Why You’ll Love this Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of cookies that strike the perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess, you’re going to love this Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies recipe.
These cookies are a delightful treat, offering a unique flavor profile thanks to the lemon extract and sour cream. I love how the combination of ingredients creates a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile; whether you want to enjoy them plain or decorated for a special occasion, they fit the bill perfectly.
The dough is easy to work with, and chilling it enhances the flavors even more. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire.
You won’t be able to resist them!
Ingredients of Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies
When it comes to baking, the ingredients you choose can really make or break your cookies, right? For this Lemon-Sour Cream Cookie Recipe, you’ll need a delightful mix of both classic and slightly unexpected ingredients. The combination of butter and shortening gives those cookies a rich, tender texture, while the sour cream and lemon extract add a zing that makes these treats stand out from your typical sugar cookie.
Trust me, you’ll want to have these ingredients ready to whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds—or thirds.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons sour cream
- 4 cups flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (sifted)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (sifted)
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations regarding these ingredients. First off, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Trust me, nobody wants a cookie that spreads out like a pancake.
And while you can use any brand of sour cream, I find that full-fat versions yield a richer flavor and texture—who doesn’t want a cookie that’s just a little more decadent?
Also, sifting your dry ingredients is a game-changer; it keeps your cookies light and fluffy, which is exactly what we’re going for here.
How to Make Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies
Making Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies is like stepping into a cozy bakery where the air is filled with the sweet scent of freshly baked treats. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and immerse ourselves in this recipe.
First things first, grab your 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of shortening. Now, I know what you’re thinking—shortening? Really? But trust me, this combo is where the magic happens, giving your cookies that rich, tender texture we all crave. Toss those into a mixing bowl along with 2 cups of sugar, and cream them together until it’s all light and fluffy. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, right?
Next, let’s add some pizzazz! Crack in 3 large eggs—one at a time, please, because we want to keep things classy. Then, pour in 1 teaspoon of lemon extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, followed by 5 tablespoons of sour cream. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. Just imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Now, here comes the slightly messy part: sift together 4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adding these dry ingredients to your wet mixture is like bringing everything together for a big family reunion—just mix until it’s all combined, but don’t overdo it. You want a lovely dough, not a workout.
Now, this is essential: chill that dough for several hours or even overnight. I know, the waiting is the hardest part. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Once your dough is nicely chilled, roll it into balls and flatten them with the bottom of a sugar-coated glass or roll it out and cut into fun shapes. Bake those beauties at 350 degrees F for about 7 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to start turning color, but don’t go overboard. Over-baked cookies are like overcooked pasta—nobody wants that.
And when they come out of the oven, let them cool before frosting and decorating as your heart desires. You’re now armed with a batch of cookies that will surely impress, and maybe even earn you some sweet accolades. Happy baking!
Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can make it uniquely yours.
For a dairy-free option, replace butter and sour cream with coconut oil and a non-dairy yogurt.
Want a different flavor? Try almond extract instead of lemon, or incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist.
You can also swap half the flour for almond flour for a nuttier texture.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or dried fruit to the dough.
For a lighter cookie, reduce the sugar slightly and add a splash of milk.
These simple tweaks can elevate your cookies and suit your taste perfectly!
What to Serve with Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies
Great American Cookie Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that pairs well with a variety of beverages and accompaniments.
I love serving them with a tall glass of cold milk; it’s a classic combination that never disappoints. For something a bit different, try pairing these cookies with an invigorating lemonade or iced tea to complement the zesty lemon flavor.
If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side enhances the sweetness and provides a creamy contrast. You can even serve them at a gathering with a platter of fresh fruit, like strawberries or citrus slices, to balance the richness.
No matter what you choose, these cookies will surely shine!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Lemon-Sour Cream Cookies turn out perfectly, I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately and sifting the dry components to prevent clumps.
Make sure to chill the dough for at least a few hours or overnight; this step enhances the flavors and helps the cookies hold their shape.
When shaping your cookies, use a sugar-coated glass to flatten them evenly, ensuring they bake uniformly.
Keep an eye on them while baking—pull them out when the edges start to turn golden, as over-baking will lead to a drier texture.
Finally, feel free to get creative with your frosting and decorations; a light lemon glaze can elevate the flavor even more.
Enjoy your baking!