate golden edges as a sign of doneness.
9. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps them set and develop a perfect texture.
10. Decorate or serve as desired, enjoying the tender, delicate cookies with their subtle tangy undertone from the sour cream.

Notes

• Achieve ultra-soft cookies by not overmixing the dough, which can develop tough gluten and make cookies dense.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, tangy alternative that maintains the signature tender texture.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading and create more uniform, beautifully shaped cookies.
• Customize these versatile cookies by adding lemon zest, cinnamon, or sprinkles to match different flavor preferences or seasonal celebrations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg