Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These sour cream cookies are a classic for a reason – they're soft, chewy, and bursting with buttery goodness. Perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or even a last-minute dessert emergency, this easy recipe will become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these unbelievably delightful cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture, so take your time! You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this – whichever you prefer.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Sour Cream
Gently stir in the sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
If you're using chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles, now is the time to fold them into the batter.
Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For the best results, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
Step 8: Baking Time
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, soft, and delicious sour cream cookies!
Tips for the Best Sour Cream Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this will help it cream together with the sugar properly.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): Chilling the dough is recommended, but not mandatory. It will result in thicker, chewier cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Peanut Butter Power: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter sour cream cookie.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the additions you make. A general estimate is approximately 150-200 calories, with varying amounts of fat, sugar, and protein. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe.
These easy recipes are perfect for a quick dinner idea or a healthy meal option when you need a simple but satisfying treat. Enjoy the delicious dishes you create with this amazing sour cream cookie recipe!