Are you ready to bake some magic? Forget those dry, crumbly sugar cookies of the past! This recipe uses a secret ingredient – sour cream – to create unbelievably soft, chewy, and flavorful sugar cookies that will melt in your mouth. These cookies are perfect for holiday baking, casual weeknight treats, or any occasion where a little sweetness is needed. Get ready for a delightful homemade cooking experience that's surprisingly easy, even for beginner bakers!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe focuses on using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it a quick dinner idea solution if you're craving something sweet.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or other desired decorations
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss in Simple Steps
Let's transform these ingredients into irresistible sugar cookies!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer or even a strong arm will do the job!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Sour Cream
Gently stir in the sour cream until just incorporated. Don't overmix at this stage.
Step 4: Dry Ingredients Magic
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 to prevent tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (Important!)
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and creating that perfect texture.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favorite sprinkles, colored sugar, or icing.
Expert Tips for Sugar Cookie Success
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This helps create a smooth, creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill Time Matters: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and ensures perfectly shaped cookies.
- Baking Time Varies: Ovens differ; keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough along with the vanilla.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie - Approximate)
These values will vary depending on cookie size and added decorations.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy these easy recipes and healthy meals! These delicious dishes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen. These are truly some of the best recipes you'll ever try! Happy baking!