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Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step will help incorporate air into the dough, giving the cookies their desirable texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until everything is well combined. Then, stir in the sour cream. The sour cream not only adds moisture but also imparts a tangy flavor that sets these cookies apart from regular butter cookies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough—just mix until the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies. You can either roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) or use a spoon to drop rounded portions onto the baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly while baking.
For a fun touch, you can press each cookie gently with a fork or your fingers to flatten them slightly, or even roll them in sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. Remember, they’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a little soft when you take them out of the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Butter Cookies
- Use room temperature butter and egg: This helps the ingredients blend more easily and creates a smooth dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cookie.
- Chill the dough: If you prefer a firmer cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before shaping. This will prevent them from spreading too much while baking.
- Add flavor variations: Feel free to mix in your favorite additions, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest. You can also drizzle icing over the cooled cookies for a sweeter touch.
- Decorate: After baking, you can frost these cookies with a simple glaze or sprinkle them with colored sugar for a festive look. They’re also perfect for adding sprinkles if you’re baking for a celebration!
Why These Sour Cream Butter Cookies Are a Favorite
The secret to these cookies’ success is in their simplicity. The sour cream adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the butter, while the dough’s rich texture gives you a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. These cookies are also versatile, so you can adapt them to suit different tastes.
Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or frosted with a bit of icing, these cookies can easily become a holiday favorite or an everyday treat. They also store well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and have them ready for guests or snack time.
Final Thoughts
Classic Sour Cream Butter Cookies are the epitome of comfort food in cookie form. Their tender texture, rich buttery flavor, and subtle tang make them irresistible and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—these cookies are a simple yet delicious way to treat yourself and your loved ones!
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