How to Make Old Fashioned Sour Cream Cookies

There’s something special about baking cookies that carry family memories. These sour cream cookies are a true old fashioned favorite, soft and tender with just a hint of spice. My husband grew up with his mom making big batches at Christmas, and his dad dunking them in coffee when they hardened. This recipe is versatile enough to roll out into festive shapes or simply drop onto a baking sheet, just like Grandma did. If you’re looking for a nostalgic cookie that’s easy to make and loved by generations, this is the one to keep in your holiday baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Sour Cream Cookies

Soft and tender texture: Sour cream keeps these cookies moist and fluffy.
Versatile recipe: Roll out for cut-out shapes or drop directly onto the baking sheet.
Family tradition: A recipe passed down through generations, perfect for holiday baking.
Customizable flavor: Add frosting, glaze, or spices to make them your own.

What You’ll Need for Grandma’s Sugar Cookies:

white sugar
vegetable shortening
eggs
sour cream
flour
baking soda
baking powder
nutmeg

large mixing bowl: sour cream, vegetable shortening, sugar, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder in stand mixer

Why Sour Cream Makes the Difference

Substitutions: Use plain or vanilla yogurt if sour cream isn’t available.
Moisture and texture: Sour cream adds richness and keeps cookies soft.
Tangy flavor: A subtle tang balances the sweetness.

Baking Tips

Roll dough into a log and slice for easy baking.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Allow cookies to cool slightly before removing from sheets.
Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.

Fruit glaze cookies: Add orange or lemon zest to glaze for a bright flavor.
Frosted sour cream cookies: Top with buttercream or drizzle glaze with citrus zest.
Cinnamon sugar cookies: Dip in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Holiday cut-outs: Roll out dough and use festive cookie cutters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sour cream do I use?
One cup per batch.

What type of sour cream works best?
Full fat sour cream is ideal, but reduced fat or yogurt can be substituted.

drop sugar cookies cookie recipe with sour cream

Are sour cream cookies soft or hard?
They bake soft but will harden if left uncovered.

Can I roll out the dough?
Yes, roll out for shapes or drop spoonfuls directly.

Can I frost the cookies?
Absolutely. Buttercream, glaze, or cinnamon sugar are all delicious options.

Other Christmas Cookie Favorites: peppermint, oatmeal, no bake or cranberry cookies

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Grandma’s Sour Cream Cookies (Old Fashioned Soft Cookie Recipe)

These old fashioned sour cream cookies are soft, tender, and full of nostalgic flavor. A family favorite passed down for generations, they’re versatile enough to roll out into festive shapes or bake as drop cookies. Frost them, glaze them, or enjoy plain — they’re the perfect holiday cookie to share.

Course: Baking, Dessert, Holiday

Cuisine: American

Author: Regina Sober

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup sour cream
3 eggs beaten
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉
Cream the shortening and sugar together.
Beat the eggs then mix into the bowl.
Add the sour cream and mix well.
To 1 cup of flour add the baking soda, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. (or add before putting flour).
Add the flour 1 cup at a time. After 3 cups, add the last cup slowly, ensuring the dough is no longer sticky to your fingers. If needed add more, or not the full last cup, depending on your home temps. Grandma's recipe says to add flour until it can be a drop cookie.
You can put on the cookie sheet like drop cookies or roll out the dough. If doing drop cookies bake for 12 to 13 minutes.
Rolling out dough, let dough chill for at least an hour, overnight if you can. Roll dough to 1/4" or so thin. Using a dusted cookie cutter, cut shapes and place onto parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 11-12 minutes.
Cookies can be iced with your favorite frosting and don't forget the sprinkles!