There's something magical about baking Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. The warm scent of vanilla and butter wafting through the kitchen instantly brings back memories of cozy afternoons spent in her kitchen, watching her expertly roll out the dough and cut out perfect shapes. These cookies are soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
I’ve cherished this recipe for years, passed down from my grandmother, who believed in simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s for a holiday celebration or a sweet weekday indulgence, these cookies are always a hit. Let’s dive in and bring a little piece of nostalgia to your baking.
Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this classic cookie recipe that’s stood the test of time. It’s the perfect combination of soft, tender texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
These cookies are delightfully easy to make, even for beginners. With no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, you can whip them up in no time.
The sour cream adds a unique twist, making the cookies incredibly moist and giving them a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
They’re perfectly customizable. From frosting and sprinkles to festive cookie cutters, you can adapt these cookies to suit any holiday or occasion.
Finally, they store wonderfully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them over several days – if they last that long!
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that classic flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour forms the base of these cookies. It provides structure while keeping the cookies light and tender. For best results, make sure to measure it accurately.
- Granulated sugar sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the subtle tang of the sour cream.
- Sour cream is the secret ingredient that keeps these cookies soft and moist. It also adds a slight tangy flavor that sets these apart from regular sugar cookies.
- Butter is essential for flavor and helps create a soft, buttery texture. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content in your recipe.
- Vanilla extract adds warmth and a sweet aroma that’s unmistakably comforting. Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Eggs bind everything together, adding richness and contributing to the cookies' soft texture.
For equipment, you’ll need a rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a large baking sheet. If you don’t have cookie cutters, a glass or mason jar lid works just as well for round shapes.
How to Make This Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of home.
Start by creaming butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps create a tender cookie. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Options
These cookies store beautifully, making them a great option for make-ahead treats.
For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their soft texture, place a slice of bread in the container – it’ll help keep the cookies moist.
If you’re planning to store them longer, freeze the baked cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
You can also freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then roll and cut as usual.
To reheat, warm the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
For a festive twist, mix in food coloring to the dough before chilling. You can create batches in different colors to match any holiday or theme.
Want to amp up the flavor? Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest along with the vanilla for a subtle, fruity twist.
If you’re a chocolate lover, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip half of each cookie into the chocolate for a decadent finish.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy sour cream. The results will still be soft and delicious.
Finally, if you prefer a crisper cookie, roll the dough thinner and bake for an extra minute or two, keeping a close eye to prevent over-browning.
Baking Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies is more than just making a treat – it’s a way to connect with cherished memories and create new ones. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite cookie cutters, and start baking!
PrintGrandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe
Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies recipe is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy texture and sweet, buttery flavor. Made with sour cream for a tender bite, these cookies are easy to bake and ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday treats.
- 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 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and sour cream.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined.
- Roll out dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for easier rolling.
- Add festive sprinkles or icing for a fun, decorative touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
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