Nothing brings the holiday spirit into your home quite like baking Christmas cookies. The warm scent of vanilla and butter filling the kitchen, the fun of rolling out dough, and, of course, decorating cookies with loved ones—it’s a holiday tradition worth savoring!
If you’re looking for a soft, pillowy cut-out cookie that holds its shape beautifully and stays tender for days, you’ve come to the right place. This sour cream cut-out cookie recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and texture. Unlike crisp sugar cookies, these stay moist and soft thanks to the sour cream, making them a family favorite year after year.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these delightful cookies—from ingredients and baking tips to storage and decoration ideas. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies
✔ Soft & Tender Texture – The sour cream makes these cookies incredibly soft and prevents them from drying out.
✔ Holds Its Shape – No spreading! Your Christmas trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread men will stay picture-perfect.
✔ Easy to Work With – The dough is forgiving and rolls out like a dream after chilling.
✔ Perfect for Decorating – Whether you love buttercream, royal icing, or sprinkles, these cookies are a blank canvas for creativity.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – The dough can be made in advance, and the cookies stay fresh for days.
Ingredients for the Best Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies
Before we start, let’s gather all the essential ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and flavor.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness.
- 2 large eggs – Adds structure and softness.
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream – The key to keeping these cookies soft and moist!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – Gives the cookies their structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds just a touch more lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
For the Icing (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (or water for a firmer glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring & sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). This step is crucial for creating a soft texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. The dough will be soft and creamy at this stage.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut.
Step 6: Roll & Cut
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Decorate!
Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or colored sugar. You can use a simple glaze, buttercream, or classic royal icing.
Tips for Perfect Sour Cream Cut-Out Cookies
✔ Chill the Dough – This prevents the cookies from spreading and makes rolling easier.
✔ Use Enough Flour When Rolling – Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
✔ Roll Evenly – Keep the dough at ¼-inch thickness for cookies that are sturdy yet soft.
✔ Don’t Overbake – The cookies should look slightly underbaked when removed. They will continue setting as they cool.
✔ Let Cookies Cool Before Decorating – Warm cookies will cause icing to melt and run.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before rolling and baking.
Freezer:
- Dough: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before rolling.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in layers with parchment paper between them. Thaw at room temp before decorating.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
🎄 Almond-Flavored Cookies – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Cut-Outs – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a fun variation.
🎁 Spiced Christmas Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
🌿 Lemon or Orange Zest – A little citrus zest brightens up the flavor.
FAQ – Your Sour Cream Cookie Questions Answered!
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Full-fat Greek yogurt works as a great substitute and keeps the cookies soft.
2. Can I skip chilling the dough?
I don’t recommend it. Chilling makes the dough easier to work with and prevents spreading.
3. What’s the best icing for these cookies?
If you like a firm icing, go with royal icing. If you prefer something soft and creamy, buttercream is a great choice.
4. Do these cookies taste like sour cream?
Nope! The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness but doesn’t leave a tangy taste.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out great.
Final Thoughts – The Perfect Christmas Cookie!
These Sour Cream Cut-Out Christmas Cookies are truly one of the best holiday treats you can make. They’re soft, flavorful, and hold their shape beautifully, making them perfect for decorating.
Whether you’re baking with family, making gifts, or hosting a cookie exchange, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
So, grab your rolling pin, turn on some Christmas music, and let the holiday baking begin! 🎅🎄
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! 😊🍪
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