Name: Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup sour cream; 3 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup butter, softened; 4 oz. cream cheese; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, tender, and frosting-topped heaven, you’re in for a treat with this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out buttery and melt-in-your-mouth, with a tangy hint from the sour cream that makes them stand out from any sugar cookie you’ve had before. Plus, the cream cheese frosting is just the right balance of rich and sweet, making every bite feel like a little celebration. Stick with me because I’ll share all my tips to help you nail these delicious cookies every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Tender Texture: The sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang, keeping these cookies irresistibly soft.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cream cheese frosting isn’t overly sweet, making the whole combo just right.
Simple, Classic Ingredients: You likely have everything already in your pantry, making it super easy to whip up.
Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these – they’re perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime treats.

The image shows several heart-shaped cookies on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one main layer of pale yellow dough topped with a thick layer of pale pink frosting. The frosting is piped in smooth, rounded swirls following the heart shape, creating a soft texture. Small white and silver edible pearls are scattered across the frosting, adding decorative spots. The cookies are arranged close to each other, filling the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, sour cream sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting cookies, tender sugar cookies, easy holiday cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe come together beautifully to create that soft, flavorful cookie base topped with creamy, dreamy frosting. Each item plays a role, so don’t skip on quality, especially with the butter and cream cheese for the best taste.

Flat lay of a small mound of softened pale yellow butter, a neat pile of granulated white sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with clear sour cream, a small white bowl containing fine white baking powder, a small white bowl with fine white baking soda, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small pile of white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with powdered sugar, and a small white bowl with smooth cream cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry with balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, sour cream sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting cookies, tender sugar cookies, easy holiday cookies

Butter: Use unsalted and softened butter to control the salt balance and ensure smooth mixing.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly to add sweetness and tenderness.
Eggs: They help bind everything and add richness.
Vanilla Extract: A splash boosts the cookie’s flavor and pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese frosting.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Using both keeps cookies light and helps with that soft rise.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Sour Cream: This is the secret to softness and subtle tanginess; don’t swap for yogurt.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough—be sure to measure properly for best results.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, soften it fully for that smooth, creamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness without graininess, perfect for frosting.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe my own by trying out different frostings or adding tweaks to the dough. It’s fun to personalize and makes it easy to suit any occasion or dietary need!

Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend, and it worked surprisingly well though the dough was a bit stickier – chill it well before cutting.
Lemon Twist: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough gives it a bright, fresh flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tangy cream cheese frosting.
Colored Frosting: For birthday parties, I like mixing in natural food coloring to the cream cheese frosting, turning these into festive, colorful treats.
Chocolate Chip Boost: My kids once begged me to add mini chocolate chips to the dough, which was a hit – just add them in after mixing the dough for a fun twist.

How to Make Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cookie Dough With Care

Start by sifting together your baking soda, salt, baking powder, and flour. This keeps your dough light and airy and helps everything mix in smoothly. In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar for about 3 minutes until it’s fluffy and pale. This step is key for that soft texture. Then beat in eggs and vanilla, again for around 3 minutes to add richness and smoothness. Finally, alternate adding the flour mixture with the sour cream — begin and end with the flour. This keeps the dough from getting too wet or dry. Don’t rush and be sure to cover the dough with plastic wrap before refrigerating it overnight or for at least 8 hours; this chilling step is what helps with flavor development and rolling ease later on!

Step 2: Roll, Cut, and Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide your chilled dough in half and lightly flour your surface to roll it out about 1/4 inch thick. Brush off any excess flour so the cookies don’t dry out or get tough. Since this dough is soft, I recommend using simple shapes like hearts or circles without intricate details – they hold up better. Place the cut cookies carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet; no need to grease it because the cookies won’t stick. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until you see just a hint of golden edges. Avoid overbaking or you’ll lose that soft texture! Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth—this is where that creamy magic happens. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well until the frosting is luscious and spreadable. If you want, you can add food coloring here to brighten up your cookies. Use a thin metal spatula or pipe the frosting with a star tip for a pretty finish. Sprinkles or sparkling sugars are a must in my house for a festive flair!

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Pro Tips for Making Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Overnight Chilling: Chilling the dough is a game-changer—don’t skip it! It firms the dough for easier rolling and deepens flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Pull your cookies out as soon as the edges start to turn golden to maintain that soft texture inside.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter, cream cheese, and eggs mix better and create that smooth, tender crumb.
Handling Soft Dough: Flour your hands gently and work quickly when cutting to keep the dough from getting sticky or tough.

How to Serve Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

The image shows heart-shaped cookies topped with light pink frosting arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one thick base layer of golden-baked dough with a smooth texture, and the frosting is piped in tight, even swirls that follow the heart shape, creating a raised, soft layer. Small shiny white and silver pearl sprinkles are scattered on top of and around the frosting, adding a delicate touch of decoration. The cookies have soft edges, and the frosting looks creamy and smooth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting, sour cream sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting cookies, tender sugar cookies, easy holiday cookies

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and classic with a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or coarse sanding sugar right after frosting, so it sticks well. For special occasions, you can add edible glitter, small drageés, or even fresh edible flowers for a whimsical touch. These garnishes add a pop of fun and texture without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

These soft sugar cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you’re serving at a gathering, I often bring out a platter with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the cream cheese frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I love arranging the cookies on a tiered dessert stand, frosting them in pastel shades for a soft, inviting look. Around holidays, shape the dough into seasonal forms like stars or pumpkins and decorate with matching colored frosting or sparkles—it really makes the presentation pop and guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, which keeps the frosting looking fresh and the cookies from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I suggest freezing the plain cookies (unfrosted) first on a tray, then transferring them to a zip-top bag once firm. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and then frost. This way, the frosting stays fresh and doesn’t get grainy or watery in the freezer.

Reheating

You really don’t need to heat these cookies, but if you want that just-baked warmth, pop a single cookie (without frosting) in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frosted ones, let them come to room temperature naturally to keep the frosting intact.

FAQs

Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream in this recipe?

While yogurt is a common substitute, I’ve found that sour cream offers a richer texture and a unique tanginess that really makes these sugar cookies stand out. If you must substitute, use Greek yogurt strained well to avoid extra moisture, but expect a slightly different texture.
Why does the cookie dough need to be refrigerated overnight?

Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up. This resting period also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, so they stay soft and maintain a nice shape despite the soft dough.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, slightly reduce the sugar in the dough by about 1/4 cup and cut back on powdered sugar in the frosting to taste. The cream cheese frosting already balances sweetness with tang, so don’t go too low or the cookies might taste flat.
Can I use cookie cutters with intricate designs?

This dough is pretty soft and won’t hold detailed shapes very well. I recommend simple shapes like circles, hearts, or basic stars. If you want more intricate designs, chill the dough extra cold and handle it gently, but some spreading is expected.

Final Thoughts

This Soft Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a family favorite in my kitchen—there’s something so comforting about those soft, tender cookies topped with creamy, tangy frosting. I love making them for holidays, school events, or just because we deserve a little sweet treat. Give it a try like you’re baking alongside a good friend, and I bet these cookies will quickly become one of your go-to sweets too!