Why You Must Make These Cookies

Along with chocolate chip cookies, frosted sugar cookies are a favorite in many households. While rolling out the dough and frosting each cookie can be time-consuming, it’s worth every moment, especially during the holiday season or special occasions like Valentine’s Day!

• You’ll save a considerable amount compared to purchasing them from a bakery!
• These cookies are soft, delicious, and perfect for enjoying fresh out of the oven.
• You can decorate them for virtually any occasion or event.
• Both kids and adults absolutely adore frosted sugar cookies!

How to Make Lofthouse Cookies

Making Lofthouse cookies is easier than you might think! Here’s how you can do it:

• The simplest way is to scoop out rounds of dough onto your baking sheet, then use the bottom of a glass to press them into thick discs. This technique gives you those perfectly bakery-style cookies, which can be made up to 1/2 inch thick!
• If you prefer cut-out cookies, chill the dough, roll it out to your desired thickness, and use cookie cutters for fun shapes. These can be a bit thinner than traditional Lofthouse cookies, but as long as you don’t over-bake, they’ll still be wonderfully soft. Plus, you’ll get more cookies from your batch!
• Transfer the cutout designs to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them according to the instructions.
• Don’t forget to gather the dough scraps, form them into a ball, and knead them as necessary. If needed, chill the dough again before rolling it out.
• For frosting, I love using an offset spatula to spread a generous layer of that sweet, buttery icing over the cookies. Be sure to add sprinkles before the frosting sets for that festive touch!
• Get creative with shapes! I once made daisy-shaped cookies that I decorated simply by adding a dollop of icing in the middle and placing a single pastel chocolate M&M on top. They were the perfect spring treat! If you’re feeling crafty, consider making a cookie bouquet by inserting a skewer into the side of each cut-out before baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond flavoring
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups flour

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup butter, softened (let it sit at room temperature for about a half-hour)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons (or more) of heavy cream
• Food coloring or gel (optional)
• Sprinkles or candy for garnish (as desired)

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the flavorings, followed by the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the sour cream until combined.
3. Beat in each egg one at a time until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough forms a ball.
4. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour — overnight is even better if you plan to roll it out.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Roll out the chilled cookie dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
7. Place the cutouts on parchment-lined cookie sheets.
8. Bake until the edges are golden brown, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Be careful not to overbake if you want them to remain soft.
9. While the cookies are baking, prepare the frosting: beat the softened butter and vanilla in a medium bowl until creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in the cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
11. If desired, add food coloring to the frosting (for instance, a lovely shade of pink).
12. Once the cookies are cool, frost them generously and finish with your favorite toppings!

Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Check your recipe; many suggest refrigerating the cookie dough before rolling and cutting.
• Pro Tip: Ensure your baking powder is fresh! It doesn’t last as long as baking soda. You can test its potency by adding a spoonful to hot water — if it bubbles vigorously, it’s good to go!
• Lightly flour the surface before rolling out your dough, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Avoid using too much, as that can make your cookies tough.
• Pro Tip: Lofthouse cookies are typically thicker than regular sugar cookies and should be rolled to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Use parchment paper on your baking sheets. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• If your dough warms up while rolling, rechill it before continuing. Pro Tip: Warm dough won’t hold its shape, so ensure your baking sheets are cool as well.

Frequently Asked Questions