Name: Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups powdered sugar; 2 to 3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles (optional)

Soft, sweet, and topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles, these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. The magic lies in the sour cream—it creates a tender, almost cake-like texture that melts in your mouth with every bite. Unlike your typical sugar cookie, these have a nostalgic old-fashioned flavor with a modern fluffiness that makes them irresistible.

Perfect for any festive occasion, they’re especially loved around Christmas thanks to their chewy centers, rich vanilla notes, and generous dollops of buttercream. Whether you decorate them with kids or bring them to a cookie swap, they’ll be the first to disappear from the dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Sugar Cookie Recipe

Soft and pillowy: Thanks to sour cream and just the right amount of leavening.
Frosted to perfection: A buttery, whipped frosting makes them as pretty as they are delicious.
Great for decorating: Holds its shape but has a soft bite.
Make-ahead friendly: The dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully.
Festive and customizable: Use different sprinkles and frosting colors for any celebration.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting these cookies just right depends a lot on the tools you use and how you prep.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Stand mixer or hand mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar to the perfect fluffy texture.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few—one for dry, one for wet, and another for the frosting.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for balanced flavor and consistency.
Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform size and even baking.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
Wire cooling racks: Allows air circulation so cookies don’t get soggy on the bottom.

These tools aren’t just for convenience—they help ensure soft, evenly baked cookies every time.

Ingredients for the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Each ingredient in this recipe has a specific job, coming together to create a tender and flavorful cookie.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a soft, creamy base when creamed with sugar.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to a light, tender crumb.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and add structure.
Sour cream: The secret weapon—adds moisture and a tangy depth that enhances the texture.
Vanilla extract: For classic sugar cookie flavor.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it form.
Baking powder & baking soda: Provide the perfect rise and softness.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Frosting (butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla): Whipped to fluffy perfection for the final touch.
Sprinkles: Optional, but highly encouraged for festive flair.

How To Make the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step adds air and creates that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. The batter will look silky and slightly thick—perfect for soft cookies.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, place dough mounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes until just set. Don’t overbake—you want the centers soft.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Then, spread each with fluffy vanilla frosting and top with festive sprinkles.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

Serve these cookies on a holiday platter, tucked into gift boxes, or just as a sweet treat with coffee or cocoa. They hold their softness for days.

To Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best texture.