Sour Cream Cookies are a delightful treat that brings back memories of home-baked goodness. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a unique tangy flavor thanks to the sour cream. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet snack to enjoy with your favorite beverage. This recipe is simple to follow, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Sour Cream Cookies
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon (for added flavor)
- Optional: 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
How to Make Soft and Chewy Sour Cream Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Whisk together dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using ground nutmeg or cinnamon, add it to the dry ingredients now.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This can be done using a stand mixer or a hand mixer.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate the sour cream: Gradually add the sour cream to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the dough: Gently flatten each ball of dough with the back of a spoon or your fingers to about 1/2 inch thick. This will help the cookies spread evenly as they bake.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden brown. The centers should still be soft.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Step: Add a Finishing Touch
If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
About the Main Ingredients
Sour Cream
Sour cream is the star ingredient in these cookies, giving them their unique tangy flavor and moist, tender texture. It is a dairy product obtained by fermenting regular cream with certain kinds of lactic acid bacteria. The fermentation process thickens the cream and gives it a distinctive sour taste. In baking, sour cream can help tenderize baked goods, keeping them moist and adding a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness.
Butter
Unsalted butter is used in this recipe to control the amount of salt in the cookies. Butter adds richness and flavor, and its fat content helps create a tender and chewy texture. Beating the butter with sugar until it’s light and fluffy incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
Sugar
Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps achieve the desirable spread and texture of the cookies. When creamed with butter, it helps to incorporate air into the dough, contributing to the cookies’ structure and tenderness.
Flour
All-purpose flour is the backbone of these cookies, providing structure and stability. The gluten formed when flour is mixed with wet ingredients helps hold the cookies together and gives them their chewy texture.
Egg
The egg in this recipe acts as a binder, holding all the ingredients together. It also adds moisture and richness, contributing to the soft texture of the cookies. The protein in the egg helps provide structure, while the fat in the yolk adds tenderness.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet aroma and enhances the flavor of the cookies. It complements the tanginess of the sour cream and the richness of the butter, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Soft and Chewy Sour Cream Cookies are a classic treat that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone. With their tender texture and delightful tangy flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is a keeper. Try them out and enjoy the delicious results!
