Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I have to tell you, this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has totally won me over. The cookies come out incredibly tender and buttery soft, with just the right amount of tang from the sour cream. Then you top them off with a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting that feels like a party in your mouth. If you’re looking for a go-to sugar cookie recipe that holds up beautifully and tastes just heavenly, you’re in the right place.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each one plays a part in delivering those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a frosting that’s smooth and just sweet enough. When shopping, choose high-quality dairy products to really boost the flavor.

• Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming and the best texture.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works beautifully here — it helps create a nice, tender crumb.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla gives that warm, cozy flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without becoming cakey.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors — don’t skip it!
• Baking Powder: Works with the baking soda for the perfect lift.
• Sour Cream: The secret to soft, moist cookies with a slight tang.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base — sifted to keep things light.
• Cream Cheese: For the frosting, should be softened to make mixing easier.
• Powdered Sugar: Essential for silky smooth frosting.

Variations

I love that this recipe is a great base that you can tweak depending on your mood or the occasion. Whether you want to add subtle flavors or accommodate dietary needs, it’s super flexible.

• Lemon Zest Variation: I like grating a bit of fresh lemon zest into the dough for a bright twist that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese frosting.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend — just be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. I’ve tried this and it turned out wonderfully soft.
• Chocolate Chip Softies: Fold in mini chocolate chips before chilling the dough to add little pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter and coconut-based sour cream alternatives — the texture changes just a bit, but still delicious!

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

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients Thoughtfully

Start by sifting together the baking soda, salt, baking powder, and flour. Sifting is key here because it helps avoid any clumps and keeps your dough light and airy — which is perfect since we want soft cookies, not dense ones.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

This part is so important! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for about 3 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy. This really helps with the cookie’s tender crumb. Don’t rush through this step; patience here equals buttery goodness.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla with Care

Next, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well each time, followed by the vanilla. Mixing for another 3 minutes allows everything to meld perfectly. You’ll notice the batter becomes silky and smooth — this is what you want before adding your dry ingredients.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Now, add your sifted flour and sour cream in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. This alternating method helps the dough stay light and moist without becoming overworked. I discovered this trick after a few tries where the cookies came out tough — alternating saved the texture!

Step 5: Chill the Dough Overnight

Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge overnight or for at least 8 hours. This rest period is crucial. It allows the flavors to blend and firms up the dough so it’s easier to roll. I never skip this step now — the difference is too good.

Step 6: Cut, Bake, and Cool Your Cookies

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 375°F. Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Brush off extra flour before cutting with simpler shapes like circles or hearts — intricate cutters won’t hold well with this soft dough. Place your cookies on parchment paper (or a bare baking sheet if you don’t have it; they won’t stick). Bake for 8-10 minutes — just until the edges barely start to brown. Let them cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’re delicate at this point, so handle carefully!

Step 7: Whip Up That Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. If you want, add some food coloring to match any event or mood. I usually keep it classic and smooth it on with a small spatula, but you can pipe it with a star tip — both look fantastic!

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the frosting on top. You can get creative here with sprinkles or sparkling sugars — it’s such a fun way to customize. My kids go crazy for colorful sprinkles, so I often make it a little festive. Just make sure the cookies are completely cool so the frosting doesn’t melt!

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

Garnishes

I usually stick to classic rainbow sprinkles or sparkling colored sugars for a bit of crunch and festive flair. Sometimes for winter holidays, I sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the frosting for a minty touch. They add a fun texture and a pop of color that everyone notices.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a warm cup of tea or a chilled glass of milk. For a special treat, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a simple bowl of mixed nuts—perfect for balance and variety, especially at parties or holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m serving these at get-togethers, I like to arrange them on a tiered platter with some fresh flowers or greenery around the edges. Another fun idea is to package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a pretty ribbon — they make adorable homemade gifts that friends and family rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once iced, I store these cookies in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days. I’ve found that layering them with a piece of parchment paper helps prevent the frosting from sticking to other cookies.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the cookies, it’s best to freeze the un-frosted cookies first in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then frost. I do this when prepping for holidays, and it works like a charm.

Reheating

I usually let the cookies come to room temperature before serving. If you like them slightly warm, pop a cooled cookie in the microwave for 10-12 seconds—but be careful not to melt the frosting! It softens the crumb beautifully without sacrificing that classic soft texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake for family and friends. There’s something so satisfying about biting into a cookie that’s soft, slightly tangy, and topped with luscious frosting that isn’t overly sweet. I love sharing these, especially knowing they’re simple enough to make but special enough to impress. You’ll enjoy the process as much as the final cookie — trust me! So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too.

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