Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe

If you are craving a treat that combines that classic sugar cookie charm with a delightfully tangy twist, you have to try the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that wear a shiny, sweet glaze and cheerful sprinkles, perfect for any festive occasion or a cozy afternoon snack. From the rich sour cream that adds moistness and subtle tang, to the sweet, creamy glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are an absolute showstopper that brings warmth and fun to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but truly essential, each playing its own role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and appearance for your Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe.

• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, giving that classic sugar cookie sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right for a tender crumb.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base of the dough for structure and chew.
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter: Provides richness and flakiness, cold for better texture.
• ¼ cup vegetable shortening: Adds tenderness and a silky mouthfeel to your cookies.
• 1 large egg, beaten: Binds the dough and adds moisture to keep cookies soft.
• ½ cup sour cream, chilled: The star ingredient—brings moisture, tang, and tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract: Infuses lovely depth and aromatic sweetness.
• Sprinkles (optional): For that festive, colorful touch on your glazed cookies.

For the Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet coating that hardens beautifully.
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and silky texture to the glaze.
• Pinch of sea salt: Balances the glaze’s sweetness just perfectly.

How to Make Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Fats

Begin by pulsing together the granulated sugar, sea salt, baking soda, and flour in your food processor until well-mixed. Then, add the cold butter and vegetable shortening and pulse until the texture resembles sandy crumbs. Don’t have a food processor? No worries! You can sift the dry ingredients into a bowl and use a pastry cutter to blend the fats. This step is crucial for ensuring a tender crumb and evenly distributed fat throughout the dough.

Step 2: Stir in the Egg, Sour Cream, and Extract

Pour the crumbly flour and fat mixture into a large bowl. Add in the beaten egg, chilled sour cream, and your choice of vanilla or almond extract. Stir gently until the ingredients form a cohesive dough. Use your hands to bring the dough together into a smooth disk, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least one hour. Patience here means easier rolling and better texture in your finished cookies.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking

Set your oven to 400ºF and position a rack in the center. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a Silpat to prevent sticking. Getting your oven and baking tools ready now will make the rolling and cutting step smooth and mess-free.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough and Cut Shapes

Lightly flour your surface and rolling pin, then roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. This thickness ensures the cookies bake just right—not too thick and doughy, not too thin and crispy. Use cookie cutters to stamp out festive shapes and gently transfer them to your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie for even baking.

Step 5: Bake and Cool the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake; you’re going for soft, tender edges. Once out of the oven, move the cookies to a wire rack so they cool completely before adding the glaze. This cooling step is important for the glaze to set perfectly.

Step 6: Make the Glaze and Decorate

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Once your cookies have cooled, generously frost them with this glossy glaze, then sprinkle on your favorite colorful sprinkles. This final flourish adds both delightful crunch and festive sparkle, making your cookies truly irresistible.

How to Serve Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation by topping your glazed cookies with a variety of sprinkles—rainbow, pastel, or themed colors for holidays. You can also add finely chopped nuts or a light dusting of edible glitter for an extra touch of elegance and texture that your guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, a spiced chai latte, or your favorite fresh-brewed coffee for a cozy vibe. A small bowl of fresh berries or whipped cream on the side can also balance the sweetness and add a refreshing contrast if you’re serving them at a gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe on a beautiful tiered dessert stand or in a festive cookie tin wrapped with a bright ribbon. You might even create a “cookie decorating station” with different glaze colors and sprinkles, inviting family and friends to add their own artistic flair and make memories while enjoying the process.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and soft. They will stay delicious for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or holiday gifting.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with rolling and cutting. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to a month, perfect for enjoying later when the cookie craving hits.

Reheating

If you love your cookies a little warm, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This will refresh their tender texture and help the glaze soften slightly for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes! If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and offers a similar tang and moisture level. Just make sure it’s plain and full-fat for best results.

Why is my cookie dough sticky when rolling out?

If your dough feels sticky, dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit more flour. You can also chill the dough longer to make it easier to handle. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make your cookies dry.

Can I use these cookies without the glaze?

Absolutely! These cookies have a wonderful tender texture and subtle tang on their own. The glaze adds sweetness and decoration but is completely optional if you prefer a simpler cookie.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. To thin it out, add a little more heavy cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.

Are these Sour Cream Sugar Cookies good for special occasions?

Definitely! The combination of tender cookies, sweet glaze, and vibrant sprinkles makes them a festive and crowd-pleasing choice for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations of all kinds.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Glaze and Sprinkles Recipe a try soon. They strike the perfect balance of tender, flavorful cookie dough with a sweet, glossy glaze that kids and adults alike will adore. Baking these is just as fun as eating them, especially when you get to decorate with sprinkles in your favorite colors. So next time you want to fill your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas and share smiles over something special, these cookies will be waiting to bring a little sweetness to your day.

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