Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for the ultimate soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, then you’re going to *love* this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely adore these because they balance a tender crumb with a luscious, creamy frosting that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration. When I first tried these, I was hooked—not just because they’re delicious, but because the sour cream gives them a subtle tang that feels so special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for cookie swaps, parties, or just an afternoon treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a cookie dough that’s soft but sturdy enough to handle, plus a frosting that’s silky smooth. The combination of sour cream and cream cheese is what works magic here, making these cookies uniquely tender and refreshing.

• Butter (for dough): Use softened unsalted butter for the best creamy texture and to control saltiness.
• Sugar (for dough): Regular granulated sugar blends beautifully, providing just the right sweetness.
• Eggs: Make sure they’re room temperature for smooth mixing and better emulsion.
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds warmth, but feel free to experiment with almond extract!
• Baking soda, baking powder, and salt: These leavening agents balance each other to give a gentle rise and keep flavors in harmony.
• Sour cream: This is the secret to that tender crumb; it adds moisture and a slight tang.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure — be sure to measure by spooning and leveling for accuracy.
• Butter (for frosting): Again softened, it whips smoothly with the cream cheese.
• Cream cheese: Use full-fat and softened for a rich, smooth frosting.
• Powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

Variations

One of the reasons I adore this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your mood. Whether you’re craving a citrus twist or a dairy-free tweak, this recipe can flex.

• Lemon Zest Addition: I sometimes add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tangy frosting.
• Almond Extract Swap: Replacing vanilla with almond extract gives a lovely nutty flair that’s a hit with my family.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a gluten-free flour blend works well, though the texture will be a touch different—still delicious!
• Dairy-Free Option: I’ve experimented with vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes to accommodate friends with allergies, and it still turns out great.

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

Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients and Cream Butter

Start by sifting together your baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. Sifting helps keep the dough light and prevents any clumps—trust me, I learned this the hard way when my cookies turned dense! In a separate large bowl, cream your softened butter with sugar for about 3 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and pale. This step traps air, which results in soft, tender cookies.

Step 2: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla, Then Alternate Flour and Sour Cream

Next, beat in your eggs and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth, glossy batter that’s ready for the dry ingredients. Now comes the important part: add the flour mixture and sour cream alternately, starting and ending with the flour. This method ensures your dough doesn’t get overworked, which would make the cookies tough instead of soft. Once combined, cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and toss it in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. This chilling step is what helps the dough hold together well and intensifies flavor.

Step 3: Roll Out, Cut, and Bake Your Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Divide your chilled dough in half and roll each piece out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Brush off any excess flour because too much can dry out your cookies. Since this dough is soft, I recommend using simple cookie cutters like circles or hearts without a lot of intricate detail — they keep their shape best while baking. Arrange your cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet (no need to grease, they won’t stick). Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. These cookies will look a bit soft but they firm up perfectly upon cooling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, it’s time to make the frosting. Beat softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. The frosting should be spreadable but firm enough to hold its shape — add more powdered sugar if you want it stiffer, or a splash of milk if too thick. Optionally, add food coloring here if you want a festive look. I love piping mine with a star tip and topping them with sprinkles for a fun touch that always gets compliments.

Step 5: Frost and Enjoy!

Use a small spatula or piping bag to frost the cooled cookies. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra pizzazz. The contrast of the soft, sweet cookie with the creamy, tangy frosting is what makes these cookies absolutely irresistible. Once frosted, let them chill for a bit if you want a firmer frosting or serve right away. I promise you’ll love watching friends and family light up with that first bite.

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

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love classic rainbow sprinkles or sanding sugar for that extra sparkle. If I’m feeling fancy, a few edible pearls or gold dragees add a wonderful festive touch. Sometimes fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top of the frosting gives a subtle zing that pairs perfectly with the tang of the cream cheese.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of warm tea or a chilled glass of milk—the comforting combo never gets old. For holiday gatherings, I like serving them alongside spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate to complement the tangy sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made these for parties, I often arrange them on tiered cake stands for a charming display or stack them in mason jars wrapped with ribbon for gifting. For birthdays, I pipe the frosting with colorful swirls and add themed sprinkles for an easy but impressive look. They’re seriously a crowd-pleaser every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and the frosting stays nice and creamy. If your kitchen’s warm, store them in the fridge to prevent the frosting from getting too soft, but let them come to room temp before serving to enjoy that soft texture.

Freezing

I freeze the unbaked dough in portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll, cut, and bake as usual. You can also freeze baked and frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag; just thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating

If you want to gently freshen up chilled cookies, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out, especially nice if you’re serving straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly one of those kitchen wins that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I love how the tang from the sour cream and cream cheese lifts the sweetness just enough, making every bite perfectly balanced and impossibly soft. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself (no judgment here!), these cookies always come together beautifully and get rave reviews. I really hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll find it as comforting and satisfying as I do every single time.

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