Sour Cream Cookies
Learn how to make the best soft and tangy sour cream cookies! This easy recipe delivers perfectly tender cookies, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour The base that gives these cookies their soft, tender structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder Ensures just the right amount of lift.
- ½ tsp baking soda Adds a touch of tenderness to the texture.
- ½ tsp salt Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened – For a rich, buttery foundation.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness without overpowering the tang.
- 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
- 1 cup sour cream The star of the recipe, creating a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle tang.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the cookies.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
- Preheat the Oven: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Your cookies will bake evenly and won't stick if you do this.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out all the ingredients before starting. Trust me, it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- For balanced cookies, this step guarantees that the salt and leavening chemicals are dispersed equally.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air, giving the cookies their tender texture.
- One by one, add two big eggs, thoroughly mixing after each addition.
- Mix in 1 cup sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract. The batter will be smooth and creamy, with a slight tang from the sour cream.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies soft and delicate.
Step 5: Portion the Dough
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop even portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops appear slightly puffed. The cookies should be soft and pale, not browned.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, pillowy ones.
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 20-30 minutes in the fridge. This facilitates handling and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh for optimal rise, and choose high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends more evenly into the dough, giving the cookies a consistent texture.
- Uniform Size: Divide the dough into equal portions using a cookie scoop. This guarantees that your cookies will bake consistently and presentably.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Citrus Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Delight: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate for a rich, decadent twist.
- Festive Fun: Top the cookies with colorful sprinkles before baking for a playful, party-ready look.
- Spiced Comfort: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced aroma and flavor.
- Glazed Elegance: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cookies for a glossy finish.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture and a nutty flavor.
For Special Diets
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace sour cream with a plant-based alternative, like coconut yogurt, and use vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for soft, gluten-free cookies.