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+ servings
Soft, bakery-style treats in a variety of icing colors displayed on a platter

Soft Lofthouse Cookies with Frosting

Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Soft Lofthouse Cookies with Frosting are tender, cake-like sugar cookies topped with creamy vanilla buttercream. Made with sour cream, butter, and sugar for that signature soft texture and nostalgic flavor.
4.5 Servings

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 6 cups all-purpose flour divided
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • cups light sour cream

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Food coloring optional
  • Sprinkles for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 5 cups of the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of flour for adjusting dough consistency later, if needed.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients:

  1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined. The mixture will appear thick and creamy.

Combine with Dry Ingredients:

  1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If the dough remains too sticky for rolling, incorporate additional flour, ¼ cup at a time, until it reaches a pliable consistency. Do not exceed 1 cup of additional flour.

Chill the Dough:

  1. Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a rectangle approximately 1½ inches thick. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Prepare for Baking:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick spray.

Roll and Cut Cookies:

  1. On a generously floured surface, roll one portion of dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly.

Bake:

  1. Bake the cookies for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. Transfer cookies immediately to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting:

  1. In a clean mixing bowl, cream the butter and vanilla extract together. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. If using, add food coloring and mix until well incorporated.

Decorate:

  1. Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost generously and top with sprinkles. Allow the frosting to set before storing.

Notes

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that includes xanthan gum. Monitor the dough's texture closely, as gluten-free blends may require slight adjustments in moisture content. Chilling the dough overnight remains essential for maintaining structure and flavor.
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