Homemade sour cream cookies are a must-try! The rich sour cream gives them a soft, cake-like texture, making them perfect for any occasion. With just butter, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and flour, you can whip up a batch in no time. They bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth treat. Plus, you can customize them with flavors like lemon zest or almond extract. You'll discover even more about this delightful cookie!
History
Sour cream cookies, while a beloved treat today, have an interesting history that traces back to early American baking traditions.
Emerging in the mid-20th century, these cookies became popular due to the convenience of sour cream as a pantry staple. The addition of sour cream creates a tender texture, setting them apart from traditional cookies.
In the 1960s and 1970s, families embraced these soft confections, cherishing their nostalgic appeal. Generations have shared variations of sour cream cookies, often passed down through cherished family recipes, each with unique flavors or frostings.
Additionally, community baking events and cookie swaps helped cement their popularity, fostering connections among home bakers and reinforcing the tradition of sharing delightful treats with others. The protein-rich start offered by sour cream cookies has made them a favorite among breakfast enthusiasts as well.
Recipe
Sour cream cookies are a delightful treat that combines the richness of sour cream with the sweetness of traditional cookies, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture that's hard to resist. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet snack at home.
Sour cream cookies offer a unique blend of richness and sweetness, creating an irresistibly soft, cake-like treat for any occasion.
With their moist interior and slightly crisp edges, they offer a unique twist on classic cookie recipes. The best part about sour cream cookies is their versatility. You can easily customize the dough to suit your taste preferences by adding flavors such as citrus zest or almond extract.
Additionally, these cookies can be frosted or topped with sprinkles to make them even more festive. Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations to create your perfect cookie.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: citrus zest or almond extract for flavoring
- Optional: frosting or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
If desired, fold in any optional add-ins like citrus zest or almond extract. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting, as this will help achieve a fluffy texture in the cookie dough.
Also, if you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This not only makes it convenient for baking later but also allows the flavors to develop more fully.
When frosting the cookies, consider using a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting to complement the tanginess of the sour cream. Enjoy your delicious homemade sour cream cookies!
Cooking Steps
To get started on your sour cream cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Next, you'll mix the wet and dry ingredients until they come together, then scoop the dough onto your baking sheet.
Bake them for 10-12 minutes, and don't forget to let them cool on a wire rack afterward!
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Before you start mixing your cookie dough, make sure your oven's preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
Preheating is essential for optimal baking results, directly affecting your homemade cookies' texture and doneness. If your oven's too hot, you might end up with burnt edges, while a cooler oven can lead to undercooked centers.
It's wise to allow at least 10-15 minutes for your oven to reach the desired temperature. To ensure accuracy, use an oven thermometer, as many ovens can be off by several degrees.
Once preheated, you'll bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden for the best texture.
Happy baking!
Step 2. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once your oven is preheated and ready to go, it's time to mix the wet and dry ingredients.
Start by creaming together softened unsalted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in a room temperature egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Then, stir in the sour cream to your wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.
Once the cookie dough is well combined, you'll be ready to scoop it onto prepared baking sheets.
Step 3. Scoop Dough Onto Baking Sheet
Now that your cookie dough is ready, it's time to scoop it onto the baking sheet.
Grab a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop for consistent, evenly sized cookies. Drop the dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
To create a uniform shape, pat the tops of the dough balls down slightly with damp hands. Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your homemade cookies.
Once you're done, you're all set to bake them in your preheated oven at 375°F. Soon, you'll enjoy cookies with edges that turn golden brown!
Step 4. Bake for 10-12 Minutes
As you place the baking sheet in the oven, set a timer for 10 to 12 minutes to ensure your sour cream cookies bake to perfection.
Make sure your oven is preheated to 375°F. Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times can vary based on your oven and the size of the cookies.
Using a cookie scoop helps maintain uniform size, allowing them to bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge.
If you sprinkled a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before baking, you'll notice how it enhances their flavor and texture.
Once the timer goes off, check for that golden edge, signaling it's time to remove the cookies from the oven.
Step 5. Cool on Wire Rack
After you've baked your sour cream cookies to golden perfection, let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the cookies firm up slightly, making it easier to transfer them.
Using a spatula, gently lift the cookies from the baking sheet and place them onto a wire rack. Cooling on a wire rack is crucial; it allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
Make sure to let the cookies cool completely—at least 30 minutes—before adding frosting. This ensures that they maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Enjoy the anticipation as you wait for your cookies to cool and be ready for that delicious frosting!
Final Thoughts
While many cookies can be enjoyable, homemade sour cream cookies stand out for their unique texture and flavor. Made with full-fat sour cream, this cookie recipe results in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's hard to resist.
You can easily add the zest of lemon or other flavor enhancements to elevate the taste profile. The best part? These cookies are a quick and easy treat—you won't need to chill the dough!
Just bake them on baking sheets with parchment until the edges turn golden, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once your cookies are completely cooled, store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Enjoy this delightful treat anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Sour Cream Do for Cookies?
Sour cream adds moisture to cookies, giving them a soft, cake-like texture.
Its acidity interacts with baking soda and powder, creating a lighter, fluffier cookie. You'll also notice a subtle tangy flavor that balances sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
If you use full-fat sour cream, you'll get a richer flavor and denser texture.
Plus, cookies made with sour cream stay fresher longer, maintaining their softness and moisture over time.
Can I Put Sour Cream in Cookie Dough?
Absolutely, you can put sour cream in cookie dough!
Think of it as adding a secret ingredient that transforms your cookies into tender little cakes. It adds moisture and a subtle tang, enhancing flavor and texture.
Just make sure your sour cream and other ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
You'll love the soft, rich, and unique twist it brings, especially if you mix in some zest or spices!
What Does Sour Cream Do When Baking?
When you bake with sour cream, it brings a lot to the table. It adds moisture, making your baked goods tender and soft.
The acidity in sour cream enhances flavors, giving a nice tang that balances sweetness. It also helps activate baking soda and powder, resulting in a lighter texture.
Plus, the fat content enriches the dough, creating a richer flavor. So, using sour cream can keep your treats fresher longer too!
What Is the Secret Ingredient to Keep Cookies Soft?
You might be surprised to learn that the secret to soft cookies isn't just about sugar and flour.
It's all about moisture! When you add sour cream, it creates that perfect cakey texture that keeps your cookies tender.
Don't forget the eggs, either; they bind everything together and add even more moisture.
Mixing in room temperature unsalted butter helps too, giving your cookies a light and creamy consistency.
Trust me, you won't regret it!
