Santa Claus Sour Cream Cookies
Festive Santa Claus Sour Cream Cookies feature a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of nutmeg, perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add the egg, sour cream, and remaining ingredients; mix until well combined.
- Wrap the dough in wax paper and chill overnight.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured board to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies using cookie cutters.
- Place the cookies on a sprayed cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely to prevent overbaking.
- Cool cookies before decorating.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the nutmeg to 1/2 teaspoon. Make sure to chill the dough overnight to enhance the flavors and make it easier to roll out. For added fun, incorporate colored sprinkles into the dough before cutting out shapes.
Serving Suggestions
These Santa Claus Sour Cream Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve them alongside a warm glass of milk or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also pair wonderfully with a festive platter of other holiday cookies, like those from the Basic Sweet Rolls recipe. Consider decorating them with royal icing for a cheerful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through, to retain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Claus Sour Cream Cookies contains roughly 185 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 6g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe. It will give the cookies a richer flavor. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, resulting in a softer cookie.
How do I decorate these cookies?
You can decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For added fun, use colored icing to create festive designs or write holiday messages.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to two days before rolling and baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday baking prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).