Heritage Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Old-Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies: A Recipe for Softness, Sweetness, and Cherished Memories

These delightful old-fashioned sour cream sugar cookies are incredibly soft, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the perfect level of sweetness. What makes them truly special is the inclusion of sour cream, not just in the irresistibly creamy frosting, but also directly in the cookie dough, imparting a tender crumb that stands apart from typical sugar cookies. Get ready to bake a batch of pure comfort!

Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, a classic homemade treat.

Baking Love: The Enduring Power of Homemade Treats

There’s a unique magic in baking for someone you care about. Want to make someone feel truly special, cherished, and deeply loved? Bake for them. I am a steadfast believer in the power of homemade treats to uplift spirits and convey affection. These Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies embody that philosophy perfectly. For me, this belief is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences.

I vividly recall walking through the door after school, greeted by an intoxicating aroma wafting from the kitchen. Whether it was the scent of a beloved family meal simmering on the stove or the sweet perfume of my Mom’s freshly baked cookies, that moment instantly wrapped me in a feeling of warmth, security, and pure joy at being home. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the love infused into every crumb, the silent message of care that homemade goodness effortlessly communicates. These sour cream sugar cookies carry that same nostalgic charm, promising to create new, sweet memories for anyone lucky enough to receive them.

This timeless recipe is proudly supported by Family Fare Supermarkets. All opinions regarding their stores and exceptional products are entirely my own, born from genuine experience.

A Glimpse into the Past: Cherished Family Memories and the Essence of Home

Vintage family photo from the 1970s, showcasing childhood and parents.

Recently, I stumbled upon this precious old photograph of my parents, my younger brother, and me, captured sometime in the 1970s. While photographs today are still incredibly important, don’t misunderstand me, the ones from that era hold a distinctly different kind of value. Back then, cameras weren’t ubiquitous, and opportunities for photos were few and far between, making each snapshot a rare treasure. In our modern age, we practically have cameras in our pockets at all times, leading to countless digital images that often remain unsorted and unseen. My Mom, however, meticulously organized her photos into chronological albums, preserving these moments beautifully.

Just look at how stylish and happy my parents appear here! This photo truly warms my heart. My brother and I, clutching our stuffed animals, suggest we might have been on a road trip. And me? I look as though I’ve just been roused from a nap – a look I still sport to this very day when I’m not quite ready to face the world. LOL. This image, like the cookies themselves, transports me back to a simpler time, reminding me of the comforting embrace of family and the simple joys of childhood. It reinforces how some traditions, like baking and sharing, are truly timeless.

A plate of frosted sour cream sugar cookies, perfectly soft and inviting.

^^ ADORE THESE COOKIES? PIN THEM FOR LATER! ^^

Close-up of a frosted sour cream sugar cookie with a bite taken out, showing its soft interior.

Unveiling the Magic: Why Sour Cream Makes These Cookies Special

These sour cream sugar cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple to make, making them a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels. Imagine the delight on your children’s faces when they find one of these soft, frosted treats waiting for them after school, or tucked into their lunchbox. It’s a small gesture that speaks volumes! One of the best aspects of this recipe is its incredible versatility. By simply changing the colors of your frosting or the type of sprinkles you use, you can effortlessly adapt them for any holiday or season throughout the year. For this particular batch, I opted for sugar crystals instead of traditional sprinkles, loving the elegant shimmer and beautiful texture they add. I kept the frosting classic white and adorned them with a mix of clear and multi-colored sugar crystals, creating a festive yet sophisticated look.

The secret to their exquisite softness lies in the sour cream, which adds a delicate tang and unparalleled moisture to the dough. This ingredient helps create a cookie that is tender and rich, almost like a miniature cake, rather than a dense, chewy sugar cookie. It’s this unique quality that makes them so addictive and ensures they remain soft for days after baking. The balance between the cookie and the frosting is also key; the cookie itself has a subtle sweetness, which is beautifully complemented by the richer, yet perfectly balanced, sour cream frosting. This thoughtful combination results in a treat that satisfies without being overly cloying, hitting that sweet spot every time.

Close-up of Mom's Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, highlighting the soft texture.

What You’ll Need to Create These Delightfully Soft Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies:

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards baking these incredible cookies. You’ll find that these are all common pantry staples, making this recipe accessible and convenient. The quality of your ingredients, especially the sour cream, will contribute significantly to the final texture and flavor of your cookies.

  • Butter (unsalted, softened)
  • Granulated sugar (for the cookies) and powdered sugar (for the frosting)
  • Eggs (large)
  • Sour cream (full-fat for best results)
  • Essential leavening agents: salt, baking soda, and baking powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Pure vanilla extract

Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies featuring Our Family Brand Sour Cream.

And here’s some fantastic news: every single one of these ingredients is readily available through Family Fare’s “Our Family” brand. Not only did we thoroughly enjoy these utterly delicious cookies, but sourcing the ingredients from Family Fare meant the cost was a mere fraction of what it might otherwise have been. Quality and value, all in one sweet package!

Crafting Your Perfect Batch: Simple Steps for Irresistible Cookies

Preparing the Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies batter.

The cookie batter for these treats is quite unique. Unlike typical cookie dough, it won’t be thick and firm. Instead, expect a consistency that’s more akin to a thick cake batter – soft and luscious. This is precisely what contributes to their incredible tenderness once baked. Once your dough is mixed to perfection, simply drop spoonfuls onto cookie sheets lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is your best friend here, ensuring easy release and consistent baking.

Baked Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies on parchment paper, cooling.

After a short time in the oven, they will emerge beautifully puffy and perhaps a little “imperfect” around the edges. But do not fret! This is perfectly normal and part of their rustic, old-fashioned charm. The true transformation happens once they’re cooled and lavishly coated with that dreamy sour cream frosting. That’s when these humble cookies achieve their absolute perfection, transforming into elegant, irresistible treats that are sure to impress.

Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies decorated with XOXO message, ready to share.

The end result is a cookie that boasts an extraordinary softness without being overly sweet. The cookie base itself is subtly sweet, providing a wonderful foundation. Then, when the rich, tangy sour cream frosting is generously applied, a culinary symphony occurs. The flavors align perfectly, creating an ideal balance of sweetness that is truly satisfying and utterly unforgettable. It’s this harmonious blend that keeps everyone coming back for more, bite after tender bite.

Baking with Ease: My Secret and Family Fare Convenience

Want to know a little secret? I often find myself doing my best baking while still in my pajamas. There’s something wonderfully liberating about it! How about you? I frequently share “here’s what I’m making” video stories on my Instagram, but you won’t typically see me turn the camera on myself during the actual baking process. Oh, sure, maybe later, once the kitchen is sparkling clean and I’ve tidied myself up, but amidst the flour, butter, and mixing bowls? Not so much! That’s precisely why I’ve become a huge fan of ordering my groceries online with Family Fare Instacart.

Now, I can have all my baking essentials delivered right to my porch, often within an hour, enabling me to indulge in my beloved pajama-baking ritual practically all the time! Instacart truly makes it possible for me to stay in my comfy PJs ALL DAY. How absolutely awesome is that for a dedicated home baker?

A beautifully arranged plate of Mom's Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, ready to be enjoyed.


Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

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Print Recipe

Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

These old-fashioned sugar cookies are exceptionally soft and possess the ideal amount of sweetness. They are distinguished by the use of sour cream in both the cookie dough and the delectable frosting, resulting in a uniquely tender and flavorful treat.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins

Course: Cookies

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, Soft Sugar Cookies, Sour Cream Cookies

Servings: 4 dozen

Calories: 147 kcal per cookie

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

  • 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • Sprinkles or sugar crystals for decorating

Instructions

  1. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, then continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until just incorporated. The dough will be quite soft, resembling a thick cake batter rather than a traditional stiff cookie dough.
  5. Drop the dough by heaping teaspoons onto the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheets, ensuring they are spaced 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  6. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their softness.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before frosting.
  8. For the frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Add the salt and beat for another minute until well combined.
  10. Once the cookies are thoroughly cooled, generously frost each one with the sour cream frosting.
  11. Decorate immediately with sprinkles or sugar crystals, if desired, before the frosting sets.
  12. Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

Feel free to tint the frosting with food coloring to match various holidays or special occasions. For example, use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.

Nutrition (per serving – 1 cookie)

Serving: 1 | Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 74mg | Sugar: 15g


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Stay informed about the latest happenings, discover new recipes, and catch up on store specials at your local Family Fare by following them on their channels!

Discover More Beloved “Old Fashioned” Recipes:

If you’ve enjoyed the nostalgic charm of these sour cream sugar cookies, you’ll love exploring other classic recipes that bring comfort and joy to the kitchen. Here are some more “old fashioned” favorites to try:

  • Old Fashioned Pop-Overs with Homemade Cherry Butter: Light, airy, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
  • Old Fashioned Strawberry Icebox Cake: A no-bake classic, layers of creamy goodness and fresh strawberries.
  • Old Fashioned Brownies: Rich, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey – just like Grandma used to make.
  • Grandmother Mary’s Famous Strawberry Cake: A moist and flavorful cake bursting with strawberry goodness.
  • Aunt Vern’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies: Another beloved sugar cookie recipe from the family archives.

My website is brimming with COUNTLESS COOKIE RECIPES – I sincerely hope you’ll take the time to browse through all the delightful options. There’s truly something for every palate and occasion. But if you’re looking for a perfect starting point, these Old-Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are absolutely the best place to begin your baking journey!

Whose day will you brighten with a batch of these exquisite cookies?

Michaela's Signature