Indulge in Nostalgia: The Best Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
These classic old fashioned sour cream sugar cookies are exceptionally soft, boasting a tender crumb and a perfectly balanced sweetness that isn’t cloying. What makes them truly special is the generous use of sour cream, incorporated not only into the cookie dough itself but also lending its creamy tang to the luscious frosting that tops each treat. This unique ingredient creates a depth of flavor and an unparalleled texture that will transport you straight back to grandma’s kitchen.
There’s a universal truth to the power of homemade food: it speaks volumes of love and care. If you’re looking to make someone feel genuinely special, cherished, or simply brighten their day, the answer is often found in the kitchen. Baking for them, with love as your secret ingredient, is a gesture that transcends words. These Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are absolutely perfect for such occasions, embodying warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgic charm. I am a firm believer in the goodness and emotional uplift that homemade treats provide, and I’m sure this sentiment stems from my own cherished childhood memories. I vividly recall walking into our house after school, the air thick with the irresistible waft of something delicious drifting from the kitchen. Whether it was the aroma of a favorite family meal or, even better, a fresh batch of cookies my Mom had just baked, that scent instantly created a feeling of being loved and a profound sense of gratitude to simply be home.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Family Fare Supermarkets, but all the thoughts and opinions expressed regarding their store and products are entirely my own.
Just recently, I stumbled upon this wonderful old photograph of my parents, my little brother, and me, dating back to the 1970s. While pictures remain precious to me today, the ones from that era hold a distinctly different weight. Back then, cameras weren’t ubiquitous, and photos were fewer and farther between, making each snapshot a true treasure. In stark contrast, these days, everyone carries a camera in their pocket, capturing countless moments, yet often those digital files languish unseen. My Mom, however, meticulously organized all her photos into albums, preserving our family history chronologically. Looking at this particular image, I’m struck by how incredibly handsome my parents were! I adore this photo. My brother and I, clutching our stuffed animals, suggest we might have been on a road trip, and I appear to have just woken up from a nap, still sporting that slightly groggy look. Honestly, I still make that same face to this day when I’d rather not be awake! LOL.
^^ LOVE THEM? PIN THEM! ^^
These sour cream sugar cookies are not just delicious; they are incredibly easy to make, making them a perfect baking project for any skill level. Imagine the delight on your kids’ faces when they come home from school to find one of these soft, frosted treats waiting for them, or tucked lovingly into their lunchbox. The best part about these versatile cookies is their adaptability for any celebration throughout the year. While sprinkles are always a fun choice, I decided to use shimmering sugar crystals for this batch. I absolutely adore the elegant look and subtle sparkle they add. I kept the frosting a pristine white and adorned it with a mix of clear and multi-colored sugar crystals, creating a festive yet sophisticated finish. You can easily switch up the colors of the frosting and sprinkles to match any holiday, from vibrant reds and greens for Christmas to pastels for Easter, or even school colors for a special event.
Essential Ingredients for These Soft Old Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies:
Crafting these delectable cookies requires a handful of common pantry staples, transformed into something extraordinary. The star ingredient, sour cream, works wonders, ensuring a soft, moist crumb that sets these sugar cookies apart from any others you’ve tried. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- butter (unsalted, softened, for both cookies and frosting)
- granulated sugar (for the cookies) and powdered sugar (for the frosting)
- eggs (for richness and structure)
- sour cream (the key to their tender texture and moistness, used in both the cookie and frosting)
- salt, baking soda, and baking powder (for leavening and flavor balance)
- all-purpose flour (the base for our delightful dough)
- vanilla extract (for that classic, comforting aroma and taste)
The truly fantastic news? ALL of these high-quality ingredients are readily available through Family Fare’s trusted Our Family brand. Not only were we able to enjoy these incredibly delicious cookies, but purchasing Our Family brand ingredients meant the total cost was just a fraction of the price compared to national brands. This allows you to create wonderful homemade treats without breaking the bank, a win-win for any home baker.
The cookie dough for these delights comes together quite easily. When you mix the batter, you’ll notice it isn’t as stiff or firm as typical roll-out sugar cookie dough. Instead, it possesses a unique, slightly looser consistency—more akin to a thick cake batter. This is precisely what contributes to the incredible softness and pillowy texture of the finished cookies. To prepare for baking, simply line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This essential step prevents sticking and ensures your cookies lift off cleanly, making cleanup a breeze. Once your dough is ready, you’ll drop spoonfuls onto these prepared sheets, ready for their transformation in the oven.
Once baked, these cookies will emerge from the oven looking beautifully puffy, with a charmingly “imperfect” rustic appearance. Don’t let their simple, unadorned state fool you; they are already soft and fragrant. But never fear, their moment of glory is yet to come! That creamy, tangy sour cream frosting is waiting in the wings, ready to transform them into absolute perfection. The frosting adds not only a layer of exquisite flavor but also a smooth, inviting canvas for any decorations you choose to add.
What truly sets these cookies apart is their incredible softness and the way they achieve a perfect, not-too-sweet balance. The cookie itself is wonderfully tender and has just a hint of sweetness, allowing the subtle richness of the butter and the tang of the sour cream to shine through. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that avoids being overly sugary. Then, when that smooth, delectable sour cream frosting is generously added, something magical happens. The flavors align perfectly, creating an exquisite harmony where the exact amount of sweetness is met. The tang of the sour cream in the frosting brightens the overall taste, preventing it from being one-dimensionally sweet and ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. It’s this thoughtful balance that makes these old fashioned frosted sour cream sugar cookies so utterly irresistible.
Want to know a little secret? I find I do my absolute best baking when I’m completely comfortable, which often means I’m still in my pajamas! How about you? I frequently share “here’s what I’m making” video stories on my Instagram, but you won’t typically catch me turning the camera on myself during the thick of the baking process. Oh, sure, maybe later on, after my kitchen is sparkling clean and I’ve tidied myself up, I might make an appearance. But while flour is flying and spatulas are scraping? Not so much! That’s precisely why, now that I can effortlessly order all my groceries online with Family Fare Instacart and have them delivered directly to my porch, often within an hour, I plan to embrace pajama baking all the time! Instacart truly makes it possible for me to stay in my comfy PJs ALL DAY while still creating delicious homemade treats. How absolutely awesome is that for a busy baker?
Explore More “Old Fashioned” Recipes:
If these charming sour cream sugar cookies have ignited your love for classic, time-tested recipes, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of comforting, old-fashioned delights waiting to be rediscovered. Here are some more beloved recipes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and homemade goodness, perfect for sharing with family and friends:
- Old Fashioned Pop-Overs with Homemade Cherry Butter
- Old Fashioned Strawberry Icebox Cake
- Old Fashioned Brownies
- Grandmother Mary’s Famous Strawberry Cake
- Aunt Vern’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies
My website is brimming with OODLES of COOKIE RECIPES, covering every flavor and occasion imaginable. I sincerely hope you take some time to browse through all the delightful options. You’re sure to find something that perfectly suits your taste and brings joy to your kitchen. But for a truly heartwarming, irresistibly soft, and perfectly sweet experience, these Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies are undoubtedly the best place to start your baking adventure!
So, tell me, whose day will you brighten with a batch of these delightful cookies?
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Print Recipe
Old Fashioned Frosted Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 cups flour
For the Frosting:
- 1 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- Sprinkles or sugar crystals for decorating.
Instructions
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Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
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In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and sour cream, beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gradually add the baking soda, baking powder, and flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be noticeably soft, almost resembling a thick cake batter consistency.
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Using a heaping teaspoon or a small cookie scoop, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheets, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set and appear slightly puffed.
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Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before attempting to frost them. This is crucial as warm cookies will melt the frosting.
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For the frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is light and creamy. Gradually mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Begin adding the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated and the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
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Once the cookies are thoroughly cooled, generously frost each one. Immediately after frosting, sprinkle with your choice of sugar crystals or festive sprinkles for decoration.
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Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture. They are best enjoyed within a few days.
Notes
Nutrition
Discover My Other Family Fare Recipes:
As a proud partner, I love sharing how easy and affordable it is to create delicious meals and treats using ingredients from Family Fare. Here are a couple more of my favorite recipes crafted with their excellent products:
Delight in these baked glazed cherry limeade donuts, perfectly capturing the refreshing essence of that classic, age-old drink – the Cherry Limeade!
Everyone adores the classic buffalo chicken dip at parties, but sometimes you desire a lighter option or a meat-free alternative. This Buffalo Cauliflower Dip delivers all the satisfying, spicy flavor of its famous counterpart, with fewer calories and all the delicious taste you crave.
Stay connected with your local Family Fare to keep up with the latest happenings, discover new recipes, and take advantage of fantastic store specials by following along with them!