Are you ready to unleash your inner baker and create a batch of cookies that are as soft as a cloud and as delicious as a dream? Then look no further! This recipe for sugar cookie sour cream cut outs is your ticket to perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones. Forget those dry, crumbly disappointments – these cookies are here to redefine your holiday baking. This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, incorporating sour cream for an incredibly soft and chewy texture that will leave you wanting more. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this easy and rewarding recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Goodies
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it perfect for a quick weeknight baking session or a fun weekend activity.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Sugar for rolling (optional, for extra sparkle)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Made Easy
Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps and soon you'll be enjoying the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but can be done by hand if you're feeling energetic!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Incorporate Sour Cream
Gently fold in the sour cream until just combined. Don't overmix!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in beautifully shaped cut-outs.
Step 6: Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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 cooled, unleash your creativity and decorate your cookies with frosting, sprinkles, and other fun toppings!
Tips and Tricks for Cookie Perfection
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until it's easier to handle.
- For perfectly crisp edges, bake the cookies for a few minutes longer. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheets; this will ensure even baking.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful twist.
- Gingerbread Delight: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves for a warm and spicy cookie.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on size and added decorations. This is an estimate for a medium-sized cookie.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These sugar cookie sour cream cut outs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results! They're wonderful for holiday baking, but honestly, any time is a good time for these soft and chewy delights. Happy baking!