White Velvet Sugar Cookies are my go-to treat when I want something soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a hint of tang from sour cream and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday indulgences.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe because it delivers cookies that are incredibly tender and flavorful. The combination of butter and sour cream creates a rich, velvety texture, while the vanilla adds a warm, comforting aroma. Rolling them in powdered sugar before baking gives them a beautiful, crackled appearance and a sweet finish. They’re easy to make and always a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in powdered sugar.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Once cooled, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar or top with festive sprinkles for a decorative touch.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 36 cookies. The total time to make these cookies is about 30 minutes: 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.
Variations
Lemon Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
Spiced Version: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced cookie.
Chocolate Chip: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey addition.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
Frosted: Top the cooled cookies with your favorite frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature. If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts for a similar texture and tang.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are ready when the edges are slightly golden, and the centers look set. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry.
Conclusion
White Velvet Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a soft, tender texture with a rich, buttery flavor. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or adorned with festive decorations, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
📖 Recipe:
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White Velvet Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
White Velvet Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth treats with a hint of tang from sour cream and a sweet powdered sugar coating.
Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream to the butter mixture and mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each in powdered sugar.
- Arrange the dough balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Sprinkle with extra powdered sugar or festive sprinkles once cooled.
Notes
Chilling the dough can help prevent spreading for thicker cookies.
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To enjoy warm, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Cookie dough can be frozen and baked later; just add a couple of minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg