There's nothing quite like the nostalgic taste of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. Soft, pillowy, and slightly tangy, these cookies have a unique flavor that makes them absolutely unforgettable. They’re the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and love, perfect for holidays, celebrations, or just because.
I first fell in love with this recipe as a child, eagerly waiting for the cookies to bake and enjoying the irresistible aroma of sugar and vanilla. Now, I make them for my own family, and they’ve become a cherished tradition we all look forward to. Let me show you why these cookies deserve a place in your heart – and your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe
Get ready to discover your new go-to cookie recipe. Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are everything you could want in a homemade treat – and more.
First, these cookies are incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, the straightforward steps ensure you’ll have perfect cookies every time. No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.
They’re also delightfully soft and tender. The sour cream in the recipe adds a subtle tang and keeps the cookies moist for days, making them just as delicious on day three as they are fresh out of the oven.
Versatility is another major win. You can roll them out for cutouts or drop them by the spoonful for a more rustic feel. Add frosting or enjoy them plain – either way, they’re irresistible.
Lastly, they’re a fantastic recipe to share with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting a batch to friends, or simply indulging at home, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor and texture.
All-purpose flour is the base of the recipe, providing structure and ensuring the cookies hold their shape. Be sure to measure it correctly – too much flour can make the cookies dense.
Sour cream is the star of the show. Its tangy flavor enhances the sweetness and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft. For best results, use full-fat sour cream.
Butter brings richness and a buttery flavor to the dough. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the tang of the sour cream. Granulated sugar works perfectly in this recipe.
Eggs bind the dough and add a touch of tenderness. Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into the batter.
Vanilla extract provides that classic, comforting flavor we all know and love. A good-quality vanilla can take these cookies to the next level.
You’ll also need a little baking soda for lift and salt to enhance the overall flavor. If you want to frost the cookies, prepare your favorite icing or grab some powdered sugar to make a quick glaze.
How To Make This Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe

Making these cookies is as simple as it is satisfying. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, so don’t rush it. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Next, stir in the sour cream. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry – this is completely normal and will smooth out when you add the dry ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Now it’s time to shape the cookies. For soft drop cookies, use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. If you prefer cutout cookies, chill the dough for about an hour, roll it out on a floured surface, and use your favorite cookie cutters.
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake – they should remain soft and pale. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Storage Options
Storing Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies is a breeze, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.
If you plan to eat them within a few days, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If you’ve frosted the cookies, make sure the icing has fully set before stacking them to prevent smudging. Use sheets of parchment or wax paper between layers for added protection.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some ideas to get you started.
For a holiday twist, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough or mix in some orange zest for a bright citrus note.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The cookies will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Make them dairy-free by using a plant-based butter and a non-dairy sour cream alternative. Be sure to choose a neutral-flavored substitute for the best results.
Decorate the cookies with sprinkles, colored sugar, or piped icing for a festive look. Kids especially love getting creative with the decorations!
Finally, if you’re short on time, skip the cutouts and go for the drop cookie method. They’ll taste just as amazing and save you the hassle of rolling and cutting.
Now it’s your turn to bring a little bit of Grandma’s magic into your kitchen. These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are sure to become a family favorite, just like they’ve been in mine. Enjoy!
PrintGrandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Recipe
Discover the classic charm of Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies, a delightful recipe featuring soft, fluffy cookies made with sour cream. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence, these cookies bring comfort and sweetness to every bite.
- 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
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten slightly and bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving or decorating as desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
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