Classic Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
These classic Lofthouse-style sugar cookies are soft, cakey, and topped with a creamy, sweet frosting. Perfect for any occasion, they are a delightful treat that bakes up quickly and easily.
Equipment
- large bowl
- electric mixer
- medium bowl
- plastic wrap
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- round cookie cutter
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt full-fat recommended for best texture
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1-2 tbsp milk dairy or non-dairy
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- salt Pinch
- Food coloring optional, for vibrant colors!
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
Cookies
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with sour cream/yogurt, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut shapes with a 2-3 inch round cookie cutter.
- Transfer cut cookies to prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set; avoid overbaking.
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting & Decorating
- While cookies cool, beat softened butter in a clean bowl until creamy; gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; if desired, add food coloring gel drop by drop until the desired shade is achieved.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each and add sprinkles if desired.
Notes
For best results, do not overmix the dough or overbake the cookies. The chilling step is crucial for preventing spread and maintaining the cookie's shape. For a vibrant frosting, use gel food coloring.