Sugar cookies…there is just something about that pure, perfect delightful treat.
A perfect sugar cookie recipe produces a cookie that is just right and one that simply makes you smile.
Of course, everyone’s “Just right” is different. Some people want a soft and chewy sugar cookie, you know, the kind that are just great with a big glass of milk. On the other hand, some people want a firmer cookie, one which will hold up to frosting and icing and sprinkles or the tiny hands of “master chefs” creating a “masterpiece” in the kitchen with mom. So there is just not one “right” sugar cookie recipe, no worries…is is simply your preference. So are you a soft and chewy type or are you the one who just cannot live without the firmer cookie– the ones made for milk dunking?
The secret ingredient in these cookies is definitely the half cup of sour cream! That’s right, sour cream! Don’t toss out the recipe yet, give it a try. Trust me, this is going to be one of your favorites! There are few recipes which call for sour cream when it comes to sugar cookies, but it really helps to soften up this cookie and make them irresistible.
Yield: 6 dozen cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sift before measuring
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions:
1) In a bowl, sift together the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla with an electric mixer. Beat for 2 minutes.
2) Add sour cream and half of the sifted dry ingredients; beat 1 minute.
3) Stir in remaining dry ingredients with a wooden spoon. Divide dough in half and roll each portion out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut with floured cookie cutter.
4) Place cookies on greased cookie sheets; bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes.
5) Store soft sugar cookies in an airtight container.
For a little bit of a different taste in this sugar cookie, try adding a touch of ground nutmeg. I tried that for a school party last fall and my cookies were a huge hit. Everyone loved them and wondered what my secret was…of course, I wasn’t telling. It ended up being a fun and mysterious alternative to a regular sugar cookie. Another favorite trick is to dust the mix with a hint of cinnamon.
If you bake these cookies, people are sure to question the yummy snack! The neighbors are sure to be knocking on your door as soon as they smell the aroma of these decadent soft sugar cookies…so be sure to bake extras!