Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a cookie that’s soft, tender, and just a little bit tangy, then you’re going to be obsessed with this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in cookie form—perfectly soft sugar cookies with a rich, dreamy cream cheese frosting that takes it over the top. I promise you’ll want to make these again and again once you see how ridiculously good they turn out!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to make the softest, most flavorful sugar cookies you can imagine. The butter and sour cream add richness and tenderness, while the baking soda and baking powder give the perfect rise. For the frosting, cream cheese gives that luscious tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.

• Butter (for cookie dough): Use softened butter at room temperature so it creams smoothly with the sugar, helping create that tender crumb.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar not only sweetens but also helps give the cookies a slight crisp edge while keeping the center soft.
• Eggs: They add structure and richness—make sure they’re room temperature for best mixing.
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
• Baking soda and baking powder: Using both ensures the cookies rise perfectly without getting cakey.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Sour cream: This is the secret star—adds moisture and slight tang that keeps cookies soft and flavorful.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for the right texture.
• Butter (for frosting): Softened butter is key for a creamy frosting.
• Cream cheese: Full-fat, softened cream cheese gives that classic tang and smooth texture.
• Powdered sugar: For a silky-smooth frosting—sift if you want to avoid lumps.
• Vanilla (for frosting): Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand — the beauty is how versatile it is.

• Citrus Twist: I add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough and frosting for a fresh, bright flavor that really wakes up the taste buds.
• Spiced Up: Adding cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice gives a cozy fall vibe, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Chocolate Dipped: After frosting, dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate—I promise it’s irresistible.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend; just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

How to Make Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting together the baking soda, salt, baking powder, and flour. This step is key because it ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents lumps in your dough, giving you a nice, uniform texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar for about three minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This traps air and helps the cookies puff up slightly while baking, making them wonderfully soft rather than dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Be sure not to rush this step—you want everything well blended to create a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine Flour and Sour Cream

Next, add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately in three parts, starting and ending with the flour. This will help you avoid overmixing the dough, which can toughen your cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This chilling step is a game changer—it lets the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and enhancing the flavors.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, divide your dough in half and roll each out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Because the dough is soft, don’t worry about trying to get intricate shapes; simpler cutters like hearts or circles work best.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place your cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet (no greasing needed). Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Don’t overbake—they should look a bit underdone when you take them out because they’ll keep softening as they cool.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy and spreadable. If you want, add food coloring now to make your cookies festive.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread the cream cheese frosting over cooled cookies with a thin spatula or pipe it on using a decorating bag fitted with a star tip. Sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles or sanding sugar for a little extra sparkle.

How to Serve Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with simple finishing touches like colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or tiny drageés—especially when I’m making them for a party or holiday. It adds that extra bit of fun and flair without overwhelming the frosting’s creamy flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk—the classic duo in my house. For a brunch or dessert tray, pair them with fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made these for birthdays or holiday gatherings, I arrange them on a pretty tiered tray or box them up individually with colorful tissue for gifts. You can also pipe delicate designs on the frosting for an extra-special touch that doubles as edible art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between them, stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies moist and prevents the frosting from drying out.

Freezing

Believe it or not, these cookies freeze beautifully! I usually freeze the baked and unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Once you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and frost fresh—this keeps the cream cheese frosting nice and smooth.

Reheating

If you want to warm up a cookie, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat or the frosting might melt. I find this brings back that fresh-from-the-oven softness perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe strikes that perfect balance of soft, tender cookie with luscious frosting that melts in your mouth. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe a sugar cookie could be so moist and flavorful without being dense or heavy. Honestly, these cookies have become my go-to for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family treat or a special holiday cookie tray. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and trust me, your friends and family will thank you!

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