If you’ve been on the hunt for the ultimate soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, you’re in for a treat with this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful these cookies turn out, and the cream cheese frosting? It’s like the perfect, tangy-sweet hug for each bite. Stick around, because I’m going to share all my tips to help you nail this fantastic recipe every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Soft Texture: Thanks to the sour cream, these cookies stay soft and tender for days.
- Flavorful and Balanced: The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the sweet cookies.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making this a go-to recipe for any occasion.
- Easily Customizable: From shapes to frosting tweaks, you can make this recipe your own effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create a soft sugar cookie base that’s subtle and slightly tangy—perfect for layering with creamy frosting. I always recommend using the freshest sour cream and real vanilla extract to maximize flavor.
- Butter (for both dough and frosting): Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to get that creamy, smooth texture in both your dough and frosting.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar for the dough and powdered sugar for the frosting to keep everything silky and sweet.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash lends warmth and fragrance that elevates the cookies.
- Baking Soda, Baking Powder, and Salt: These work together to give your cookies just the right rise and balance sweetness.
- Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient that makes your cookies unbelievably soft and moist.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here—it creates structure without toughness.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the best creamy, tangy frosting that gets along with the cookie base.
Variations
I love how versatile this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is. Over time, I’ve found small tweaks that suit different moods and occasions—feel free to play around and make it yours.
- Adding Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest in the dough or frosting adds a fresh twist I adore for springtime gatherings.
- Flavor Extracts: Try almond or peppermint extract in place of vanilla for an entirely different, festive vibe, especially around the holidays.
- Dietary Swaps: I’ve had success substituting a lactose-free sour cream and cream cheese to accommodate friends with sensitivities without compromising softness or flavor.
- Decorating: My family goes crazy when I add colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosting—fun, simple, and perfect for any celebration.
How to Make Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Prep the Dough
Start by sifting your baking soda, salt, baking powder, and flour to keep everything light and evenly distributed—this step helps avoid any lumps and ensures a smooth dough. Then, cream the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl. I like to beat it for about 3 minutes until it’s nice and fluffy, which really helps the cookies rise properly. When you add the eggs and vanilla, beat for another 3 minutes to combine everything nicely. Alternate adding the flour mixture with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour. This alternating method helps keep your dough tender but stable. Finally, wrap the dough in plastic and pop it in the fridge overnight or at least 8 hours. Trust me, this chilling time makes all the difference in texture and flavor.
Step 2: Roll, Cut, and Bake
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Divide the dough into halves to make it easier to work with, then roll out to about ¼ inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Here’s a tip I learned the hard way: brush off excess flour before cutting your shapes because too much flour can dry the edges of your cookies. Because this dough is soft, avoid complicated cutters with tiny details; I stick to hearts and circles for the best results. Place your cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet—no need to grease the sheet, which saves a bit of fuss. Bake for 8-10 minutes, but watch closely; the edges just barely starting to turn golden means they’re ready. Let them cool a bit on the sheet before transferring to a cooling rack so they don’t break.
Step 3: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until you get a smooth and creamy blend. Then, mix in your powdered sugar and vanilla and keep beating until the frosting is silky and well combined. If you want to add coloring, this is the perfect time. When it comes to frosting your cookies, I like using a thin metal spatula for a smooth and even layer, but it’s just as fun to use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for a more festive look. Don’t forget a few sprinkles or sparkling sugars for a little sparkle—my kids insist on it for every batch!
Pro Tips for Making Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Chill for True Softness: I can’t stress enough how much chilling the dough overnight improves the texture and flavor—it helps those cookies spread evenly without getting flat.
- Watch Your Bake Time Closely: Baking even a minute or two too long toughens these tender cookies, so pull them out when edges just start to turn gold.
- Soft Dough Means Simple Shapes: Because the dough is soft, avoid intricate cookie cutters; hearts, circles, and simple shapes hold up wonderfully and look charming.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Using softened butter, eggs, and cream cheese made a huge difference for me, giving smoother frosting and even baking.
How to Serve Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic with a few rainbow sprinkles or some edible glitter on top of the frosting—it adds a festive touch without overpowering the flavors. Sometimes, I add a tiny edible flower or a dash of finely chopped pistachios for a fancier look when serving guests.
Side Dishes
This cookie is a star on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. For holiday celebrations, a small bowl of fresh berries alongside these cookies adds a fresh balance and a pop of color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun way I’ve served these cookies is stacking them in towers tied with ribbon for gifting or special occasions—everyone loves getting a little homemade stack! Another idea is using cookie cutters to create holiday shapes and filling in the frosting with different shades or adding piped messages for birthdays or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the sour cream and proper chilling, these cookies stay soft for up to 4-5 days! If they seem to firm up slightly, let them sit out for 30 minutes before enjoying—they soften up perfectly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the baked, cooled cookies (unfrosted) and the dough itself. For dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before rolling and baking. For baked cookies, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost fresh for best taste.
Reheating
If you want that freshly-baked feel, pop your cookies in a 300°F oven for about 3-4 minutes before frosting or enjoying. This warms them without drying out or melting the frosting.
FAQs
-
Can I skip refrigerating the dough overnight for Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
You can, but I highly recommend chilling the dough for at least 8 hours. It helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and enhances the flavor and texture, giving you wonderfully soft cookies.
-
Why does the dough need both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both creates the ideal rise and texture—baking powder gives a light fluffiness while baking soda reacts with sour cream to create tenderness and enhances browning subtly.
-
Can I use low-fat sour cream or cream cheese instead?
Yes, but keep in mind the cookies and frosting might be less rich and a bit less moist. Full-fat versions give the best texture and flavor for this recipe.
-
How thick should I roll the dough?
Rolling to about ¼ inch thick is just right—thinner cookies might get too crisp, and thicker ones can be cakier but might take longer to bake.
-
Is this frosting safe if I leave it out for a while?
Since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, it’s best to store frosted cookies in the fridge and consume within a day or two to keep it fresh and safe.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, I was blown away by how soft and flavorful the cookies were, paired with that luscious frosting. It quickly became a family favorite, and I hope once you make it, it becomes one of yours too. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and a little sweetness into your day. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 27 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are tender, subtly tangy, and perfect for decorating with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The dough is soft and delicate, yielding cookies that are lightly golden at the edges and melt in your mouth. Paired with a smooth, creamy cream cheese icing, these cookies are ideal for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you crave a classic treat with a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Cheese Icing:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift together baking soda, salt, baking powder, and flour in a bowl. Set aside for incorporation later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix for another 3 minutes to fully integrate.
- Combine Flour and Sour Cream: Add the sifted flour mixture alternately with sour cream in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour, to maintain structure and moisture in the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove dough from refrigerator and divide into two halves. Lightly flour your work surface.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll each half to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Brush off excess flour carefully to avoid dry texture on the cookies.
- Cut Cookies: Use lightly floured cookie cutters to cut desired shapes. Because the dough is soft, choose simple shapes like hearts or circles that retain form well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. No need to grease the sheet as the cookies won’t stick.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until edges just start to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing: Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy using a mixer.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well blended. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate: Spread icing over cooled cookies with a thin spatula, or pipe with a decorated bag topped with a star tip. Optionally, sprinkle with sprinkles or sparkling sugars for festive flair.
Notes
- Use simple cookie cutter shapes, as this dough is soft and does not hold intricate details well.
- Refrigerate the dough thoroughly to make rolling and cutting easier.
- Watch cookies carefully during baking to prevent overbaking, which will make them less soft.
- For stiffer icing, add more powdered sugar; for softer, add a teaspoon of milk or cream.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
