Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you haven’t yet tried Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, you are in for a true treat! This delightful recipe perfectly balances the tangy richness of sour cream in the cozy sugar cookie base with the lush, creamy texture of cream cheese frosting on top. Soft, tender, and wonderfully moist, these cookies bring together sweetness and subtle tang in a way that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies feel like warm hugs in every bite, making them an irresistible favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Moist Texture: The sour cream keeps the cookies tender and perfectly moist, preventing dryness.
• Perfect Sweet-Tangy Balance: The cream cheese frosting adds rich tanginess that complements the sugar cookie base beautifully.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe offers plenty of room for flavor tweaks and decorative creativity.
• Great for Any Occasion: From casual snacks to holiday treats, these cookies fit every celebration.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together to create an extraordinary flavor without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is delightfully straightforward. Each ingredient serves a purpose, enhancing taste, texture, and the overall look of these charming cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the perfect balance for soft yet sturdy cookies.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Work together to give the cookies a gentle rise with a tender crumb.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cookies soft.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings rich flavor and helps with the creamy texture.
• Sugar (Granulated and Brown): Granulated sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for depth and chewiness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s moistness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Cream Cheese: The base for the frosting, providing creaminess and tang.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth finish.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.

Variations for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily play with flavors and ingredients to make it uniquely yours, whether catering to dietary needs or simply experimenting with new tastes.

• Lemon Zest Twist: Add fresh lemon zest to the cookie dough and frosting for a refreshing citrus kick.
• Chocolate Chip Addition: Stir mini chocolate chips into the dough for pockets of melty chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
• Nutty Upgrade: Incorporate finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor complexity.
• Spiced Sugar Cookies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting twist.

How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming together the unsalted butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternated with sour cream, ensuring a smooth, slightly sticky dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This rest time firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Roll and Cut Cookies

Lightly flour a surface and roll the chilled dough to around 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until thick and creamy. Add vanilla extract and beat again until perfectly fluffy.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or zest for an extra pop of color and flavor.

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

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing and best texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Pull the cookies out when the edges just start to brown to keep them tender and soft.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading and helps the cookies maintain their shape.
• Use Fresh Cream Cheese: Fresh cream cheese gives the frosting a clean, tangy taste and smooth texture.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust the powdered sugar in frosting to suit your preferred sweetness level.

How to Serve Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sprinkle colorful jimmies or sanding sugar on top of the frosting for festive flair. A light dusting of lemon zest or toasted coconut adds texture and an extra layer of flavor. Fresh berries on the side can also complement the tanginess beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Fruit preserves or a dollop of whipped cream serve as lovely accompaniments for extra decadence during dessert time.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies in layers on a pretty cake stand for parties or package them in decorative tins wrapped with ribbons as heartfelt gifts. Personalizing each cookie with piped initials or themed colors makes them perfect for celebrations like birthdays and holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep the frosting intact and prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked dough in a tightly sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, freeze them without frosting and add the cream cheese frosting after thawing for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, microwave individually for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating the frosted cookies in the oven to prevent the frosting from melting and losing its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tang and moisture, though the texture might be slightly different.

How long will these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature and up to a week refrigerated.

Is it okay to freeze cookies after frosting?

It’s better to freeze the cookies without frosting, as freezing can affect the texture and appearance of the cream cheese frosting.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes, you can create a dairy-free version, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Over-softened butter, warm dough, or lack of chilling can cause excessive spreading—ensure dough is chilled and ingredients are at proper temperatures.

Final Thoughts

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are truly a game-changer for anyone who loves classic cookies with a special twist. The blend of tangy and sweet, soft and creamy, makes every bite a joy. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie that excites your taste buds and warms your heart!

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