There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, and for me, nothing captures that feeling quite like Lofthouse Sugar Cookies. Growing up, my family had a tradition of baking these delightful treats during the holidays, filling our home with warmth and sweetness. The fluffy texture and rich flavor of these cookies remind me of the happiest moments spent in the kitchen with loved ones, rolling dough and decorating with colorful sprinkles. Each bite is a little piece of joy, and I find myself craving them year-round! Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy evening at home, Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are always a hit. I remember how my friends would come over, eager to help decorate and taste-test. And who can resist that creamy frosting and fun toppings? It’s a delightful way to get everyone involved and create lasting memories.

The Genius Behind This Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

You might wonder what makes Lofthouse Sugar Cookies so special. Here are just a few reasons why I adore this recipe and why I think you will too!

Irresistibly Soft and Chewy

One of the standout qualities of Lofthouse Sugar Cookies is their incredible softness. The combination of cake flour and cornstarch gives them a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, these are not crunchy at all; they’re fluffy and light, making them perfect for any occasion. Every time I bite into one, I’m transported back to my childhood in a single moment!

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simply a Tuesday, Lofthouse Sugar Cookies can be dressed up or down. You can decorate them in seasonal colors or themes, adding a personal touch that resonates with your flavor preferences. I love preparing them for Halloween with orange and black sprinkles or for Christmas with red and green. They bring the festive spirit alive!

Perfect for Kids and Adults Alike

These cookies are a hit with everyone, making them a great recipe to share with family and friends. Kids love rolling the dough and getting creative with the frosting, while adults appreciate the nostalgic flavors. Baking together can be a bonding experience, transforming a simple recipe into cherished memories. You can even host a cookie-decorating party!

Easy to Make

Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker; this recipe for Lofthouse Sugar Cookies is straightforward and forgiving. With simple steps involving mixing, chilling, and baking, you can easily whip up a batch in no time. Plus, the chilling step helps develop the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle, so even beginners can feel like pros!

The Components of Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

The ingredients in Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are a harmonious blend that creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that dreamy softness and delightful sweetness.

Cake Flour: It’s the secret behind that tender crumb, giving these cookies their light texture.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps create a soft and pillowy consistency, making the cookies melt in your mouth.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, it ensures the cookies rise beautifully in the oven.
Kosher Salt: It enhances the sweetness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Its richness adds depth and flavor, making the cookies irresistible.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is crucial for achieving that classic sugar cookie taste.
Egg: It binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a soft finish.
Sour Cream: This ingredient adds tanginess and helps keep the cookies moist.
Powdered Sugar: Used for the frosting, it gives that creamy sweetness that complements the cookies.
Food Coloring: Optional, but it adds a fun touch for festive occasions!
Sprinkles or Jimmies: The finishing touch that makes every cookie a celebration!

The Method: Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

Making Lofthouse Sugar Cookies is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these steps for delicious, perfectly soft cookies that everyone will adore.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This mixture is the foundation for your cookie dough, so make sure there are no lumps, and set it aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer. Beat them together until light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your cookies tender.
Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extracts to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well blended. The extracts add a hint of flavor that really enhances the cookies.
Stir in the sour cream and mix until fully combined. The sour cream adds moisture, keeping the cookies soft even after baking.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined using a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Be careful not to over-mix; you want the dough to be tender.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough for at least 60 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the dough easier to handle later on.
Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To portion the dough, scoop about 3 tablespoons out, dust your hands with powdered sugar, and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart. This spacing allows for spreading while baking.
Flatten the cookie balls gently with the bottom of a glass or a flat measuring cup that’s been dipped in powdered sugar. Aim for a thickness of about ½ inch to ¼ inch. This will help them bake evenly.
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. Watch for the edges to turn a light golden color. Remember, the cookies will continue to bake slightly after you take them out, so don’t overcook them!
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting them. This cooling time is essential to prevent the frosting from melting off the warm cookies.
For the frosting, beat the unsalted butter for 1 to 2 minutes until it lightens up in color and becomes creamy. It’s the perfect base for your frosting!
Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream, mixing a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You can adjust with more cream if you want it thinner or more sugar for a thicker frosting.
If you choose to use food coloring, add it now and mix until fully incorporated. Get creative with the colors!
Frost the cooled cookies, leaving a small rim of the cookie exposed for a delightful presentation. Top with your choice of sprinkles or jimmies for a festive touch!

Secrets to the Perfect Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

Every baker has their secrets, and here are some tips that will ensure your Lofthouse Sugar Cookies come out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into these invaluable insights!

Storage: Keep your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious!
Freezing: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just let them defrost at room temperature before frosting.
Chill Your Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It not only enhances flavor but also helps control the spread while baking, giving you that ideal soft texture.
Frost After Cooling: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before frosting them. Otherwise, the frosting may melt and slide right off!
Decorate Creatively: Let your imagination run wild with decorations! Use seasonal sprinkles or even edible glitter for special occasions.

What Matches with Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

When it comes to serving these delightful cookies, there are so many options! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy Lofthouse Sugar Cookies:

With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing quite like pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture complements the sweetness perfectly.
At Birthday Parties: These cookies are a hit at birthday celebrations! Their colorful frosting makes them a fun treat for kids and adults alike.
As Holiday Treats: Make them part of your holiday traditions. Decorate them with festive colors to match the season!
For Gift Giving: Package them in cute boxes or jars for a sweet, homemade gift. Everyone loves receiving homemade goodies!
As a Snack: Enjoy them as a sweet snack any time of day. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon breaks!

FAQ

Lofthouse Sugar Cookies stand out due to their incredibly soft and fluffy texture. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can be crunchy, these cookies are made primarily with cake flour and cornstarch, giving them a tender, cake-like consistency. They’re also topped with a creamy frosting, which adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture. This unique combination makes them a favorite for many!

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. If you want to store the baked cookies, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months without frosting. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before frosting!

The best way to frost Lofthouse Sugar Cookies is to first ensure they are completely cooled. You can use a simple buttercream frosting made with powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, and a splash of cream for the right consistency. Spread the frosting generously with a spatula or pipe it onto the cookies for a decorative touch. Don’t forget to add colorful sprinkles to make them festive!

Yes! You can easily customize the frosting by adding different extracts like almond or lemon to match your taste preferences. A little lemon zest can also add a refreshing twist!

Conclusion

Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are not just cookies; they’re a delightful experience that brings a smile with every bite! Their soft, fluffy texture and creamy frosting create a perfect combination that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or simply to indulge yourself. You’ll not only enjoy the baking process but also create sweet memories to cherish. So, roll up your sleeves and get baking!