Classic Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
These soft and tender Classic Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are topped with a fluffy, sweet frosting and sprinkles, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Medium bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups cake flour spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice mixed in, let sit 5 mins)
Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- gel food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and optional almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with buttermilk, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Lightly flour a surface and rolling pin, then roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut out shapes with cookie cutters.
- Transfer cut cookies to baking sheets and bake for 7-9 minutes until edges are lightly golden and tops are set.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting & Decorating
- While cookies cool, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar and milk/cream until smooth.
- Beat in vanilla extract and salt; optionally, divide and tint frosting with food coloring.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
For perfectly soft cookies, be careful not to overmix the dough or overbake the cookies. The almond extract adds a classic Lofthouse flavor, but can be omitted if preferred. Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.