Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you crave a cookie that balances soft, tender texture with a creamy, tangy frosting, you’re going to fall head over heels for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful treat brings together the rich, velvety flavor of sour cream in the dough with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. The cookies are perfectly soft, lightly sweetened, and topped with frosting that strikes the ideal balance of sweetness and tang, making them irresistible for any occasion or afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Soft Texture: The addition of sour cream makes these cookies incredibly tender and moist, unlike regular sugar cookies.
• Rich Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting adds a tangy richness that complements the sweet, soft cookie base beautifully.
• Easy to Customize: This recipe is versatile and easy to adjust for different flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
• All-Occasion Favorite: These cookies look as good on a holiday platter as they do for a casual coffee break treat.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples you likely already have, it’s both convenient and rewarding to bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting lies not only in its flavor but also in its simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a cookie with perfect sweetness, tenderness, and color. Each component plays a specific role in crafting that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure needed for chewy, yet soft cookies.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Give the cookies a gentle rise and airy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Both sugars blend to add sweetness and a slight caramel note that deepens flavor.
• Sour Cream: The secret ingredient that makes these cookies incredibly moist and soft.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients while adding a little lift to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cookie’s sweetness with warm, aromatic undertones.
• Cream Cheese: Essential for the frosting’s creamy, tangy finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Perfect for a smooth, sweet frosting consistency.
• Milk or Heavy Cream (optional): Adjusts frosting consistency for the perfect spreadability.

Variations for Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

One of the best parts about Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting is how easily you can personalize them. Whether you want to try new flavors, cater to dietary needs, or get creative, these variations make adapting the recipe a breeze.

• Fruit Zest Kick: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough or frosting for a fresh, bright flavor twist.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough or add cocoa powder to the frosting for a chocolaty touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cookies allergy-friendly without sacrificing softness.
• Spiced Delight: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for cozy warmth in every bite.
• Vegan Alternative: Use dairy-free sour cream, vegan butter, and cream cheese substitutes to create a plant-based version.

How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until fluffy and light. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder, then gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This step firms up the dough, which helps maintain the cookie’s shape and enhances the flavor as it rests.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop or roll dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden, but the centers remain soft.

Step 4: Cool Completely

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool entirely before frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese with butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, and then add vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, slowly mix in milk or heavy cream to reach your preferred spreading consistency.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Use a spatula or piping bag to generously spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles or citrus zest for an extra festive look if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are soft but not melted for the best texture and easy mixing.
• Don’t Overbake: Cookies will continue to firm up upon cooling; pull them from the oven when the edges just start turning golden.
• Chill Dough for Clean Shapes: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps your cookies thick and tender.
• Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add milk slowly to avoid a runny frosting; it should spread easily but hold shape.
• Use Fresh Cream Cheese: For the creamiest frosting, always use fresh cream cheese and avoid low-fat versions.

How to Serve Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can elevate your cookies instantly. Sprinkle shredded coconut, citrus zest, or colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting for visual appeal and a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea, rich coffee, or even a cold glass of milk to enhance the creamy and sweet combination in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange on a tiered dessert tray for parties, stack cookies with a layer of frosting in between to create sandwich cookies, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the cream cheese frosting from spoiling, ideally consuming them within 3-4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies without frosting in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag; freeze up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies a little warm, gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before frosting or enjoy at room temperature after removing from fridge.

FAQs

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will still provide moisture and tang, but the final texture may be slightly different—still delicious though!

How long does the cream cheese frosting last?

When stored properly in the fridge, cream cheese frosting stays fresh for about 4-5 days.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely, by using plant-based sour cream, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese, you can enjoy a vegan and allergy-friendly version.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking is key, as it firms the fat and reduces spreading during baking.

Can I add flavor extracts other than vanilla?

Yes! Almond, lemon, or even orange extracts can add a fun twist to both dough and frosting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting that makes any gathering or quiet moment feel a little more joyful. The softness of the cookies paired with the creamy tang of the frosting is an unbeatable combo that’s both comforting and exciting. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat to bake and share with those you care about most!

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