Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream

These Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream are the perfect treat for warm-weather gatherings. Their soft, tender texture and delightful flavor make them a favorite for picnics, barbecues, and beach parties. Decorate them with vibrant icing and festive sprinkles to capture the essence of summer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly soft and moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream. The dough is easy to work with, making it ideal for cut-out shapes that hold well during baking. Plus, the subtle tang from the sour cream balances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and yields delightful results every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the Cookies:
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large eggs
  • Sour cream
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Fine sea salt
• For the Frosting:
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Powdered sugar, sifted
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Salt
  • Light corn syrup
  • Milk
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles or decorative sugars (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
   • Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Form the Dough:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into two portions, flatten each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap.
   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Chilling helps in handling and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
5. Roll and Cut:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
   • Use summer-themed cookie cutters (like stars, seashells, or flowers) to cut out shapes.
   • Transfer the cut-outs to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake:
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
   • Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, light corn syrup, and enough milk to achieve your desired consistency.
   • If using, divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring.
8. Decorate:
   • Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie.
   • Decorate with sprinkles or decorative sugars as desired.
   • Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 36 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Bake Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy note that complements the summer vibe.
• Glaze Option: Instead of buttercream frosting, consider a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and citrus juice for a lighter topping.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Both the cookie dough and frosting can be prepared in advance. Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week; bring to room temperature and stir well before using.

FAQs

How does sour cream affect the texture of sugar cookies?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the cookies, resulting in a softer, more tender texture compared to traditional sugar cookies.

Can I skip the chilling step?

Chilling the dough is essential as it firms up the fat, making the dough easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Can I use this dough for drop cookies instead of rolling and cutting?

Yes, you can drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet for a more rustic appearance. Adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness around 8 minutes.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure the dough is adequately chilled, and avoid overmixing, which can incorporate excess air and cause spreading.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content of the recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can use it but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?

To balance the sweetness, add a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to the frosting.

How do I achieve vibrant frosting colors?

Gel food coloring provides more intense colors without altering the frosting’s consistency. Add a small amount at a time until the desired shade is reached.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can substitute margarine, the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Butter provides a richer taste and better structure.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should be set and just beginning to turn golden. The centers may appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be doubled. Ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, and consider dividing the dough into smaller portions for easier handling.

Conclusion

These Summer Sugar Cookies with Sour Cream are a delightful addition to any seasonal celebration. Their soft texture, combined with customizable decorations, makes them both delicious and visually appealing. Whether enjoyed at a picnic, shared at a party, or simply as a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and a taste of summer to all who try them.

Print