Description
Experience the ultimate nostalgic treat with these homemade, pillowy-soft sugar cookies that rival the store-bought classics. This recipe uses farmhouse staples like sour cream and real vanilla to create a tender, cake-like crumb topped with a vibrant, creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Optional: natural food coloring and sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch until perfectly blended.
- Beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar in a mixer until the mixture is pale and light.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract, then gently fold in the sour cream until the batter is rich and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined, then chill the dough disk for at least one hour.
- On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness and use a round cutter to shape the cookies.
- Bake in a preheated 375F oven for 8 to 9 minutes until set and pale; do not overbake.
- Whip the frosting butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until voluminous, then spread over the completely cooled cookies.
Notes
For the most authentic texture, ensure your cookies remain pale in the oven; even a small amount of browning will change the signature soft bite. To prevent the dough from sticking without adding too much extra flour, try rolling it out between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American