Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Discover the perfect blend of tangy and sweet with Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting—deliciously soft and easy to make! These cookies bring together a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth, enhanced by the smooth, creamy tang of the frosting. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, special occasion, or just a cozy treat, this recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Tender Texture: Sour cream keeps the cookies moist and irresistibly soft, unlike typical crisp sugar cookies.
• Perfect Tangy Sweetness: The cream cheese frosting adds a subtle tang that balances the cookie’s sweetness perfectly.
• Simple Ingredients: You’ll mostly find pantry staples here, making this recipe easy and accessible for every baker.
• Versatile Flavor Base: These cookies can be easily customized or decorated to suit any occasion or mood.
• Great for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each item plays a special role—from adding moisture and richness to creating sweetness and flavor depth.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Provide just the right lift for soft, fluffy cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps form a crisp edge on the cookies.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sour Cream: The secret ingredient that offers tanginess and keeps the cookies super moist.
• Egg: Binds everything together and enhances the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: For the frosting, provides that luscious tang and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
• Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a fresh citrusy brightness to the cream cheese frosting.

Variations for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe invites creativity and personalization, making it easy to adapt whether you want to experiment with flavors, accommodate dietary preferences, or just try something new. Here are some tasty ways to switch it up:

• Orange Zest Addition: Add fresh orange zest to the cookie dough and frosting for a citrus twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free blend without compromising texture.
• Spiced Cookies: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a cozy, seasonal vibe.
• Berry Swirl Frosting: Fold in mashed raspberries or strawberries into the cream cheese frosting for a sweet berry flavor and pretty pink hue.
• Nut Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the frosting before it sets for added crunch and flavor contrast.

How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix in the sour cream until just combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into small balls and place evenly spaced on the prepared sheets. Lightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden but the centers remain soft. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and optionally, a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies have cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Add sprinkles, edible flowers, or chopped nuts for a festive finish, if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, egg, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and creamy frosting.
• Don’t Overbake: Take cookies out as soon as the edges are set to keep them soft and tender.
• Chill Dough if Needed: If dough is too soft to handle, chill for 30 minutes for easier shaping.
• Use Fresh Cream Cheese: The fresher the cream cheese, the better the smoothness and flavor of your frosting.
• Customize Frosting Consistency: Add more powdered sugar to thicken or a little milk to thin the frosting to your preference.

How to Serve Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by topping the frosted cookies with colorful sprinkles, edible flowers, or finely chopped nuts for texture and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a fresh cup of coffee to complement their soft texture and tangy frosting perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or stack them with parchment paper layers as charming homemade gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and freshness of the frosting.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.

Reheating

Warm cookies for 10 seconds in the microwave before frosting if desired, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firmer frosting experience.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute and will keep the cookies moist, but it may slightly alter the tanginess and texture.

How long do the cookies stay fresh after frosting?

Frosted cookies generally stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With ingredient substitutions such as vegan butter, cream cheese alternatives, and egg replacers, you can adapt this recipe to fit a vegan diet.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

While not absolutely required, chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and makes shaping easier.

What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?

Use a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip for elegant swirls, or simply spread it with an offset spatula for a more casual look.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The delicate balance of tender, tangy, and sweet makes them a recipe worth keeping in your baking rotation. So grab your mixing bowl and those simple ingredients—your new favorite cookie adventure awaits!

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