Nina Johnson
Soft, pillowy, and topped with a swirl of pastel frosting and cheerful sprinkles, Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies are the iconic bakery-style treat we all know and love. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or anytime you need a nostalgic sweet fix that hits just right.
The magic of Lofthouse cookies lies in their ultra-soft texture and creamy frosting. Unlike typical sugar cookies that are crisp or crumbly, these are cakey and tender thanks to sour cream and just the right balance of ingredients. Whether you color your frosting pink, mint green, or lemon yellow, these cookies are a delight to decorate and even more fun to eat.
What Kind of Frosting Should I Use for Lofthouse Cookies?
Traditional Lofthouse cookies use a whipped buttercream or sour cream-based frosting that’s smooth and fluffy. You can use a classic American buttercream or go with a lighter whipped version. Color it with gel food coloring for the signature pastel look, and top with rainbow sprinkles for the finishing touch.
Ingredients for the Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure of the cookies and keeps them soft rather than crumbly.
Cornstarch – Adds a tender, delicate crumb that gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The dynamic leavening duo helps these cookies rise slightly and stay airy.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Butter – Softened unsalted butter creates a rich base and pairs beautifully with the frosting.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies without making them overly rich.
Eggs – Help bind the dough and add structure while keeping the texture tender.
Sour Cream – The secret ingredient for ultra-soft, bakery-style cookies. Adds moisture and a subtle tang.
Vanilla Extract – Brings that classic sugar cookie flavor.
Frosting Ingredients – Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and food coloring come together for the perfect fluffy, sweet topping.
Sprinkles – For that festive finish that makes Lofthouse cookies so recognizable.
How To Make the Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until fully blended. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a consistent cookie rise.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough for a soft and delicate texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The sour cream keeps the cookies soft and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix or the cookies may turn out dense instead of airy.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to shape and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on the sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set but not browned. Let them cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Add gel food coloring if desired.
Step 8: Decorate
Spread a generous amount of frosting on each cooled cookie. Finish with a shower of colorful sprinkles. Let the frosting set before storing or serving.
How to Serve and Store Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
These cookies are ideal for sharing at parties, holiday cookie swaps, or as sweet gifts wrapped in festive boxes. Serve them at room temperature so the frosting stays soft and fluffy.
To store, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, use parchment paper between layers to protect the frosting. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies and add the frosting after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Lofthouse cookies?
Yes! For best results, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Frost once they’re thawed.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
You can! Full-fat Greek yogurt works as a substitute and still delivers a soft texture, though the tang will be slightly different.
Why do my cookies spread too much?
Make sure to chill your dough thoroughly and measure your flour correctly. Too much butter or too little flour can cause excess spreading.
Can I color the dough instead of the frosting?
Yes, but it’s not traditional. If you do, use gel food coloring and add it during the wet mixing stage.
Do I have to use cornstarch?
Cornstarch is key to the tender texture. If omitted, the cookies may be denser and less melt-in-your-mouth.
What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Go with classic rainbow jimmies for that true Lofthouse look. Avoid nonpareils as they can bleed color into the frosting.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other colorful and creative treats:
- Red Velvet Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for a rich and tangy twist.
- Whipped Shortbread Cookies with buttery melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Cheesecake Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies for a cozy fall dessert with a surprise center.
- Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Deep Fried Oreos when you want cookies taken to the next level.
- Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for something zesty and quick.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go pastel with your frosting, or mix it up with bold colors? Try adding extracts like almond or lemon?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
Description
Soft, bakery-style sugar cookies topped with fluffy pastel frosting and rainbow sprinkles. These Lofthouse-style treats are melt-in-your-mouth perfection for holidays or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting:
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into balls, flatten slightly, and bake for 8–10 minutes. Do not overbake.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Add food coloring if using.
- Frost cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles.
