These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are ultra-soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The sour cream keeps the cookies pillowy and rich, while the smooth cream cheese frosting adds the perfect balance of sweetness. Shaped into hearts and topped with soft pink frosting, these cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or anytime you want a bakery-style sugar cookie at home.
Ingredients
For the Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Pearl sprinkles or decorations
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This makes the dough easier to handle and helps the cookies keep their shape.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ½-inch thickness. Cut into heart shapes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the cookies are set but not browned. Let cool completely before frosting.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and salt. Tint with pink food coloring if desired.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cookies in heart designs. Decorate with pearl sprinkles or festive toppings.
Cooking Notes
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay pale and soft
- Chill dough properly to prevent spreading
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smooth dough
- Let cookies cool fully before frosting to avoid melting
- Store frosted cookies in a single layer when possible
Variations
- Add almond extract to the frosting for a bakery-style flavor
- Use lemon zest in the cookie dough for a fresh twist
- Color frosting red or white for different themes
- Add strawberry powder to frosting for natural pink color
- Make mini heart cookies for party platters
Tips
- Roll dough thick for soft, cakey cookies
- Lightly flour cutters to prevent sticking
- Pipe frosting using a round or star tip for clean designs
- Add sprinkles while frosting is still soft
- Chill frosted cookies briefly to set decorations
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a Valentine dessert tray
- Package in clear bags for gifting
- Pair with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa
- Add to cookie boxes for holidays
- Use as a centerpiece dessert for parties
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (+ chilling time)
FAQs
Why use sour cream in sugar cookies?
Sour cream adds moisture and makes the cookies extra soft and tender.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.
Do these cookies freeze well?
Yes, unfrosted cookies freeze very well for up to 2 months.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
You can, but homemade cream cheese frosting gives the best flavor.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.
Conclusion
These Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a must-make if you love soft, bakery-style cookies. With their tender crumb, creamy frosting, and beautiful heart shapes, they’re guaranteed to impress for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.