Grandma’s Secret: Old-Time Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the taste of nostalgia, and these old-time soft sugar cookies deliver it in every bite. They’re the kind of cookies that evoke memories of childhood, of cozy kitchens filled with the aroma of vanilla and sugar, and of grandmothers who always seemed to have a batch ready to share. Unlike modern sugar cookies that can be crisp or overly sweet, these cookies are incredibly soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth, and have a subtle sweetness that makes them irresistible. This recipe has been passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected over time, and now, I’m sharing it with you. Get ready to create some delicious memories!

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about mixing ingredients; it’s about the specific ratios and techniques that create the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s why it works so well:

* **Creaming the Butter and Sugar:** This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, which results in a light and airy cookie. Don’t rush this process; cream them together until they are light and fluffy.
* **Using Sour Cream:** Sour cream adds a subtle tang and moisture to the cookies, keeping them incredibly soft even after baking. It also helps to create a tender crumb.
* **Adding Cornstarch:** Cornstarch helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.
* **Chilling the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from becoming tough. It also makes the dough easier to handle and prevents it from spreading too much during baking.
* **Baking at a Lower Temperature:** Baking at a slightly lower temperature ensures that the cookies bake evenly and stay soft.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all of your ingredients. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. It should be soft enough to easily cream with the sugar.
* **1 ½ cups granulated sugar:** The classic sweetener for sugar cookies.
* **2 large eggs:** Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookies.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** A must-have for that classic sugar cookie flavor. Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best results.
* **½ cup sour cream:** This is the secret ingredient for ultra-soft cookies. Full-fat sour cream is recommended.
* **3 cups all-purpose flour:** The foundation of the cookies. Make sure to measure it accurately.
* **1 teaspoon baking powder:** Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
* **½ teaspoon baking soda:** Adds a bit of leavening and helps to create a tender crumb.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **2 tablespoons cornstarch:** Keeps the cookies soft and prevents them from spreading too much.

**For the frosting (optional):**

* **4 cups powdered sugar:** The base for a sweet and smooth frosting.
* **½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened:** Adds richness and helps to create a creamy frosting.
* **¼ cup milk or cream:** Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
* **Food coloring (optional):** For adding a festive touch.
* **Sprinkles (optional):** Because who doesn’t love sprinkles?

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing bowls:** You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the cookie dough and a smaller one for the frosting.
* **Electric mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measuring.
* **Cookie sheets:** Use baking sheets that are light in color to prevent the cookies from browning too quickly.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mats:** To prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
* **Cookie scoop (optional):** For uniform cookies.
* **Rolling pin:** For rolling out the dough.
* **Cookie cutters:** For creating fun shapes.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the cookies.
* **Spatula:** For transferring the cookies from the baking sheets to the wire rack.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: baking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfect old-time soft sugar cookies.

### Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.

### Step 2: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

### Step 3: Mix in the Sour Cream

Add the sour cream and mix until well combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but that’s okay.

### Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

### Step 5: Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

### Step 6: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This will make the dough easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

### Step 7: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

### Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.

### Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should still be soft in the center.

### Step 10: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Step 11: Make the Frosting (Optional)

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the milk or cream and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. If desired, add food coloring to create different colors.

### Step 12: Frost and Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the prepared frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies

* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix the dough until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
* **Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup a breeze.
* **Bake at a Lower Temperature:** Baking at a slightly lower temperature ensures that the cookies bake evenly and stay soft.
* **Don’t Overbake the Cookies:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake them until the edges are lightly golden and the center is still soft.
* **Let the Cookies Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Frosting warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and run.
* **Get Creative with Decorations:** Use different cookie cutters, food coloring, and sprinkles to create fun and festive cookies.
* **Store the Cookies Properly:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

## Variations and Additions

* **Lemon Sugar Cookies:** Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Almond Sugar Cookies:** Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a nutty flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies:** Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Sprinkle Cookies:** Roll the dough in sprinkles before baking for a fun and festive look.
* **Sandwich Cookies:** Spread frosting between two cookies to create sandwich cookies.

## Troubleshooting

* **Cookies are too hard:** You may have overbaked the cookies. Try baking them for a shorter amount of time.
* **Cookies spread too much:** You may not have chilled the dough long enough. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. You may have also used too much butter or sugar. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately.
* **Cookies are too dry:** You may have overbaked the cookies. Try baking them for a shorter amount of time. You may have also used too much flour. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately.
* **Frosting is too thin:** Add more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting.
* **Frosting is too thick:** Add more milk or cream to thin the frosting.

## Serving Suggestions

These old-time soft sugar cookies are perfect for:

* **Holidays:** They’re a classic holiday treat that everyone will love.
* **Parties:** They’re easy to make and transport, making them perfect for parties.
* **Gifts:** Package them up in a pretty box or tin to give as a thoughtful gift.
* **Everyday Treats:** Sometimes you just need a sweet treat to brighten your day.
* **Pairing with beverages:** These cookies are delicious with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a mug of hot chocolate.

## Nutritional Information (per cookie, without frosting)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: 8-10g
* Saturated Fat: 5-6g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 50-70mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Sugar: 10-12g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Conclusion

These old-time soft sugar cookies are a true classic for a reason. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and evoke a sense of nostalgia that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some sweet memories! Enjoy!

## FAQs

**Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake the cookies, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight.

**Q: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before frosting.

**Q: Can I use a different type of flour?**
A: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as cake flour or pastry flour. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture of the cookies.

**Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?**
A: You can try using a different type of sweetener, such as brown sugar or honey, but this will change the flavor and texture of the cookies. If you use brown sugar, the cookies will be softer and chewier. If you use honey, the cookies will be slightly stickier.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?**
A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative, the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce, and the sour cream with a vegan sour cream alternative. However, keep in mind that this may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.

**Q: My cookies are browning too quickly. What should I do?**
A: If your cookies are browning too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake them for a few minutes longer. You can also place a sheet of aluminum foil over the cookies to protect them from the heat.

**Q: My cookies are sticking to the baking sheet. What should I do?**
A: Make sure to line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking. If your cookies are still sticking, you can try greasing the baking sheets with butter or cooking spray.

**Q: Can I double the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just double all of the ingredients and follow the same instructions.

**Q: What are some other ways to decorate the cookies?**
A: There are endless ways to decorate sugar cookies! You can use different colors of frosting, sprinkles, edible glitter, candies, or even fondant. Get creative and have fun!

**Q: Can I add spices to the dough?**
A: Yes, you can add spices to the dough for extra flavor. Try adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.

**Q: What is the best way to store the cookies?**
A: The best way to store the cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.