If you’re craving a deliciously soft cookie with a tender crumb and a burst of cheerful color, then you’re in for a treat with the Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies with Colorful Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. These cookies are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a vibrant celebration for your eyes. The velvety sour cream enriches the dough, giving it moisture and lift, while the colorful frosting and sprinkles bring a playful personality that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual afternoons with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these charming cookies will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular tray on a white marbled surface holds various bowls and measuring cups filled with baking ingredients. At the top right is a large white bowl filled with a pile of white flour. To the left of it are two small white bowls, one with brown spices and the other with a dark brown liquid. Below them, there are two more small bowls, one green with white powder and another gray with white powder. Near the bottom left is a white bowl containing cubes of pale yellow butter. To the right of the butter, there is a metal measuring cup filled with white cream cheese, and next to it, a metal sifter with a white powder inside. A woman’s hand with painted nails appears at the bottom right corner. The overall image looks bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great cookie starts with simple ingredients that combine to create magic in the oven. Each component in this recipe contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual delight.

Unsalted butter (2 sticks): Softened slightly to create a light, fluffy dough without melting it—key for proper texture.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough while helping achieve a delicate crumb.
Large egg (1): Adds structure and richness to the batter.
Full-fat sour cream (1 cup): The star that brings moisture and tenderness, making these cookies irresistibly soft.
Baking soda (2 teaspoons): A leavening agent that works with sour cream to give the cookies just the right lift.
Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness with a cozy, aromatic note.
All-purpose flour (3 3/4 cups plus more for rolling): Forms the sturdy base of the dough, vital for holding cookie shapes.
Powdered sugar (6 cups, divided): For the luscious frosting that’s both sweet and silky smooth.
Additional unsalted butter (4 tablespoons for frosting): Brings richness and creaminess to the frosting.
Whole milk (1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons, and more if needed): Balances the frosting’s texture to make it spreadable and glossy.
Food coloring: Your palette for painting the frosting with vibrant hues.
Sprinkles or sparkling sugar: The final touch that adds crunch and visual excitement.

How to Make Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies with Colorful Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar in a stand mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step is crucial for a delicate crumb. Then, mix in the egg, sour cream, baking soda, nutmeg, and vanilla extract until the ingredients harmonize beautifully. Gradually incorporate the flour; the dough will become thick and a bit stiff. If it’s too sticky, add flour by tablespoons until it holds together nicely. Cover your dough and pop it in the fridge overnight. This resting period is what gives these cookies their terrific texture and flavor depth.

Step 2: Roll and Cut Your Cookies

When you’re ready to bake, take your dough out to reach room temperature so it’s easier to handle. Thoroughly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll the dough to a thin, even layer about 1/8 inch thick — the thinner, the crisper the cookie edges but with a tender center. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create shapes that bring joy. Place your cutouts on unlined baking sheets carefully, as the dough is soft.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cookies at 6 minutes. You want the edges to turn just lightly golden without losing the tender softness in the middle. Bake up to 12 minutes if needed, then transfer them to parchment paper to cool completely before frosting. Patience here will reward you with the best texture and prevent frosting mishaps.

Step 4: Make the Colorful Frosting

Whip together the powdered sugar and butter first until small bits of butter are broken down and fluffy, then blend in the milk and vanilla for creaminess. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until the frosting is thick but spreadable. Divide the frosting and add food coloring little by little for rich, vivid colors that will brighten your cookies. Adjust with a few drops of milk if the frosting is too thick to spread smoothly.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate with Sprinkles

Spread your colorful frosting generously over each cooled cookie. While the frosting is still soft, immediately sprinkle on your favorite sprinkles or sparkling sugar to add that delightful crunch and extra charm. It’s like giving your cookies a party hat—so festive and fun!

How to Serve Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies with Colorful Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

A black baking tray filled with a single layer of various Christmas cookies sits on a white marbled surface dusted with flour. The cookies have two main icing colors: bright red and green, each spread thickly with a slightly rough texture. Shapes include Christmas trees, stars, rounded shapes, and mitten forms. Each cookie is decorated with small round sprinkles or elongated sprinkles in red, white, and green colors. Around the tray are small black bowls with different sprinkles and red and green icing in a small white bowl with a spatula covered in green icing. A rolling pin with a wooden handle and a black spatula rest on the surface, all slightly dusted with flour. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the sprinkles give a playful finish, consider garnishing your cookies with edible glitter, delicate sugar pearls, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a fragrant twist. Small fresh flowers or edible petals can also add a surprising elegance for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine as the perfect sweet combo alongside a steaming cup of chai latte, hot cocoa, or classic black coffee. For a party, offer alongside fresh fruit slices or a creamy yogurt dip flavored with honey and cinnamon, balancing the sugary sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Display these colorful treats on multi-tiered stands for a wow factor, or arrange them in bright gift boxes with a matching ribbon for gifting. For holiday themes, arrange cookies in shapes that match the festivities and use coordinating sprinkles. You could even label each color’s flavor if you want to experiment with adding subtle zest or extracts to each frosting batch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your frosted Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent the frosting from sticking together and keep their delightful shape and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month—then thaw and bake fresh when you’re ready. For already baked and frosted cookies, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them gently to an airtight container. Defrosting in the fridge helps maintain frosting texture.

Reheating

Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to warm them slightly, do so for a few seconds in the microwave, just enough to soften the cookie without melting the frosting. Avoid heating too long, or the frosting might lose its structure and charm.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

While sour cream is key for the distinct moistness and tang in this recipe, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar effect. Just make sure it’s full-fat to keep the texture right.

Why do I need to chill the dough overnight?

Chilling solidifies the fats and allows the flour to hydrate, which develops better structure and deeper flavor. It also makes rolling and cutting the cookies much easier.

How thin should I roll the dough?

A thickness of about 1/8 inch is ideal. This balances the cookie between being too fragile and too thick, which would lose that classic cut-out look and texture.

What frosting colors work best?

All colors work beautifully, but pastels often give a lovely soft contrast with the nutmeg spiced cookie. Bright primary colors create a fun, festive vibe, especially for parties and holidays.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy and eggs for that tender texture and richness, so adapting it for vegan needs would require significant substitutions and is not recommended if you want authentic results.

Final Thoughts

The Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies with Colorful Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a joyful baking adventure full of textures, colors, and smiles. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies will fill your kitchen with warmth and laughter. Give this recipe a whirl, decorate with your favorite colors, and watch how these traditional cookies become your new favorite, go-to for every festive occasion!

Sour Cream Cut Out Cookies with Colorful Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need