If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that feels as light and delicate as a cloud, look no further than this White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a true revelation—an elegant twist on classic sugar cookies, with a tender crumb and a subtle sweetness that will have you craving them all year round. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings joy and simplicity right into your kitchen with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating cookies that are airy, flavorful, and perfectly textured without any unnecessary fuss.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation of the dough, providing structure and the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise gently for that soft, tender bite.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the acidic sour cream to create lightness and lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel crucial to the cookie’s name.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens while contributing to the delicate crisp edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and promotes softness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm, inviting flavor.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a slight tang, elevating the texture to pure velvet.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, for rolling): Gives the cookies their classic crackled, snowy coating.
How to Make White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—this ensures all your dry ingredients are well combined for even rising and flavor distribution.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air into the dough, giving your White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe their signature soft and tender texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream into your creamed butter and sugar. The sour cream is a secret ingredient that provides moisture and a slight tang, marrying beautifully with the vanilla to deepen the cookie’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing here—stop as soon as you see no flour streaks to keep your cookies tender and soft, not tough.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Dough
Roll your cookie dough into 1-inch balls, then gently coat each ball in powdered sugar. This dusting creates a lovely crackled surface when baked and adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual charm.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden hue—this ensures they’re baked through but still soft in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Finishing Touches
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, feel free to sprinkle extra powdered sugar or add festive sprinkles to personalize your White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe even more.
How to Serve White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
The wonderful thing about these cookies is that they look stunning with just a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but if you want to jazz things up, a light drizzle of white chocolate or a scattering of edible glitter can elevate their elegant vibe perfectly. Fresh berries on the side can also add a refreshing touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. For gatherings, serve them alongside a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses and fruit preserves to balance the sweetness, making it a sophisticated snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking them with layers of whipped cream and fresh fruit for a quick and indulgent dessert parfait. Or, sandwich two cookies together with a luscious filling like cream cheese frosting or raspberry jam for a delightful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your white velvet sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these treats over several days without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once firm. You can also freeze baked cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, both lasting up to three months without compromising flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. This revives their softness and brings out the buttery, velvety richness that makes this White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe so beloved.
FAQs
Can I substitute the sour cream if I don’t have any?
Absolutely! You can replace sour cream with the same amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk, which will provide a similar tang and moisture to keep the cookies tender and flavorful.
Why do these cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar coating provides a classic crackled look on the surface once baked, while also adding a subtle initial sweetness and delicate texture contrast that makes these cookies unique.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! While the vanilla flavor is lovely on its own, you can add citrus zest, almond extract, or finely chopped nuts to change things up. Just keep additions modest to maintain the soft crumb.
How can I make these cookies crispier if I prefer?
If you like a crispier edge, bake the cookies for an extra 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully so they don’t brown too much. Another tip is to flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.
What is the best way to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper, as recommended, is the best method for easy release and even baking. Alternatively, a silicone baking mat works great and is reusable, making cleanup a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Making this White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little slice of heaven into your kitchen. These cookies bring together simplicity and elegance in a way that’s utterly irresistible. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do—because once you try these, they’ll become your new favorite go-to cookie for every joyful moment.
Print
White Velvet Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These White Velvet Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they have a beautiful snowy coating that adds a delightful touch to every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, usually about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for the cookie’s tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream until the batter is smooth and well combined. The sour cream adds moisture and contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Coat Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. This powdered sugar coating creates the signature white velvet appearance.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake to maintain softness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set and prevents breaking when transferring.
- Transfer and Finish: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, sprinkle extra powdered sugar or festive sprinkles on top once cooled for added decoration.
Notes
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking; remove them as soon as edges turn light golden.
- Sour cream adds tenderness and moisture to the dough—do not substitute with milk.
- Rolling cookies in powdered sugar before baking enhances the classic velvet look and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle colored sugar or nonpareils on top after baking.
