There’s nothing like the smell of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies baking in the oven. These soft, pillowy cookies are perfectly sweet, with a hint of tangy sour cream that sets them apart from any other sugar cookie.

I still remember helping my grandma roll out the dough and using cookie cutters to make festive shapes. Every bite of these cookies takes me back to her cozy kitchen, surrounded by love and laughter. Let’s dive into this family-favorite recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Sugar Cookie Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for these delightful cookies. Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are truly a treat for all your senses.
Soft and Tender Texture
Unlike standard sugar cookies that can be a bit firm, these cookies are ultra-soft and fluffy, thanks to the magic of sour cream in the dough.
Easy to Make
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of rolling out dough or decorating cookies. This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, even if it’s your first time baking sugar cookies.
Customizable for Any Occasion
From Christmas trees to hearts for Valentine’s Day, these cookies are perfect for any celebration. You can even leave them plain for a simple, everyday treat.
Kid-Friendly and Fun
Rolling, cutting, and decorating these cookies is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Plus, kids love adding their own creative touch with sprinkles and frosting.
Let’s jump into the ingredients that make these cookies so special!
Ingredient Notes

The beauty of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies lies in their simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is essential:
All-Purpose Flour
This is the foundation of the cookies, giving them their structure. Make sure to measure carefully to avoid a dry dough.
Sour Cream
The star of the show! Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor that makes these cookies irresistibly soft. Use full-fat for the best texture.
Unsalted Butter
Creamed together with sugar, butter ensures a rich flavor in every bite. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated Sugar
Provides sweetness and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies. You’ll also sprinkle some on top before baking for a hint of sparkle.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the dough and add richness. Room-temperature eggs work best for even mixing.
Vanilla Extract
This classic flavoring gives the cookies a warm, sweet aroma. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
These leavening agents work together to create the cookies’ soft, pillowy texture.
Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the cookies, balancing the sweetness.
No special equipment is required for this recipe, but a rolling pin and cookie cutters will make the process more fun and festive!
How To Make Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies is as comforting and enjoyable as eating them. Follow these simple steps to bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen:
- Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a soft texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt), mixing until just combined. - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. - Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes, dipping them in flour to prevent sticking. - Bake the Cookies
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each cookie for added sparkle. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. - Cool and Decorate
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. You can leave them plain, dust with powdered sugar, or add frosting and sprinkles for extra fun!
These cookies come together in under an hour (excluding chill time), and the result is well worth the effort.
Storage Options
These cookies are as practical as they are delicious! Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezer: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the dough in a log or as pre-cut shapes.
- Refrigerator: Decorated cookies with frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
To reheat, let the cookies thaw at room temperature, or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility! Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Flavored Extracts
Swap out vanilla for almond, lemon, or peppermint extract to create unique cookie flavors.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Frosting Fun
Experiment with different frostings, from classic buttercream to royal icing. Add food coloring to match any theme or holiday.
Mix-Ins
For a twist, add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the dough before chilling.
Whole Wheat Flour
For a slightly nuttier flavor and a touch of health, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
No matter how you customize them, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a slice of nostalgia and a celebration of togetherness. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies will fill your home with warmth and happiness. Try them today and create your own cherished memories!
PrintGrandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe
Discover how to make Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, a timeless recipe for soft, tender, and perfectly sweet cookies. A must-try classic dessert for holidays or everyday indulgence!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream sugar and butter until fluffy.
- Mix in sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, top with sprinkles or frosting once cooled.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
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