Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are soft, pillowy, and perfectly sweet, just like the classic store-bought version. These cookies are thick, light, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible. Topped with a luscious, creamy frosting and a sprinkle of colorful decorations, they make the perfect treat for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence. The combination of cornstarch in the dough gives these cookies their signature soft and tender texture, while the homemade frosting is a delightful finishing touch.

This recipe is easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just satisfying a cookie craving, these homemade Lofthouse Sugar Cookies will quickly become a family favorite. The bright, sweet frosting and the option to add food coloring and sprinkles make these cookies as fun to decorate as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are loved for their signature soft texture, which is achieved by the perfect balance of ingredients, especially the cornstarch. The buttery cookies are complemented by a smooth, creamy frosting that’s both sweet and indulgent. With just the right amount of vanilla flavor, these cookies melt in your mouth, making them a treat that’s hard to resist. They are versatile too, as you can customize the frosting with different colors and sprinkles for every occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookies never disappoint!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Cornstarch
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Egg

For the Frosting:

Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk
Corn syrup
Sprinkles (optional)
Food coloring (optional)

Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize these Lofthouse Sugar Cookies to fit your taste and occasion:

Flavored Frosting: If you prefer a different flavor of frosting, you can add almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Colorful Cookies: Add food coloring directly to the cookie dough to make vibrant, fun-colored cookies.
Different Sprinkles: While classic sprinkles are always a hit, try using holiday-themed sprinkles for Christmas, Halloween, or Easter for an added festive touch.
Cut-Out Cookies: If you prefer, you can roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like hearts, stars, or seasonal designs.
Lemon or Almond Sugar Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the dough for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until well combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. You may need to use your hands to fully incorporate the flour mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and contributes to their soft texture.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Once the dough has chilled, scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden but the centers are still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of milk, and beat until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk. Stir in the corn syrup to give the frosting a smooth, glossy finish.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie. You can smooth it out with a butter knife or offset spatula for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Serve

If desired, add sprinkles or food coloring to the frosting for a festive touch. Serve the cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their soft texture and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
Make Even Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop to ensure that the dough balls are evenly sized, which will help them bake uniformly.
Avoid Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft, so make sure to remove them from the oven when the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Customize the Frosting: You can adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar depending on your preference.
Decorate Before the Frosting Sets: If you plan to add sprinkles, do so while the frosting is still soft to ensure they stick.

How to Serve

These Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to birthday parties, or as an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. The colorful frosting and sprinkles make them a fun addition to any celebration. Serve them at a party, pack them in lunchboxes, or simply enjoy them as a homemade snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cookies will remain soft and delicious for several days due to the cornstarch in the dough.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like them a bit warmer, you can microwave them for 5-10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, as this can affect the texture of the frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter is ideal for flavor, you can substitute margarine if needed. However, the texture and taste may slightly differ.

2. Can I make these cookies without cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps achieve the soft texture these cookies are known for. While you can omit it, the cookies may not be as tender.

3. How can I make these cookies thinner?

If you prefer thinner cookies, you can flatten the dough balls slightly before baking them. Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overbaking.

4. Can I use a different flavor of frosting?

Yes, you can use any frosting flavor you like, including chocolate, vanilla, or even cream cheese frosting.

5. How can I make the cookies more colorful?

You can add food coloring to the frosting to match any occasion or personal preference.

6. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly before baking.

7. How do I get the frosting to be perfectly smooth?

Use a small offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cookies for a smooth, professional finish.

8. Can I skip the frosting and still have delicious cookies?

Yes, these sugar cookies are delicious on their own without frosting, though they are traditionally frosted for extra sweetness.

9. Can I add flavorings like almond extract to the dough?

Yes, you can substitute a little almond extract for vanilla for a slightly different flavor.

10. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking will help the cookies keep their shape and prevent spreading too much.

Conclusion

Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are the epitome of soft, buttery goodness with a sweet, creamy frosting. This recipe captures the irresistible texture and flavor of the classic store-bought cookies but with the added bonus of being homemade. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the fun of decorating them, and savor each delicious bite!