Get ready to bake a batch of delightful, soft, and festive sour cream cut-out Christmas cookies! These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, decorating with family, or gifting to friends. Their creamy texture and subtle sweetness make them a crowd-pleaser, while their shape holds up beautifully for decorations.

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Ingredients (Makes about 30 cookies, depending on cutter size)

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3–4 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for extra flavor)
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles or edible decorations

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
4. Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be soft but not sticky.
6. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

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2. Roll and Cut

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes (trees, stars, snowflakes, etc.). Re-roll scraps as needed.
4. Place cutouts about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

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3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Avoid overbaking for soft cookies.
2. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

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4. Make the Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
2. Divide the frosting into separate bowls if using multiple colors. Add food coloring to each bowl and mix well.

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5. Decorate the Cookies

1. Use a piping bag, a small spatula, or a spoon to frost the cookies.
2. Add sprinkles or edible decorations while the frosting is still wet.
3. Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours to allow the frosting to set.

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Tips for the Best Cookies

• Chill the dough: Chilling is essential for easier rolling and to prevent the cookies from spreading.
• Don’t overbake: Soft cookies are key, so remove them when the edges are just set.
• Custom decorations: Use edible glitter, royal icing, or candy pearls for an extra festive touch.

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These sour cream cut-out Christmas cookies are a holiday favorite, combining soft, tender bites with festive charm. Whether you’re sharing them or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to spread holiday cheer.