Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These sour cream sugar cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, delivering unbelievably tender and flavorful results. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat, a bake sale, or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cookies – it's easier than you think!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Supplies
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sugar for sprinkling (coarse sugar adds a lovely texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy
Follow these straightforward steps for perfectly delightful cookies every time.
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Incorporate Sour Cream
Gradually add the sour cream, mixing until just incorporated. Don't 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. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, or simply use a knife to cut out squares or rectangles. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar, if desired.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: 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 your warm, delicious sour cream sugar cookies!
Tips and Variations for Delicious Success
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened for optimal creaming. Microwave it in short bursts if needed.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice cookie. A splash of almond extract creates a delightful twist.
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries for extra deliciousness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie – approximate)
This will vary depending on size and additions. This is an estimate for a medium-sized cookie.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 15-20g
These sour cream sugar cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tender texture. The simple recipe, coupled with the tips and variations, allows for easy customization and endless possibilities. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious homemade treats!