These Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle sweetness, they are loved by kids and adults alike. The addition of sour cream ensures that these cookies stay soft for days, making them the ideal cookie for gifting, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
Optional for decoration: Colored sugar, sprinkles, or frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then stir in sour cream.
Drop cookie dough by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate with colored sugar, sprinkles, or frosting if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a fresh citrus flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon-sugar before baking for a spiced twist.
Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a richer cookie.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.

10 FAQs

Why are my sugar cookies not soft? The addition of sour cream is what makes these cookies soft. If they aren’t soft, try adding a little more sour cream or reducing the baking time slightly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Can I freeze sugar cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Can I add food coloring to the dough? Yes, you can add food coloring to the dough for festive occasions. Simply mix it in with the wet ingredients.
How can I make the cookies thicker? If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, and be sure not to flatten the dough balls.
Can I use sour cream substitutes? Yes, you can use plain yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative to replace the sour cream.
How do I know when the cookies are done? The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing? Yes, royal icing works wonderfully on these cookies, especially if you want to create intricate designs.
Can I use this recipe for cut-out cookies? This dough works best for drop cookies, but if you’d like to make cut-out shapes, chill the dough first for about 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.

Conclusion

These Soft Sugar Cookies are simple, quick, and delicious. Their tender texture and light sweetness make them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic holiday cookie or a sweet snack, these soft sugar cookies are sure to satisfy. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins and decorations, making them your own!