Urmacher Sugar Cookies
A cherished old-family recipe, perfected with a cup of sour cream
Introduction
Some cookie recipes become traditions not because they are elaborate, but because they bring comfort, memories, and joy year after year. The Urmacher Sugar Cookies are exactly that kind of recipe—soft, tender, lightly sweet, and perfect for decorating… or simply slathering with buttercream, just like your son insists!
The addition of sour cream makes these cookies exceptionally soft, fluffy, and stable, ensuring they hold their shape without spreading. These cookies have been loved by generations, and anyone who tries them quickly understands why.
Description
These sugar cookies are soft-bodied, cake-like, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with frosting. They bake up thick without spreading, thanks to the sour cream and generous baking powder. A hint of nutmeg warms the flavor, making them ideal for holiday baking.
Ingredients & Quantities
Ingredients
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
½ cup milk
3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 tsp baking powder
Dash of nutmeg
Approximately 4 cups flour (add until soft but workable)
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Mix in the sour cream, vanilla, and nutmeg until smooth.
4. Add the baking powder and mix.
5. Alternate adding flour and milk:
Start with flour
Add a splash of milk
Continue alternating until you have a soft but workable dough.
(You may not need all the milk; adjust as needed.)
6. Roll out, cut into shapes, bake at 350°F (175°C) until lightly golden at the edges (exact timing varies depending on thickness).
Origin
The name “Urmacher” hints at Germanic or Central European roots, reflecting a tradition of simple, hearty family recipes handed down through generations. Sugar cookies became widespread in American homes during the 19th and 20th century, often evolving within families—your addition of sour cream is exactly the kind of beloved personalization that turns a recipe into heritage.
Cultural Significance
Sugar cookies are a cornerstone of holiday baking traditions in many households.
Children often help cut out shapes or decorate—creating cherished memories.
Family-adapted versions like this one highlight the timelessness of passing recipes from one generation to the next.
These cookies embody celebration, creativity, and togetherness—especially when frosting leads to joyful improvisation rather than “fancy decorations.”
Optional Additions & Variations
Flavor Add-ins
A splash of almond extract
Orange or lemon zest
A pinch of cinnamon
Texture Variations
Bake a bit longer for lightly crisp edges
Chill dough for thicker cookies
Frosting Options
Classic buttercream (your preferred choice!)
Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Glaze icing for a thinner, shiny finish
Tips for Success
Do not over-flour the dough—add just enough to make it easy to roll.
Work with dough that’s slightly chilled for cleaner cut shapes.
Keep cookies relatively thick for the signature soft texture.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
For perfect frosting application:
Smooth, slather, swirl—your son’s technique is fully approved!
Nutritional Information (approx. per cookie)
Varies depending on size and frosting
Calories: 120–180
Carbs: 15–20 g
Fat: 5–8 g
Protein: 1–2 g
Sugar: 8–12 g
Conclusion
The Urmacher Sugar Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re a piece of family history, lovingly shared with those who gather each holiday season. Soft, tender, and wonderfully comforting, they offer exactly the kind of nostalgic sweetness that makes a holiday table feel complete.
Recommendation
Serve these cookies:
With hot cocoa or mulled cider
As part of a holiday cookie tray
Decorated with buttercream in festive swirls
Or simply as they are—perfectly soft and lightly sweet
They also freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoying these cookies isn’t just about flavor—it’s about honoring tradition and creating new memories. If you want to lighten them up without sacrificing joy:
Use a lighter buttercream made with whipped butter
Make smaller cookies for portion control
Pair a couple of cookies with fruit or tea
Remember that holiday treats nourish the heart as much as the body
Mindful indulgence lets you savor each bite without guilt—because food is also about connection, celebration, and love.
If you’d like, I can also create:
A printable recipe card
A holiday-themed PDF
A short social-media caption or post version
Just tell me!
