Dreamy Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream Recipe

Sweet summer memories often bloom around these delightful sugar cookies with sour cream nestled in our family kitchen.

Grandma first shared her secret recipe decades ago during lazy afternoon baking sessions.

Soft and tender, these cookies melt with a gentle richness that captures pure comfort.

Each bite whispers delicate hints of vanilla and creamy sweetness.

Unexpected ingredients like sour cream create a magical texture that sets these treats apart from standard sugar cookies.

Local bakers have tried to replicate the recipe, but something special remains in our cherished version.

Bake these cookies and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream That Stay Soft

• Quick and simple sugar cookies that bring joy to any gathering.
• Perfect for summer parties, picnics, and family celebrations with easy-to-customize decorations.
• Engaging recipe that encourages children to help roll, cut, and decorate cookies while creating sweet memories.
• Dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it convenient for busy summer schedules and spontaneous baking sessions.

Ingredients for Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens cookies and helps with browning and crisp edges.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cookie.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, creates soft and tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Almond Extract (Optional): Adds delicate, nutty background flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure and base for the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Baking Soda: Assists with browning and provides additional leavening.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Frosting: Allows for creative decoration and extra sweetness.
• Sprinkles: Adds color and festive summer-themed appearance.

How to Make Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and cloud-like, creating a smooth foundation for your cookies.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)

Step 3: Prepare Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, blending until a consistent dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Chill and Rest

Divide dough into portions, wrap securely in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum one hour. This helps develop richer flavor and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.

Step 7: Shape Delightful Cookies

Roll dough on flour-dusted surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. Use cheerful summer-themed cookie cutters to create playful shapes.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange cookies on prepared sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges turn delicately golden.

Step 9: Decorate and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool completely. Embellish with frosting, sprinkles, or enjoy their simple, delicious form.

Best Tips for Summer Sugar Cookies Success

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Flour Surface Lightly: Use minimal flour when rolling out dough to keep cookies tender and prevent tough, dry edges.
• Choose Perfect Thickness: Roll dough to exactly 1/4 inch thick for consistent baking and soft, uniform cookies that aren't too crisp or too soft.
• Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Watch cookies closely and remove from oven when edges are just barely golden to ensure a soft, moist texture without over-browning.
• Customize Flavor Creatively: Experiment with different extracts like almond or add lemon zest to create unique summer-inspired variations of the classic sugar cookie.

Keeping Summer Sugar Cookies Soft for Days

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated to prevent sticking.
• Wrap undecorated cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving or decorating.
• Warm slightly in microwave for 5-10 seconds or in oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and fresh-baked texture.

Pair Summer Sugar Cookies with These Treats

• Bright, zesty white wine sangria with fresh orange and lemon slices perfectly complements the sweet, soft summer sugar cookies. The light, fruity drink balances the cookie's richness.
• Craft a subtle lavender-infused lemonade that echoes the delicate almond and vanilla notes in the cookies. Its herbal, refreshing profile creates a delightful summer flavor experience.
• Brew a chilled peach tea that adds a gentle sweetness and smooth texture alongside the cookies. The tea's natural fruity undertones enhance the cookie's delicate summer essence.
• Scoop creamy, cold vanilla bean gelato next to the cookies for a luxurious dessert combination. The silky gelato provides a rich, cool contrast to the soft, sweet summer cookies.

Tasty Twists on Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream

• Gluten-Free Summer Sugar Cookies: Replace regular flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free all-purpose flour mix to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Tropical Cookies: Swap sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Vegan Summer Cookie Adaptation: Use aquafaba as an egg replacement, coconut oil for butter, and plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream to craft a completely plant-based treat.
• Low-Sugar Beach Cookies: Substitute part of the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a delightful summer cookie flavor.

Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream FAQ Collection

• Why use sour cream in sugar cookies?

Sour cream adds extra moisture and creates a tender, soft texture that makes these cookies incredibly delicate and rich.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This actually helps develop deeper flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.

• How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Ensure your butter is cold but softened, chill the dough thoroughly before baking, and use a measured amount of flour to maintain the cookie’s shape. Rolling the dough to a consistent 1/4 inch thickness also helps maintain the cookies’ structure.

• What's the best way to decorate these summer sugar cookies?

Use royal icing, buttercream frosting, or simple sprinkles. For a summer theme, consider pastel colors, bright decorative sugars, or light, fruity designs that capture the season’s cheerful mood.

Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet summer sugar cookies blend creamy sour cream magic into classic cookie perfection. Delicate, buttery discs welcome sunny days with delightful charm, offering you a delectable bite of seasonal happiness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Buttercream frosting or royal icing
• Sprinkles, colored sugar, or edible glitter

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Instructions

1. Whip butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until achieving a cloud-like, airy consistency with pale, creamy texture.
2. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition. Gently fold in sour cream, pure vanilla essence, and optional almond extract, ensuring smooth integration.
3. Create a separate vessel and sift together flour, leavening agents, and salt, whisking to eliminate potential lumps and distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Merge dry and wet mixtures cautiously, stirring until ingredients harmonize without overmixing, which could compromise cookie tenderness.
5. Section dough into manageable portions, encase in transparent film, and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to enhance flavor development and structural integrity.
6. Activate oven to 350F, positioning racks centrally. Prepare baking surfaces with parchment paper for optimal non-stick performance.
7. On lightly dusted work surface, roll dough to uniform quarter-inch thickness. Utilize decorative cutters to transform dough into whimsical summer-themed shapes.
8. Arrange cookie silhouettes onto prepared sheets, maintaining modest spacing. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges display delicate golden hints, signaling perfect doneness.
9. Allow cookies complete cooling on wire racks before embellishing with vibrant frosting or playful sprinkle decorations.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain crisp cookie shapes during baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent texture.
• Swap almond extract with other flavors like lemon zest or orange extract for unique summer variations.
• Reduce sugar slightly and add fresh fruit zest to make cookies lighter and more seasonally appropriate.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg