Grandma's Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Introduction

A timeless classic, Grandma's sour cream sugar cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed for any occasion. With their soft, tender texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess from the sour cream, these cookies practically melt in your mouth. They are wonderful for both decorating and savoring on their own, making them a beloved recipe in many households.

Ingredients

- 250g granulated sugar
- 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg (50g)
- 120ml sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- 300g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (2g)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (2g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Follow these simple steps to create these delicious cookies that will surely become a favorite in your family recipe collection! Enjoy baking and sharing them with loved ones.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream together 250g of granulated sugar and 115g of softened unsalted butter until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add 1 large egg, 120ml of sour cream, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 300g of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well mixed.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms, ensuring there are no dry patches of flour remaining.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to a thickness of approximately 6mm. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes from the rolled dough.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Carefully place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Decorate or Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, you may decorate them as desired or enjoy them plain!

Notes

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.

Variations

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for additional flavor.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Refrigeration

For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Plain Enjoyment

These cookies are delightful on their own, soft and subtly sweet, perfect for any snack time.

Decorated Treats

Consider icing with royal icing or glazing them with a simple powdered sugar glaze, which adds a touch of sweetness and a festive flair.

Accompaniment

Pair with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk for a classic dessert experience. They also work well as a sweet addition to a dessert platter for gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size

One cookie

Calories

Approximately 120 calories per cookie.

Macronutrients

- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 1g

Note

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Granulated Sugar

Consider using coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile, or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option.

Unsalted Butter

You can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a non-dairy option.

Sour Cream

Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative, providing similar creaminess and tanginess.

All-Purpose Flour

To make the cookies gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that texture might differ slightly.

Cook techniques

1. Creaming Butter and Sugar

Properly creaming the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy is key to achieving a tender texture in your cookies. This process incorporates air into the mixture, aiding in leavening.

2. Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can result in tougher cookies.

3. Rolling Out Cookie Dough

Flour your surface lightly to avoid sticking, and roll the dough to an even thickness (about 6mm) for uniform baking and consistency in texture.

4. Using Cookie Cutters

Choose your favorite cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Dip the cutters in flour to prevent sticking, ensuring clean shapes every time.

5. Baking Temperature

Maintain the oven temperature at 175°C for even baking. Monitor closely so the edges turn lightly golden—overbaking will harden the cookies.

6. Cooling Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps the cookies set properly without breaking apart.

FAQ

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes, you can use plain yogurt or a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt for similar results.

How can I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits can be added for extra flavor and texture.

What can I use for decoration?

You can use icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate the cookies. Alternatively, enjoy them plain for a classic taste.

Are these cookies suitable for special diets?

These cookies contain dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour, and for dairy-free, use vegan butter and non-dairy sour cream.

Conclusion

Grandma's Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance sweetness and a subtle tang. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a cherished addition to any gathering. Whether decorated or enjoyed plain, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to anyone who indulges in them.

Classic Icing Decoration

Top your sour cream sugar cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a classic finish. Add food coloring for a festive touch.

Chocolate Chip Variation

Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks into the dough before cutting out shapes for a delicious chocolate indulgence that complements the tangy flavor.

Nutty Twist

Add finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for an added crunch and flavor that enhances the cookie's rich texture.

Citrus Zest Infusion

Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough to give your cookies a fresh, citrusy aroma that brightens their overall taste.

Spiced Version

Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced version perfect for cozy holiday gatherings.

Oatmeal Addition

Mix in oats to the dough for a chewier cookie that adds an extra layer of texture and a hint of heartiness.

Sandwich Cookies

Make sandwich cookies by spreading cream cheese frosting or a flavored buttercream between two cookies for an indulgent treat that elevates the classic recipe.