Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are soft, tender treats with a subtle tang from sour cream and warm hints of nutmeg or cinnamon. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, they can be decorated with icing or colored sugar to suit any celebration or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat together shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
- In a very large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and nutmeg or cinnamon.
- Pour the contents of the first bowl into the sifted ingredients.
- Stir until well mixed but do not beat.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Scoop out 1/4 of the dough at a time onto a well-floured surface.
- Sprinkle with flour and roll to approximately 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out with floured cookie cutters.
- Sprinkle with colored sugar, if desired.
- Bake on ungreased cookie sheets for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack and decorate with icing if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cookie, consider replacing half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you're out of sour cream, plain yogurt can be a great substitute. Make sure to chill the dough properly, as this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist on flavor. These cookies are also a delightful base for icing or sprinkles.
Serving Suggestions
These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether served at a holiday gathering or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea. For a festive touch, decorate them with icing or colored sugar, making them a hit at parties. Consider serving alongside a slice of Banana Caramel Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream Sugar Cookies contains roughly 2179 calories, with 20g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 159g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value), calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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, using butter may change the texture slightly, making them a bit more tender. If you choose to use butter, make sure it's at room temperature for easier blending with sugar and other ingredients.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. This will help maintain the texture and taste similar to the original recipe, so everyone can enjoy them without worry.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much flour, as it might make the cookies tough. Alternatively, chilling the dough longer can also help firm it up, making it easier to roll out.
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).