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.
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.
Roll-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
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.
Vanilla Sugar Cookie Recipe
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.
Best Cut-Out Sugar Cookie Recipe
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.