These Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies are a delightful take on the classic store-bought favorite. With their fluffy, cake-like texture and perfectly sweet buttercream frosting, they truly melt in your mouth. Topped with vibrant sprinkles, they are as fun to look at as they are to eat! Ideal for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual afternoon snacks, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize with different food coloring and sprinkle combinations to match any celebration. Whether you’re making them for a party or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these frosted sugar cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3/4 cup sour cream
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and sour cream. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Dough will be sticky.
- Flatten dough to about 1-inch thickness, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Flour your work surface and roll out the chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out cookies using a 3-inch cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 6-7 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the butter and vanilla until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the cooled cookies and top with sprinkles.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 7 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Why Are Lofthouse Cookies So Popular?
The charm of Lofthouse Cookies lies in their unique texture and taste. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that are often crisp and crumbly, Lofthouse Cookies are incredibly soft and moist, almost like biting into a cloud. This is due to the use of sour cream in the dough, which keeps them tender and flavorful. The thick, fluffy layer of frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the colorful sprinkles provide a fun, playful touch. Together, these elements create a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that is hard to resist.
Tips for Making Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies at Home
Recreating the iconic Lofthouse Cookie at home is easier than you might think, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to achieve that signature soft and fluffy texture:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother, fluffier dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: The dough for these cookies is quite sticky, so chilling it for at least two hours is essential. This makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Lofthouse Cookies should be soft and barely golden on the edges. Baking them for just 6-7 minutes keeps them tender and prevents overbaking.
- Generous Frosting: Part of the Lofthouse magic lies in the thick, creamy layer of frosting. Don’t skimp on this step, and be sure to add colorful sprinkles for that authentic look.
Creative Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies is how versatile they are. You can easily adapt them to suit any occasion or personal preference. Here are some fun ideas:
- Seasonal Colors: Change the food coloring in the frosting to match different holidays. Think pastel pinks and yellows for Easter, bright reds and greens for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween.
- Flavor Twists: Experiment with different extracts in the dough or frosting. Almond, lemon, or peppermint extracts can add a unique twist to the traditional vanilla flavor.
- Themed Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles to match the occasion, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for Independence Day, or snowflakes for winter celebrations.
- Double the Fun: Make sandwich cookies by spreading a layer of frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies are perfect for almost any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive holiday parties. Their vibrant colors and playful appearance make them a great choice for:
- Birthday Parties: Arrange them on a platter with other colorful treats for a fun dessert table.
- Holiday Gatherings: Customize the frosting and sprinkles to match the holiday theme for an instant festive touch.
- Gifting: Wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a beautiful homemade gift.
- School Events: These cookies are always a hit at bake sales, class parties, or potluck events.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To keep your Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies soft and flavorful, proper storage is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion:
Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies are more than just a sweet treat they’re a nostalgic, feel-good experience that brings joy to every bite. Their soft, cake-like texture, paired with a generous layer of creamy frosting and playful sprinkles, makes them irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking to recreate childhood memories, impress at a holiday gathering, or simply satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are the perfect choice. Their versatility and customizable nature mean you can easily adapt them to any theme or occasion. Plus, the simple ingredients and straightforward method make them an accessible baking project for even novice bakers.