Let’s dive into the world of baking with these irresistibly soft sour cream sugar cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a game-changer with their tender texture and just-the-right-amount-of-sweetness flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- The addition of sour cream ensures the cookies stay moist and tender for days, unlike traditional sugar cookies that can dry out quickly.
- Using both granulated and powdered sugar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- Chilling the dough before baking is the secret to preventing the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring they keep their beautiful shape.
- The vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor that makes these cookies stand out from the crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your cookies have a uniform texture and the leavening is evenly distributed. Tip: Sifting the flour can make your cookies even lighter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract, until well combined. The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cookies, making them irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes in the freezer.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Tip: For perfectly round cookies, use a round cookie cutter to shape them right after they come out of the oven.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their sour cream sugar cookies, consider these advanced tips. First, try browning the butter before adding it to the recipe for a nuttier, more complex flavor. Second, experiment with adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the dough for a refreshing twist. Lastly, for a festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking. Remember, the key to perfect cookies is not to overbake them; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Recipe Variations
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract for a different flavor profile.
- For a holiday version, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Top the baked cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweeter finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use low-fat sour cream, but keep in mind that full-fat sour cream will give the cookies a richer texture and flavor. The fat in the sour cream contributes to the tenderness of the cookies, so using a lower-fat version might result in a slightly less tender cookie.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This can actually enhance the flavor of the cookies as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
Summary
These sour cream sugar cookies are a delightful twist on the classic, offering unmatched softness and flavor. Perfect for bakers of all levels, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.