Soft Baked Tangy Treats

Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth sour cream cookies! They are wonderfully fluffy with a delightful cake-like texture, making them an ideal treat for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. What makes this recipe truly special is its remarkable simplicity – you can whip up a batch from start to finish in just about 20 minutes, using only one mixing bowl. Whether you prefer them adorned with a luscious homemade buttercream frosting, a simple glaze, festive sprinkles, or enjoyed in their pure, unadorned state, these cookies are exceptionally delicious and bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Their unique tang from the sour cream elevates them beyond a traditional sugar cookie, offering a sophisticated yet comforting flavor profile that will leave everyone craving more.

Close-up of fluffy, frosted sour cream cookies on a white plate, ready to be served.

Why These Soft Sour Cream Cookies Are a Must-Try

These soft sour cream cookies offer a perfect blend of simplicity, speed, and irresistible flavor. Here’s a deeper dive into why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:

  • Unbelievably Quick & Easy: Forget complicated baking projects! This recipe is designed for efficiency, allowing you to create a batch of delectable cookies with minimal fuss. From measuring your ingredients to pulling them from the oven, the process is streamlined and beginner-friendly, perfect for busy schedules or spontaneous baking cravings.
  • Ready in About 20 Minutes: Yes, you read that right! The short preparation and bake time mean you can satisfy your sweet tooth or prepare a last-minute dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. This speed doesn’t compromise on quality, delivering consistently delicious results every time.
  • Superior Flavor and Texture from Sour Cream: The star ingredient, sour cream, works wonders! It’s the secret to achieving that signature ultra-soft, moist, and fluffy texture that sets these cookies apart. Beyond texture, it imparts a subtle tanginess that beautifully balances the sweetness, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
  • A Delightful Tangy Kick: Much like the beloved snickerdoodles, these cookies boast a slight tang that brightens their overall flavor. This zesty note provides a refreshing contrast to the rich buttery base and sweet frosting, ensuring they’re never overly cloying.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer the elegant simplicity of a plain cookie, the classic indulgence of a creamy buttercream frosting, or a vibrant sprinkle topping, these cookies are a perfect canvas. They hold up beautifully to various decorations and toppings, allowing for endless customization.
  • One-Bowl Convenience: Minimizing cleanup is always a win! This recipe uses a single mixing bowl for the cookie dough, saving you precious time and effort on washing dishes. It’s truly a baker’s dream for ease and practicality.
  • Reminiscent of Classic Lofthouse Cookies: If you adore the pillowy soft, cake-like texture and sweet frosting of popular store-bought Lofthouse cookies, you’ll fall in love with these homemade sour cream cookies. They capture that nostalgic charm with an even fresher, more nuanced flavor.
  • Perfect for Any Celebration: Their delightful appearance and crowd-plepleasing taste make them ideal for all kinds of events. From festive holidays like Christmas and Easter to birthday parties, potlucks, or simply a comforting everyday treat, these cookies are always a welcome addition.
  • Effortless Homemade Buttercream Frosting: The accompanying buttercream frosting recipe is equally simple and quick to prepare, taking only a few minutes. Its smooth, creamy consistency complements the cookies perfectly and is a breeze to whip up while your cookies cool.
  • Adaptable for Dietary Needs: This recipe is incredibly forgiving and can easily be made gluten-free by using a reliable 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, it is naturally nut-free, making it a safe option for those with nut allergies. For more gluten-free options, explore these Gluten Free Sugar Cookies or add a magical touch with these Harry Potter Cookies for another fun dessert!

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for the Best Sour Cream Cookies

Crafting these delightful sour cream cookies requires a few pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture. Below are the key ingredients and helpful substitution notes to ensure your baking success. For a comprehensive list with precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this article.

Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature): For both the cookie dough and the buttercream frosting, unsalted butter is paramount. Ensure your butter is at room temperature – soft enough to indent with a finger but not melted. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your cookies and a smooth, consistent frosting. Melted butter will yield a denser, greasier cookie. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but omit the added sea salt from the cookie recipe.

Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb. Its fine crystals help to aerate the butter during creaming, creating that desired fluffy texture. While I haven’t personally tested this recipe with sugar alternatives, some bakers have success with granulated sugar substitutes like erythritol blends, though results may vary in texture and sweetness.

Sour Cream: The hero of this recipe! Sour cream is what gives these cookies their unparalleled ultra-soft, moist, and cake-like texture, along with a delicate tangy flavor. The acidity in sour cream also reacts with the baking soda, aiding in leavening and contributing to their airy lightness. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best results, but a light sour cream can be used in a pinch, though it might slightly alter the texture. Greek yogurt can be a decent substitute for a similar tang and moisture, but ensure it’s plain and full-fat to mimic the consistency of sour cream as closely as possible.

Egg: Just one large egg is needed to bind the ingredients, add richness, and provide structure to the cookies. The egg yolks contribute to moisture and tenderness, while the whites help with leavening. For those exploring egg-free baking, check out recipes like these Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies, as direct egg substitutions can sometimes alter the delicate balance of this particular recipe.

Vanilla Extract: A staple in most baked goods, vanilla extract imparts a warm, aromatic “homemade” flavor that enhances both the cookies and the frosting. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Almond extract can be a lovely alternative if you enjoy a nuttier profile, or even lemon extract for a brighter, citrusy note (use sparingly with lemon extract, as it’s quite potent).

Flour (All-Purpose or Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Blend): This recipe is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with either standard all-purpose flour or a high-quality gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum is ideal). For the cookies pictured, King Arthur Flour’s gluten-free flour blend was used, yielding excellent results. Ensure you measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid a dense cookie.

Baking Soda & Baking Powder: This dynamic duo provides the necessary leavening, ensuring your cookies rise to a soft, fluffy perfection. Baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream, while baking powder offers an additional lift, creating that irresistible cake-like crumb.

Sea Salt (Optional): A small pinch of sea salt in the cookie dough enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and deepening the overall taste profile. It’s optional but highly recommended for a more complex flavor. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Powdered Sugar (for Frosting): Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is essential for achieving a smooth, lump-free buttercream frosting. Its powdery texture dissolves easily, creating a silky finish. Do not substitute with granulated sugar for the frosting.

Milk (for Frosting): Any type of milk works well for the frosting – whole milk, skim milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. It’s used to adjust the consistency of the buttercream, making it smooth and spreadable. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until your desired consistency is reached.

Sprinkles (Optional): For a touch of whimsy and festive flair, sprinkles are a fantastic garnish. Choose your favorite colors and shapes to match the occasion, or omit them entirely for a more classic look. The possibilities are endless for making these cookies visually appealing!

Various ingredients for sour cream cookies laid out on a table, including flour, sugar, butter, and a bowl of sour cream.

Unveiling the Irresistible Taste and Texture of Sour Cream Cookies

These sour cream cookies are a true revelation for anyone who loves a good sweet treat but craves something a little more special than the everyday cookie. Their profile is a delightful interplay of sweetness and a subtle, refreshing tang, setting them apart in the world of baked goods.

Taste: At their core, these cookies offer a familiar sweetness akin to classic sugar cookies, making them broadly appealing. However, the addition of sour cream introduces a distinct and delightful complexity. You’ll notice a faint, pleasant tang that cuts through the richness, preventing the cookies from being overly sweet and adding a sophisticated edge. This subtle tartness is a hallmark of sour cream in baking, enhancing the overall flavor without dominating it. The vanilla extract contributes a warm, comforting note, creating a balanced and harmonious taste that invites you to reach for another.

Texture: This is where sour cream cookies truly shine! They are exceptionally soft, moist, and wonderfully fluffy – almost cloud-like. Unlike denser sugar cookies that can sometimes be firm or chewy, these have a distinctly cake-like texture. They are incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth with each bite. The sour cream contributes to an airy, light crumb that feels delicate yet substantial. When frosted, the creamy topping perfectly complements the soft cookie base, creating a harmonious textural experience that is both comforting and incredibly indulgent. This unique texture is what makes them so addictive and memorable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Sour Cream Cookies

Baking these delicious sour cream cookies is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect, soft, and fluffy results every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking as soon as your cookie dough is ready. Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking, promotes even browning, and makes for easy cleanup, so your cookies slide right off.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer, combine the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat these two ingredients on high speed for approximately 2 minutes. The goal is to cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, with no visible clumps of butter remaining. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter, which is crucial for the cookies’ soft and airy texture.

White, fluffy butter and sugar mixture in a stand mixer bowl.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, add in the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing on medium-high speed until all these wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. The mixture will look slightly gooey and creamy at this stage.

Gooey, creamy batter in a mixing bowl after adding sour cream, egg, and vanilla.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients to Form Dough

Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sift or whisk together the flour (either all-purpose or your chosen gluten-free blend), baking soda, baking powder, and an optional pinch of sea salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed just until a cohesive cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies by developing too much gluten. Stop mixing as soon as the flour streaks disappear.

Thick, well-combined sugar cookie dough in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Scoop and Space the Dough

The dough will be somewhat sticky, so using an ice cream scooper or a cookie scoop is highly recommended for consistent sizing and easier handling. Scoop out uniform balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet. It’s important to space them at least 3 inches apart, as these cookies will spread during baking. Giving them ample room prevents them from merging into one giant cookie.

Uniform scoops of cookie dough neatly arranged on a parchment-lined baking pan.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to be just set and very lightly golden, while the centers still look slightly soft. Remember, these cookies are meant to be soft and cake-like, so avoid overbaking. Overbaked cookies will lose their desirable tender texture. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Thick, freshly baked cookies cooling on a baking sheet.

Step 7: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

While your cookies are cooling, prepare the luscious homemade buttercream frosting. In a clean bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine the powdered sugar, room temperature unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best consistency.

Ingredients for buttercream frosting in a mixing bowl: powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla.

Step 8: Mix Until Smooth and Creamy

Beat the frosting ingredients on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the mixture is incredibly smooth, light, and creamy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny bit more milk (a quarter teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon more of powdered sugar until it thickens up.

Smooth, creamy homemade buttercream frosting in a stand mixer bowl.

Step 9: Frost and Garnish

Once your sour cream cookies have completely cooled to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent the frosting from melting), it’s time to add the finishing touch! Generously frost each cookie with the freshly made buttercream. Use an offset spatula or a butter knife for a smooth spread. For an extra touch of festivity and fun, garnish with your favorite sprinkles immediately after frosting. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Beautifully frosted sour cream cookies adorned with colorful sprinkles.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Flawless Sour Cream Cookies

Achieving perfectly soft, fluffy, and delicious sour cream cookies is easy with these expert tips:

  • Accurate Ingredient Measurement is Key: Baking is a science! Always measure your ingredients precisely. For flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to a denser cookie.
  • Utilize Room Temperature Butter: This is a non-negotiable step for the best texture. Room temperature butter (soft, but not greasy or melted) creams seamlessly with sugar, incorporating essential air for light and fluffy cookies. I recommend taking your butter out of the fridge at least an hour before you plan to bake.
  • Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step. Using a stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar for a full 2 minutes ensures they are well-combined, light, and airy. This process creates the foundation for your cookies’ tender crumb.
  • Work with Sticky Dough: The sour cream cookie dough is naturally soft and a bit sticky, which contributes to its wonderful moisture. Don’t be alarmed or tempted to add more flour. Instead, rely on an ice cream scooper or a dedicated cookie scoop to easily portion out consistent balls of dough without getting your hands too messy.
  • Provide Ample Spacing on the Baking Sheet: These cookies will spread during baking. To prevent them from touching and merging, ensure each scoop of dough is placed at least 3 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Baking in batches if necessary is better than overcrowding.
  • Avoid Overbaking for Maximum Softness: The secret to their incredible softness is *not* to overbake them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or just until the edges are lightly set and very subtly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked and soft. They will continue to set as they cool on the hot baking sheet.
  • Allow for Complete Cooling Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue here! Ensure your cookies are entirely cooled to room temperature before applying any frosting. Attempting to frost warm cookies will result in melted, messy frosting and an unappealing presentation.
  • Frosting Quantity: The provided buttercream recipe makes just enough frosting for this batch of cookies. If you prefer a more generously frosted cookie, or if you plan to use it for other treats, feel free to double the frosting recipe. Leftover buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Crafting the Perfect Buttercream Frosting

A delightful batch of sour cream cookies deserves an equally impressive frosting. This homemade buttercream is incredibly smooth, wonderfully creamy, and perfectly sweet, making it the ideal companion for your tender cookies. Best of all, it’s remarkably quick and simple to prepare, ensuring you spend less time fussing and more time enjoying your treats.

To begin, gather your ingredients: powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar), room temperature unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and milk. It’s crucial that your butter is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting. In the clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer, combine all these ingredients.

Mix on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes. During this time, the ingredients will come together and transform into a luscious, airy, and creamy buttercream. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all components are fully incorporated and there are no dry pockets of powdered sugar.

Once your cookies have completely cooled, generously spread this delightful buttercream on top. An offset spatula works wonderfully for achieving an even, beautiful coat. You can also pipe the frosting for a more decorative finish.

For a unique twist on the flavor, consider substituting a tiny drop of lemon extract for the vanilla extract. Lemon extract is quite potent, so start with just a drop and add more only if desired, tasting as you go. This creates a bright, zesty lemony buttercream that perfectly complements the subtle tang of the sour cream cookies.

As mentioned earlier, if you wish to have extra frosting for other baked goods or for a thicker layer on your cookies, feel free to double this recipe. Homemade buttercream stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature and re-whip it slightly before using it again. It’s fantastic for cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and, of course, these irresistible sour cream cookies!

A stack of soft baked sour cream sugar cookies on a cooling rack, some plain and some frosted.

Serving & Storing Your Delicious Sour Cream Cookies

These sour cream cookies are a delight from the moment they’re baked, and knowing how to best serve and store them ensures their continued freshness and deliciousness.

How to Serve: The optimal way to serve these tender sour cream cookies is once they have completely cooled and been frosted. The creamy buttercream truly enhances their soft, cake-like texture. They make an exquisite standalone dessert but also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Imagine enjoying one with a cold glass of milk, a comforting cup of coffee for an afternoon treat, or a mug of rich hot chocolate on a chilly evening. You can top them with the homemade buttercream frosting, a simple glaze, or vibrant sprinkles for added visual appeal and texture. Alternatively, for those who appreciate simplicity, they are equally delicious enjoyed plain, allowing the subtle tang and soft texture to shine through on its own.

How to Store: To maintain their optimal freshness and softness, store your frosted sour cream cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you’ve used a cream cheese-based frosting, you might consider refrigerating them, though this can sometimes slightly alter the texture of the cookie. When stored in the fridge, bring them back to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing Instructions: If you’re planning ahead or want to enjoy these cookies over a longer period, they freeze exceptionally well! For best results, freeze the unfrosted cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies completely at room temperature, then prepare a fresh batch of buttercream frosting and decorate as desired. This method ensures you always have fresh, perfectly frosted cookies on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sour Cream Cookies

Can these sour cream cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable for gluten-free diets. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Most reputable brands work well, especially those that include xanthan gum to help with structure.

What is the role of sour cream in cookies? Why add it?

Sour cream is a magical ingredient in baking, especially for cookies like these! It plays several key roles: primarily, it replaces some of the fat (often butter) and adds a significant amount of moisture. This results in cookies that are incredibly soft, moist, and have a delightful cake-like texture. The acidity in sour cream also reacts with baking soda, helping to tenderize the gluten and provide extra lift, making the cookies airy and light. Beyond texture, it imparts a subtle, pleasant tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookie, creating a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Are these cookies genuinely soft, or do they firm up after cooling?

Yes, these cookies are exceptionally soft! Their texture is a defining characteristic of this recipe. Thanks to the sour cream, they maintain a wonderfully tender, moist, and almost cake-like consistency even after cooling. The goal is to bake them just until the edges are set, leaving the centers slightly underbaked, which ensures they retain their signature softness.

Can sour cream cookies be frozen?

Yes, they freeze very well! For optimal results, it’s best to freeze the cookies *before* frosting them. Place the unfrosted, cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and then frost as desired with freshly made buttercream.

Are these sour cream cookies designed to be cutout cookies?

No, these are not cutout cookies. The dough for these sour cream cookies is intentionally soft and slightly sticky to achieve their signature cake-like texture. They are designed as “drop cookies,” meaning you simply scoop balls of dough onto a baking sheet, and they will naturally spread into round, fluffy cookies. If you’re looking for a recipe for sturdy cutout cookies, you would need a different dough formulation with less moisture and more flour for structure.

You May Also Love These Related Recipes

  • Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: A delightful twist on two classic favorites, combining the richness of chocolate chips with the tender crumb of a sugar cookie.
  • Edible Sugar Cookie Dough: Craving cookie dough without the bake? This safe-to-eat recipe is perfect for satisfying that raw dough craving.
  • Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles: A festive and fun recipe for classic sugar cookies, dressed up with colorful sprinkles for any celebration.
  • Small Batch Sugar Cookies: Perfect for when you need just a few cookies, this recipe ensures fresh-baked goodness without an overwhelming quantity.
  • Gluten Free Sugar Cookies: Enjoy the timeless taste of sugar cookies, expertly crafted to be completely gluten-free without compromising on flavor or texture.

We truly hope you enjoy baking and savoring this incredible sour cream cookie recipe! Your feedback means the world to us, so if you make them, we would deeply appreciate a review. You can also connect with us and share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. We’d love for you to follow along for more delicious inspiration! For even more culinary ideas, explore our wide array of Dessert Recipes.

Frosted sour cream cookies on a white plate
At a Glance:

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 10
Total Time: 20

Get the Recipe:
Sour Cream Cookies

These sour cream cookies are incredibly soft and fluffy! They are similar to sugar cookies but feature a delightful cake-like and airy texture. These cookies provide the perfect base for your favorite icing, creamy frosting, and festive sprinkles!
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Ingredients

12 large cookies

Sour Cream Cookies

  • cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups flour, all purpose or gluten free flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • pinch sea salt, optional

Buttercream Frosting

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • sprinkles, to garnish

Instructions

  1. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface for easy removal and cleanup.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), add the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Mix on high speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and no clumps of butter remain.
  3. Next, add the sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and optional sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer. Stir on low speed just until a soft cookie dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Using an ice cream scooper or a cookie scoop, portion out uniform balls of dough. Place them on the lined baking sheet, ensuring each ball is at least 3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and very slightly golden. The centers should still appear soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. While the cookies cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a clean bowl of a stand mixer, combine powdered sugar, room temperature unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
  8. Mix the frosting ingredients on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light.
  9. Finally, once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost them with the buttercream. Add sprinkles if desired for a festive finish. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Always use room temperature butter for both the cookies and the frosting, not melted butter, for the best texture and consistency.
  • Sour cream is key to making these cookies slightly more airy and cake-like, distinguishing them from traditional sugar cookies.
  • Ensure butter and sugar are thoroughly mixed until light and fluffy; this usually takes about 2 minutes in a stand mixer.
  • The cookie dough will be naturally soft and somewhat sticky. Use an ice cream or cookie scoop for easy portioning.
  • These cookies spread during baking, so space dough balls at least 3 inches apart on the baking sheet to prevent them from merging.
  • Avoid overbaking to maintain their signature softness. The cookies should look barely set in the middle when removed from the oven.
  • Only apply frosting to cookies that have completely cooled to room temperature, otherwise, the frosting will melt.
  • This frosting recipe yields enough for the batch. If you prefer extra frosting or for other uses, feel free to double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge.
  • Store baked and frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
  • For freezing, always freeze unfrosted cookies. Thaw completely at room temperature before frosting.
Calories: 234kcal,
Carbohydrates: 37g,
Protein: 5g,
Fat: 8g,
Saturated Fat: 2g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g,
Trans Fat: 0.001g,
Cholesterol: 13mg,
Sodium: 72mg,
Potassium: 99mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 21g,
Vitamin A: 72IU,
Vitamin C: 0.1mg,
Calcium: 30mg,
Iron: 1mg
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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