Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies

This recipe for Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies delivers soft, cake-like cookies with a moist texture. The dough is flavored with a hint of nutmeg and enriched by sour cream, creating a unique taste. To prepare, combine your dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, and mix in an egg and sour cream before chilling the dough. Once ready, roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake at 375°F until the edges are lightly golden. Optionally, frost with buttercream icing infused with vanilla and almond. These cookies freeze well and are ideal for making ahead.
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Updated on Monday 25 November 2024
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Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies | Myhomemaderecipe.com

As the holiday season approaches, many of us turn to our favorite recipes to make the period even more special. One such recipe that has been a staple for decades is the Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies. These cookies are renowned for their soft, tender texture and their ability to retain their shape perfectly, making them ideal for decorating. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-have in your holiday baking repertoire.

The allure of these cookies lies not only in their delicious taste but also in their versatility. They can be made in various shapes using different cookie cutters, and their softness makes them a joy to eat. This recipe has been passed down through generations, and its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a favorite among bakers of all levels.

Why Make This Recipe

Ease of Preparation

One of the primary reasons to make this Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies recipe is its ease of preparation. Holiday baking can be a daunting task, especially when you have multiple recipes to manage. However, this recipe simplifies the process significantly. It is a one-bowl recipe that comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for those busy holiday afternoons.

The simplicity of the recipe also makes it an excellent choice for baking with kids. The dough is easy to work with, and the steps involved are straightforward, allowing children to participate and learn the art of baking.

Use of Everyday Ingredients

Another advantage of this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. However, it is crucial to note that the quality of these ingredients can significantly impact the final result. Using full-fat sour cream, unsalted butter, and high-quality vanilla extract or paste will make a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of the cookies.

Ingredients

To make these Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup (150g)
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (115g), at room temperature
  • Sour Cream: ½ cup (120g), full fat, at room temperature
  • Vanilla Extract or Paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Pure Almond Extract: A few drops
  • Egg: 1, at room temperature
  • All-Purpose or Cake Flour: 2 ½ cups (350g)
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon
  • Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon

For the frosting, you will need:

  • Regular Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225g), at room temperature
  • Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (110g), at room temperature
  • Powdered Sugar: 3 ½ to 4 cups, depending on the desired consistency
  • Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
  • Food Dyes: Optional, for coloring the frosting

Preparation and Tips

One-Bowl Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It is a one-bowl recipe that can be prepared quickly. Here’s how you can make the dough:

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sour cream until well combined.
  • Add the granulated sugar and mix until smooth.
  • Incorporate the vanilla extract, almond extract, and egg. Mix very well.
  • Sift in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Using a spatula, integrate these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients without overworking the dough.
  • Ensure the dough is smooth and non-sticky.

Refrigeration

Refrigeration is a critical step in this recipe. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or up to 1 day. This step is necessary to keep the dough cold, which helps in rolling and cutting the cookies without them spreading.

If you plan to freeze the dough, it can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Before rolling, it is advisable to put the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes to ensure it remains cold.

Rolling Tips

To achieve the best results, follow these rolling tips:

  • Work with Half the Dough: Divide the dough into two parts and work with one half at a time. Keep the other half wrapped and refrigerated.
  • Lightly Flour the Surface: Lightly flour the counter and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
  • Roll to the Right Thickness: Roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
  • Cut Quickly: Cut out the cookies in the desired shapes and transfer them quickly to the prepared cookie sheets.

Shapes

Using different cookie cutters can add a fun and creative element to your baking. From simple shapes like circles and hearts to more intricate patterns like snowflakes and Christmas trees, the possibilities are endless. However, keep in mind that more intricate patterns can result in more fragile cookies.

Effects of Ingredients

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it plays a crucial role in making the cookies soft and chewy. The acidity in the sour cream reacts with the baking soda, causing the cookies to rise and giving them a tender texture. Using full-fat sour cream is essential for achieving the best results.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another vital ingredient that works in conjunction with the sour cream. It helps the cookies rise and maintains their chewy texture. The reaction between the baking soda and the acidic sour cream ensures that the cookies are light and fluffy.

Preventing Spreading

Cold Dough

Using cold dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will lose their shape and spread during baking. Sometimes, freezing the cut-outs for a few minutes before baking can also help in maintaining their shape.

Parchment Paper

Using parchment paper on the baking sheets is highly recommended. It prevents the cookies from spreading and makes them easier to remove after baking.

Adding Flavor

To enhance the flavor of your Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies, you can add various ingredients such as:

  • Citrus Zest: Adding the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange can give the cookies a brighter flavor.
  • Extracts: You can substitute a portion of the vanilla extract with almond extract or use other flavorings like lemon or orange extract.
  • Ground Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can add a warm and comforting flavor to the cookies.

Decorating

One of the best aspects of these cookies is their suitability for decorating. Here’s how you can make a simple colored cream cheese frosting:

  • In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with butter until very creamy and no lumps remain.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla until you achieve a thick, creamy consistency.
  • Divide the frosting among bowls depending on the number of different colors you want to make.
  • Add a drop of food coloring at a time, mix, and adjust the color as needed.

This frosting is perfect for decorating the cookies with intricate designs or simple patterns. It keeps well in the refrigerator for a few weeks and can be beaten again before use to achieve the desired consistency.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead

One of the most convenient aspects of this recipe is that the dough can be made ahead and frozen for later use. This makes it an excellent choice for holiday baking when time can be scarce. Simply thaw the frozen dough in the refrigerator or at room temperature when you are ready to bake.

Kid-Friendly

The dough of these Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies is easy to work with, making it a great project for kids. Baking with children not only teaches them a valuable skill but also creates wonderful memories. The simplicity of the recipe and the fun of cutting out shapes make it an ideal activity for family bonding.

Summary

In summary, the Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies recipe is a timeless favorite that offers many benefits for holiday baking. Here are the key points to remember:

  • High-Quality Ingredients: Use full-fat sour cream, unsalted butter, and high-quality vanilla extract or paste for the best results.
  • Cold Dough: Keep the dough cold to prevent spreading and ensure the cookies retain their shape.
  • Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper to prevent the cookies from spreading and make them easier to remove after baking.
  • Versatility: The cookies are suitable for decorating and can be made in various shapes using different cookie cutters.
  • Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and frozen for later use, making it an excellent choice for busy holiday schedules.
  • Kid-Friendly: The dough is easy to work with, making it a great project for kids.

These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering, and their soft, tender texture makes them a delight to eat. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

No Spread Sugar Cookies

To achieve the perfect no-spread sugar cookies, it is crucial to follow the tips mentioned above. Keeping the dough cold and using parchment paper are essential steps in preventing the cookies from spreading. This ensures that your cookies retain their shape and have sharp edges, making them perfect for decorating.

Soft No-Spread Sugar Cookies

The combination of sour cream and cold dough makes these cookies soft and chewy without spreading. The sour cream adds moisture, while the cold dough helps in maintaining the shape. This results in cookies that are not only visually appealing but also delicious.

This recipe is an excellent roll-out sugar cookie recipe due to its ease of preparation and the ability to maintain the shape of the cookies. The one-bowl method and the importance of refrigeration make it a straightforward process.

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies for Royal Icing

These cookies are ideal for royal icing due to their flat and even surface. The cookies do not spread much, making them perfect for intricate designs and patterns.

The use of vanilla extract or paste gives these cookies a classic flavor that is both simple and delicious. You can also substitute a portion of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.

This recipe is often considered one of the best cut-out sugar cookie recipes due to its simplicity, the quality of the ingredients, and the final result. The cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for decorating, making them a favorite among bakers.

No Chilling Sugar Cookies

While this recipe does require refrigeration, there are variations that do not need chilling. However, the chilling step is crucial for achieving the best results, especially if you want to prevent the cookies from spreading.

Sugar Cookies with Sharp Edges

To achieve sugar cookies with sharp edges, it is essential to keep the dough cold and use parchment paper. This ensures that the cookies retain their shape and have a clean, sharp edge.

Easy Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

This recipe is an easy cut-out sugar cookie recipe that is perfect for beginners. The one-bowl method and the simplicity of the steps involved make it an excellent choice for those new to baking.

Soft and Flat Sugar Cookies

The combination of sour cream and the right baking techniques results in cookies that are soft and flat. These cookies are ideal for decorating and make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter.

By following this recipe and the tips provided, you can create perfect Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies that are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you are baking for family, friends, or a festive event, these cookies are a timeless favorite that will always impress.

Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies

These Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies offer a soft, moist texture with a hint of nutmeg and are perfect for festive decorations or simple indulgence.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or cake flour substitute: remove 2 tablespoons from every cup of all-purpose flour and replace with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch).
02 1 teaspoon baking soda.
03 1 teaspoon salt.
04 1 teaspoon baking powder.
05 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
06 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature.
07 1 cup granulated sugar.
08 1 egg.
09 1/2 cup sour cream.
10 Buttercream frosting (optional): laced with vanilla and almond flavoring.

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Beat in the egg and then stir in the sour cream.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 05

Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to help it hold shape.

Step 06

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 07

Use cookie cutters to cut out the cookies. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie.

Step 08

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking; the tops should remain light.

Step 09

Make a buttercream frosting with vanilla and almond flavoring (optional).

Step 10

Frost the cookies once they are fully cooled.

Notes

  1. These cookies are known for their cake-like softness and moist texture, thanks to the sour cream.
  2. The addition of nutmeg and the use of sour cream give these cookies a unique and delicious flavor profile. The buttercream frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
  3. The cookies should have a light golden color on the edges and remain light on top. Overbaking can result in a less desirable texture.
  4. These cookies are perfect for holiday decorations and can be frosted and decorated in various ways. They also freeze well, making them convenient for advance preparation.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 143
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18g
  • Protein: 2g