Name: Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 75 g Unsalted butter, room temperature; 200 g Granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 Egg, room temperature; 120 g Sour cream, full fat, room temperature; 185 g All purpose flour, sifted; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; ¼ teaspoon Salt; 113 g Unsalted butter, room temperature; 120 g Powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons Sour cream, full fat, room temperature; Food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 71 reviews

There is something incredibly heartwarming about a cookie that is soft, tender, and just melts in your mouth. This Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe captures that perfect balance beautifully. The combination of rich sour cream in the dough and luscious cream cheese frosting creates an unforgettable treat that feels both familiar and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies bring a burst of flavor, a hint of tang, and a cloud-like texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three white bowls with thick, creamy frosting are placed on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl holds a pale pink frosting with a smooth but slightly swirled texture. The bowl on the right contains a soft yellow frosting, also smooth and slightly swirled. The bottom left bowl has a light blue frosting that is creamy and softly swirled. The bowls have a rough edge with an earthy, rustic style. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step in making this wonderful dessert. Each component is straightforward and plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Unsalted butter (75g and 113g, room temperature): Makes the cookies tender and the frosting creamy without overpowering other flavors.
Granulated sugar (200g): Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve a light, fluffy dough.
Powdered sugar (120g, sifted): Essential for a smooth, silky frosting texture perfect for piping and spreading.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic notes that amplify the cookie’s flavor.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough together and adds richness.
Sour cream (120g dough + 2 tablespoons frosting, full fat, room temperature): Elevates moisture and tenderness while lending a slight tang for balance.
All-purpose flour (185g, sifted): Provides structure so your cookies hold their shape and fluffiness.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise gently for a soft crumb.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors without being noticeable.
Food coloring (optional): Adds a fun, festive touch to the frosting if you want to customize the look.

How to Make Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by whipping the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together using an electric hand mixer. This step is essential because it creates a light, airy base for the dough that helps your cookies bake up soft and fluffy. Whip until the mixture looks pale and has doubled in size — it usually takes a few minutes of good mixing.

Step 2: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then gently fold in the sour cream, which brings moisture and that subtle tangy note that makes these cookies so special. The room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, preventing any lumps in your dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to make sure they are evenly distributed and to avoid lumps. Then carefully fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula. Remember, you want to mix just until combined; overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 4: Prepare and Chill the Cookie Dough

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Use a spoon or cookie scooper to portion out 18 cookies, spacing them out generously so they can puff up during baking. The dough needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour — this step helps the cookies hold their shape and develop flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 175℃ / 350°F (no fan). Bake the cookies for about 14 minutes, carefully watching them so the bottoms are fully baked while the tops remain pale and soft. This subtle color contrast means the cookies have the perfect lightness on top with a tender bite beneath.

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking pans, then transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before you add the frosting so it doesn’t melt and lose its fluffy texture.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

For the frosting, whip the room temperature butter and sifted powdered sugar together with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. Next, add the sour cream and continue whipping for a few more seconds. If you want to add a splash of color, this is the perfect time to mix in your food coloring. The sour cream in the frosting mirrors the cookie’s tang, making each bite luscious and harmonious.

Step 8: Frost the Cookies

Using a spoon or piping bag, spread the frosting generously on the cooled cookies. This frosting is thick but creamy, so it holds its shape beautifully while still being irresistibly soft. Serve these delightful treats immediately or chill them for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This image shows a collection of soft, round cookies on a white marbled surface and a metal baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Each cookie has one layer of smooth, pastel-colored frosting in light pink, pale blue, or soft yellow spread on top. Small, round, multicolored sprinkles decorate the frosted cookies. There is a spoonful of pink frosting resting on the surface next to a cookie, and a scoop of yellow frosting nearby, adding to the light and playful scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate these cookies from delicious to stunning. Consider a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest to bring fresh brightness or a dusting of colored sugar for a festive touch. Even a few fresh berries on the side or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can create a beautiful contrast both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is that it pairs wonderfully with a variety of drinks and light bites. Serve alongside a hot cup of chai or herbal tea to complement the cookie’s creamy tanginess, or with a tall glass of cold milk for that classic combo. A bowl of fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream can round out this treat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is part of the fun when sharing this recipe. Arrange the cookies on a tiered tray for a charming tea party feel or place them neatly in a decorative tin for gift-giving. Another idea is to sandwich the frosting between two cookies for a delightful twist on the classic. Adding edible flowers or sprinkles right on the frosting before it sets can make these cookies look as joyful as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which might be difficult), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The cool environment preserves the freshness of the frosting without hardening the cookie too much. When stored properly, they maintain their soft texture and creamy topping beautifully.

Freezing

For longer storage, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Freeze unfrosted cookies individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze the frosting separately in a small airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies and frosting at room temperature and assemble just before serving for the best experience.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies, especially if stored in the fridge or freezer, gently warm them in a low oven (around 150℃/300°F) for a few minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness without melting the frosting. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the frosting too soft and messy.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat sour cream in this recipe?

While you can use low-fat sour cream, full-fat sour cream is recommended as it contributes to the rich, tender texture and moist crumb these cookies are known for. Low-fat versions might yield drier results and affect the flavor balance.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Substituting dairy in the frosting and dough can be tricky because the sour cream and butter play important roles in flavor and texture. However, using vegan butter and dairy-free sour cream alternatives might work, but results can vary and the cookies may not be as tender or rich.

How long should I chill the cookie dough? Can I skip this step?

Chilling the dough for at least one hour is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps develop deeper flavor. Skipping this step could result in flatter, less tender cookies.

What is the best way to get the frosting fluffy without lumps?

Ensure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature and sift your powdered sugar before mixing. Whip the ingredients together with an electric mixer for several minutes until the frosting is light and airy with no lumps before decorating the cookies.

Can I add flavors other than vanilla?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in almond extract, lemon zest, or even a hint of cinnamon into the dough or frosting for a unique twist. Just adjust the amount so it complements but doesn’t overpower the original delicate flavors of the cookies.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing these Sour Cream Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is like inviting a bit of warmth and sweetness into your day. They’re easy enough for a weekday bake but special enough to impress at any gathering. I truly hope you enjoy baking and savoring these lovely cookies as much as I do — they have a way of turning any moment into something deliciously memorable.