Name: Sour Cream Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups light brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (can also substitute with raisins, chopped dates, dried fruit, or nuts)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a cookie that’s supremely tender, wonderfully fluffy, and boasts a subtle tang from just the right touch of sour cream, you’ve got to try this Sour Cream Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats are like little bites of cake with a perfect balance of sweetness from brown sugar and vanilla, making them irresistibly good. Whether you keep them classic with chocolate chips or mix in your favorite nuts or dried fruit, each cookie promises a melt-in-your-mouth moment that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, including a large white bowl filled with flour at the top left, a stick of butter wrapped in yellow paper at the top right, and two brown eggs placed side by side below the flour. Below the eggs, there are three small white bowls with white powders, likely baking soda, salt, and baking powder. In the center, a white bowl holds light brown sugar with a crumbly texture. Below this, a white bowl is filled with small dark chocolate chips. To the right of the chocolate chips is a glass measuring cup with white milk, and beside it a small white bowl containing dark vanilla extract. At the bottom center, there is a white bowl with thick white cream. All items are spaced out evenly, showing clear texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary cookie experience. Each component plays its part in delivering the soft texture, delicate flavor, and lovely golden color that make these cookies so special.

2 cups light brown sugar: Brings a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture for softness.
½ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps develop the creamy texture of the dough.
2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together for structure and a tender crumb.
½ cup sour cream: Gives the signature tang and keeps the cookies moist and fluffy.
½ cup whole milk: Balances the batter’s wetness and contributes to softness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The cookie’s foundation, providing structure and texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens gently to create that light, airy bite.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the sour cream to ensure the perfect rise.
¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Adds bursts of melty goodness, or substitute with raisins, chopped dates, dried fruit, or nuts for your twist.

How to Make Sour Cream Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, so preparation saves you from a sticky mess later!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and light brown sugar for about two minutes until well blended. Don’t worry if the mixture looks grainy; that’s totally normal because of the high sugar-to-butter ratio in this recipe. It promises a beautifully textured dough down the line.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract to infuse your cookies with their signature sweet, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Mix in Sour Cream and Milk

Add the sour cream and whole milk to the wet mixture, blending well. This combo is what makes these cookies incredibly moist and tender with that subtle hint of tang that is their hallmark.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Overmixing here could turn the cookies tough, so gentle is the word.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins. The dough will be quite sticky and dense, unlike a conventional cookie dough. Using a medium-sized (tablespoon) cookie scoop to portion them ensures each cookie bakes evenly and looks perfectly uniform.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dollops of dough about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet, as these cookies spread very little. Bake for 12 minutes until they are set and lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Resist the urge to overbake for that ideal melt-in-your-mouth texture!

How to Serve Sour Cream Cookies Recipe

A white rectangular plate holds ten round chocolate chip cookies arranged in a loose grid with some dusted in white powdered sugar and others left plain, showing a golden brown color with visible chocolate chips. The cookies have a slightly bumpy texture and soft edges, with the powdered sugar adding a fine, powdery layer mainly on the top surface of some cookies. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is a stick of butter, some scattered chocolate chips, a container of brown sugar, and a red cloth partially visible. The scene is softly lit, enhancing the warm tones of the cookies and the clean white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their look and add an extra sweet touch. For a fresh twist, a dollop of whipped cream topped with a berry pairs beautifully when serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Sour Cream Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a fragrant tea for a comforting combo. They also complement fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries wonderfully if you want a balanced treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two of these cookies together with a luscious cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream for an irresistible dessert sandwich. For a party, serve them in mini sizes with colorful sprinkles dipped into the dough before baking — pure joy at first bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Sour Cream Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cookie dough scoops on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; wrap them tightly and they’ll keep fresh for up to three months.

Reheating

For freshly baked warmth, reheat the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. The slight heat revives their soft texture and melds those chocolate chips back into that luscious melty state.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream in this Sour Cream Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk, but remember that sour cream adds a subtle tang and moisture that’s key to the cookie’s texture and flavor, so results might differ slightly.

Why does the dough look grainy after creaming butter and sugar?

This is completely normal for this recipe due to the high ratio of brown sugar to butter. The dough will come together beautifully once you add the eggs and other wet ingredients.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Fold in your choice of mix-ins gently at the last step before scooping the dough onto the baking sheet. This avoids breaking them apart and evenly distributes the flavor in every bite.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes! Just adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller cookies may need a few minutes less, and larger ones a few minutes more. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Final Thoughts

This Sour Cream Cookies Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your baking repertoire. The combination of simple, wholesome ingredients and the delicate balance of moisture, texture, and flavor create cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover how effortlessly delicious these delightful treats are – happy baking!