Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Some recipes are more than just a sweet treat—they’re family traditions passed down through generations. These Urmacher Sugar Cookies are an old family favorite, made even better with one simple addition: a cup of sour cream. The result is a soft, tender sugar cookie with a classic homemade flavor that isn’t overly sweet and holds its shape beautifully when baked.
These cookies are perfect for Christmas, holiday cookie exchanges, birthday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a little homemade sweetness. Cut the dough into your favorite shapes, bake until the bottoms are lightly golden, and finish with a generous layer of buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Whether you decorate them with elaborate designs or let the kids slather on the frosting, these old-fashioned sour cream sugar cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home, too!
Why You’ll Love These Urmacher Sugar Cookies
A treasured family recipe: These cookies have the comforting, old-fashioned taste that makes family recipes so special.
Not overly sweet: The cookie itself has a balanced sweetness, making it the perfect base for frosting.
A soft, tender texture: Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, helping create a delicious cookie with a lovely homemade texture.
They hold their shape: This dough is designed to be stiff enough for rolling and cutting into festive shapes, making it great for holiday baking.
Perfect for decorating: Add buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, sprinkles, or colorful icing to match any celebration.
Fun for the whole family: Kids can help cut out shapes and decorate the cookies however they like. Perfectly polished decorations aren’t necessary when the cookies taste this good!
What Makes Sour Cream Sugar Cookies Special?
The secret to these Urmacher Sugar Cookies is the sour cream. While traditional sugar cookies can sometimes turn out dry or overly crisp, sour cream contributes moisture and a tender crumb.
It also gives the dough a subtle richness that complements the butter and vanilla. Combined with the baking powder, it helps create cookies with a soft, cake-like quality rather than a thin, crunchy texture.
The original family recipe is already a classic, but adding sour cream makes it especially delicious. Because the dough is rolled relatively thick and contains enough flour to create a firm consistency, the cookies are also well suited to cookie cutters.
For the best results, avoid adding too much flour. Start with the recommended amount and add more gradually until the dough is stiff enough to roll without becoming dry.
Ingredients for Urmacher Sugar Cookies
You only need a handful of everyday baking ingredients to make these old-fashioned cookies.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the flavor.
- 1 cup butter: Adds richness and that classic buttery sugar-cookie taste. Use softened butter so it creams easily with the sugar.
- ½ cup milk: Helps bring the dough together and gives it the right consistency.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure, richness, and moisture.
- 1 cup sour cream: The special addition that helps make these cookies tender and delicious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar bakery-style flavor.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise as they bake.
- A dash of nutmeg: Adds a subtle, old-fashioned flavor that complements the butter and vanilla.
- Approximately 4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates a workable dough suitable for rolling and cutting. You may need slightly more or less depending on your flour and the moisture in your dough.
Frosting Options
Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost them with your favorite topping.
Buttercream frosting: Rich, creamy, and perfect for spreading or piping.
Cream cheese frosting: A slightly tangy option that pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness of the cookies.
Canned frosting: A convenient choice when you want to save time during a busy holiday baking season.
You can also add colored sugar, sprinkles, or other cookie decorations for a festive finish.
How to Make Urmacher Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Gather your mixing bowls, rolling pin, cookie cutters, and a little extra flour for your work surface.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy.
This step helps distribute the sugar evenly throughout the dough and gives the cookies a smoother texture.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed so all the ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition before adding the next.
Taking your time with this step helps the eggs incorporate evenly into the butter mixture.
Step 4: Mix in the Sour Cream, Vanilla, and Nutmeg
Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and a dash of nutmeg. Mix until everything is combined.
The mixture may look softer than a typical cookie dough at this stage, but that is perfectly normal. The flour will give it the structure it needs in the next step.
Step 5: Add the Baking Powder
Mix in the baking powder until it is evenly distributed throughout the wet ingredients.
This helps the cookies rise evenly while baking.
Step 6: Alternate the Flour and Milk
Gradually add the flour and milk, alternating between the two and mixing after each addition.
Begin with some flour, add some milk, and continue alternating until the ingredients are incorporated. Add the flour gradually rather than dumping it all in at once.
The original recipe calls for approximately four cups of flour, but the exact amount can vary. Add enough to create a stiff, workable dough that can be rolled out without sticking excessively to your hands or work surface.
Be careful not to add too much flour. A dough that is too dry can produce dense cookies.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface and place the dough on it.
Roll the dough to approximately ½ inch thick. This generous thickness helps create the soft, tender cookies that make this recipe special.
If the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little flour on the surface and rolling pin. Use only as much as necessary.
Step 8: Cut Out the Cookies
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes.
Stars, Christmas trees, hearts, circles, bells, and gingerbread-style shapes all work beautifully.
Carefully transfer the cutouts to your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Gather the scraps, gently reroll them, and continue cutting until you have used the dough.
If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, refrigerate it briefly to make it easier to handle.
Step 9: Bake Until the Bottoms Are Golden
Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the bottoms are lightly golden.
The original family recipe does not specify an exact baking time, and the time will depend on the size and thickness of your cookies. Begin checking after about 8–10 minutes, then continue baking as needed.
Look for lightly golden bottoms and cookies that appear set. The tops may remain fairly pale, so avoid waiting for the entire cookie to turn deeply golden.
Transfer the cookies carefully to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe on buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or your preferred canned frosting.
Add sprinkles or colored decorations if desired.
You can make each cookie look picture-perfect, or take the family approach and generously slather on the frosting. Either way, the homemade flavor is what matters most!
Tips for the Best Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Use softened butter, not melted butter. Softened butter creams properly with the sugar and helps create a consistent dough.
Add flour gradually. The recipe calls for approximately four cups, but the dough’s texture matters more than reaching an exact measurement. Stop when the dough is firm enough to roll and cut.
Avoid overworking the dough. Mix only until the ingredients are combined. Excessive mixing after adding flour can make the cookies tougher.
Keep the dough about ½ inch thick. This is the thickness specified in the family recipe and helps preserve the soft texture.
Chill sticky dough if necessary. If the dough becomes difficult to roll or the cutouts are hard to lift, refrigerate it briefly before continuing.
Watch the bottoms, not just the tops. These cookies may remain pale on top while the bottoms turn golden. Check underneath to avoid overbaking.
Cool completely before frosting. Warm cookies can melt buttercream and make cream cheese frosting slide off.
Let everyone help decorate. These cookies are ideal for family baking days. A little messy frosting is part of the fun!
Buttercream or Cream Cheese Frosting: Which Is Best?
Both frosting options work wonderfully with these cookies, so the choice comes down to your personal preference.
Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream is rich, sweet, and smooth. It is easy to spread and can also be piped into decorative patterns. Because the cookies themselves are not overly sweet, buttercream provides a delicious finishing touch.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting has a mild tang that balances the cookie’s sweetness. It is especially appealing if you prefer a less sugary-tasting finish.
Canned Frosting
Store-bought frosting is a convenient alternative when you’re baking a large batch or involving children in the decorating process. It saves preparation time without sacrificing the fun.
Whichever frosting you choose, make sure the cookies are completely cool before decorating.
Fun Ways to Customize Urmacher Sugar Cookies
One of the best things about a classic sugar cookie recipe is how easily you can adapt it for different occasions.
- Christmas cookies: Use tree, star, snowflake, and bell-shaped cutters with red, green, and white frosting.
- Valentine’s Day cookies: Cut the dough into hearts and decorate with pink or red frosting.
- Birthday cookies: Use colorful sprinkles and frosting that matches the celebration.
- Spring cookies: Make flowers, butterflies, and other seasonal shapes.
- Simple frosted cookies: Skip elaborate designs and spread a generous layer of frosting over each cookie.
- Nutmeg-forward cookies: Add a tiny additional pinch of nutmeg if you enjoy its warm flavor, taking care not to overpower the vanilla and butter.
For the best results, keep the dough itself close to the original recipe and experiment with the frosting and decorations.
What to Serve With Sugar Cookies
These old-fashioned cookies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better as part of a festive spread.
- A cold glass of milk
- Hot chocolate on a chilly day
- Coffee or tea for an afternoon treat
- A holiday dessert platter with brownies, fudge, and other cookies
- A cookie exchange with friends and family
- A homemade gift box filled with decorated cookies
They are also a wonderful addition to Christmas cookie trays because their simple flavor balances richer chocolate and caramel desserts.
How to Store Urmacher Sugar Cookies
At room temperature: Store completely cooled, unfrosted cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For the best quality, enjoy them within several days.
Frosted cookies: Storage depends on the frosting. Cookies made with perishable cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated and handled according to the frosting recipe’s food-safety guidance. Buttercream storage also depends on its ingredients, so follow the specific recipe you use.
In the refrigerator: Keep cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors. Let them come closer to room temperature before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
Freezing unfrosted cookies: Freeze completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature and frost after thawing for the best appearance.
Freezing the dough: You can also freeze well-wrapped dough for later baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then roll, cut, and bake as directed. If it feels too soft after thawing, chill it briefly before rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why add sour cream to sugar cookies?
Sour cream adds moisture and richness, helping create a tender cookie with a soft, cake-like texture. In this family recipe, it is the special addition that makes the cookies stand out.
Do Urmacher Sugar Cookies spread while baking?
This recipe is intended to make a firm dough that holds its shape well when cut with cookie cutters. The final result also depends on measuring the flour correctly, using softened rather than melted butter, and keeping the dough cool enough to handle.
How much flour should I use?
The recipe calls for approximately four cups of all-purpose flour. Add it gradually while alternating with the milk, stopping when the dough is stiff enough to roll. You may not need the exact full amount, or you may need a little extra.
Why are my sugar cookies tough?
Too much flour, overmixing after adding flour, or rolling and handling the dough excessively can make cookies tougher. Measure the flour carefully and mix only until the dough comes together.
How thick should I roll the dough?
The original family recipe specifies approximately ½ inch thick. Keeping the dough at this thickness helps produce substantial, tender cookies.
How long should I bake the cookies?
The recipe specifies 375°F (190°C) and says to bake until the bottoms are golden, but it does not provide an exact time. Start checking after about 8–10 minutes and adjust according to the size and thickness of your cutouts.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it briefly or freeze it for longer storage. You can also bake the cookies ahead, let them cool completely, and frost them closer to the day you plan to serve them.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Absolutely! Canned cream cheese frosting or another ready-made frosting is a convenient option. Homemade buttercream is another delicious choice if you want a richer, freshly made topping.
Can children help make these cookies?
Definitely. Children can help choose cookie-cutter shapes, cut out the dough with supervision, and decorate the cooled cookies. Let them be creative with the frosting—even if that means skipping fancy decorations!
Are these cookies suitable for Christmas cookie exchanges?
Yes. Their cutout shapes, mild sweetness, and frosting options make them a lovely addition to holiday cookie trays and exchanges.
A Family Recipe Worth Sharing
These Urmacher Sugar Cookies are a reminder that the most memorable recipes don’t need complicated ingredients or perfect decorations. A simple dough made with butter, sour cream, vanilla, and a touch of nutmeg creates a comforting homemade cookie that is easy to personalize for any occasion.
The sour cream gives the recipe its special tenderness, while the thick cutouts make these cookies ideal for frosting and decorating with the whole family.
Whether you choose homemade buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a quick layer of canned frosting, these cookies are all about sharing something delicious with the people you love.
Bake a batch for the holidays, invite the family into the kitchen, and make a few sweet memories of your own!
Recipe Card: Urmacher Sugar Cookies
Prep Time: About 25–35 minutes, depending on decorating and dough handling
Bake Time: Begin checking after 8–10 minutes; bake until the bottoms are lightly golden
Oven Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Yield: Depends on the size of your cookie cutters
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- A dash of nutmeg
- Approximately 4 cups all-purpose flour, as needed
- Buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and nutmeg.
- Add the baking powder and mix until combined.
- Alternately add the flour and milk, mixing gradually until a stiff, workable dough forms.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to approximately ½ inch thick.
- Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to prepared baking sheets.
- Bake until the bottoms are lightly golden, beginning to check after 8–10 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting with buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Helpful note: The original recipe does not specify an exact yield or baking time. Both will vary with the size and thickness of the cookies, so use the dough consistency and golden bottoms as your main guides.