If I could make only one kind of cookie for Christmas, this would be the one *everyone* would ask for.
Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
Cream:
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
Add and mix well:
1 c. sour cream
3 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or 1 tsp. vanilla or lemon, but almond is the best)
In a separate bowl, mix well:
5 c. flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Add flour to creamed mixture and mix until well blended.
This makes a very soft tender dough. It should be chilled for a few hours before rolling. Remember that adding more flour and doing more mixing makes dough tougher. I roll this out on a floured counter and cut it using floured cutters (just dip them in flour between cutting each cookie). I save all the leftovers till I’m done, then knead them smooth (knead as little as possible), then cut more cookies.
Bake at 350*F for 10 minutes.
This makes a lot of cookies. I actually double it for Christmas and never have enough! They go fast!
My favorite frosting for these cookies (and for decorating cakes):
2 pounds of powdered sugar
1 cup shortening
1/2 c. water
1/2 tsp. almond extract
Mix till smooth. Tint with paste or gel food coloring. This sets quickly so add sprinkles as soon as the cookie is decorated. I use cake decorating tips to decorate the cookies. A leaf tip makes great Christmas trees, holly leaves, and wreaths.
~~Rhonda
4 Comments
Hi Rhonda, I’ve made the dough ~ is it best to go ahead and make the cookies now and freeze them for Christmas or keep the dough frozen awhile. BTW I noticed you didn’t mention if this recipe freezes well. Uh-oh. Help! Thanks in advance, annie h.
Annie, the dough freezes well, as do the cookies. I usually bake the cookies and freeze them, then thaw before decorating. I decorate them the day before our big open house. I’m glad you tried it! 🙂 Let me know how they come out. ~~Rhonda
Thanks Rhonda! I made 8 dozen sour cream sugar cookies and packed them away in the freezer, but not without a little sampling – yum, very light! Had to keep DH and DD’s from sneaking more. And today I made a large tray of Daniel’s Cookie Bites at DMs house and will pack them away soon. This is fun! Annie H
Once again ..your recipes are great.. Thanks for sharing