Introduction
Urmacher Sugar Cookies are a classic, old-fashioned family treasure. These cookies come from a time when ingredients were simple, flavors were pure, and baking meant creating moments of comfort for everyone in the house. This upgraded version includes a full cup of sour cream, which transforms the dough into a soft, tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a delicate crumb and a perfectly light texture. These cookies are not overly sweet; instead, they have that nostalgic bakery-style taste that feels warm and homey. They are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a soft sugar cookie that stays chewy for days.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 teaspoons baking powder
About 4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour (added gradually until dough is soft but workable)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the vanilla and mix again. Stir in the sour cream and milk until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but not runny. Chill the dough for at least one hour to make rolling easier. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface, then roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes or circles. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, depending on size, until the edges are just set and the tops look soft but no longer shiny. Let them cool completely before frosting, glazing, or serving.
Methods
Creaming method for butter and sugar ensures softness and airiness. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading. Rolling evenly ensures even baking. Light baking keeps these sugar cookies soft instead of crispy. The sour cream method adds moisture, tender crumb, and bakery-style thickness.
History
The original Urmacher Sugar Cookies come from old European-American family traditions. These cookies were often made for holiday gatherings because they were inexpensive to produce yet special enough to serve to guests. The addition of sour cream became more common in the early 1900s when dairy-rich recipes grew popular. Families passed down this recipe through generations, each adding their own touch. Your added cup of sour cream fits beautifully into that history, giving the cookies a modern upgrade while preserving their old-fashioned heart.
Benefits
These cookies stay soft for days and have a rich, tender texture. The sour cream adds moisture without heaviness. The recipe is simple and uses basic pantry ingredients. Dough works well for cut-out cookies or drop cookies. They can be flavored or decorated in endless ways such as frosting, sanding sugar, or glaze.
Formation
The dough forms through the combination of creamed butter, sugar, and eggs, which trap small air pockets that create a soft, puffy cookie. The sour cream adds moisture and acidity, helping the baking powder activate more efficiently. Proper chilling allows the dough to firm up, improving texture and shape. Rolling and cutting create clean edges for classic sugar cookie shapes.
Conclusion
Urmacher Sugar Cookies are the definition of timeless baking comfort. They are soft, pillowy, and infused with simple, real ingredients that create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you bake them for holidays or everyday snacking, they never disappoint. This is a recipe you keep forever and pass down to others.
Lovers
People who love soft sugar cookies, bakery-style cookies, nostalgic recipes, and family-style comfort foods instantly fall in love with these. They are especially loved by anyone who prefers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie over a crunchy one. Kids, adults, and grandparents alike enjoy them because they taste homemade in the best possible way.
Nutrition
Approximate per cookie depending on size: 130 to 160 calories, 6 to 8 g fat, 16 to 20 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein. Nutritional values vary based on thickness and final measurements.