If you’ve ever craved that perfect soft, tender cookie that’s just the right balance of sweet and fluffy, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. These cookies capture that dreamy bakery-quality texture and the frosting is so luscious and cloud-like, it practically melts in your mouth. Topped with colorful sprinkles, they bring an instant smile and a burst of childhood nostalgia in every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat to brighten your day, this recipe is a total keeper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple pantry staples, but each one plays a vital role in making your cookies irresistibly soft and perfectly sweet. From the cornstarch that gives cookies their signature tender crumb to the creamy butter that creates softness, every item is essential for success.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, providing structure without toughness.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps give your cookies the gentle rise and fluffiness.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works alongside baking powder to achieve the perfect texture.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- Cornstarch (4 tbsp): The secret weapon for that signature soft and tender cookie crumb.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and creaminess, split between dough and frosting.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp edge.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Infuses warm, comforting flavor into both the cookies and frosting.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): For that perfectly smooth, sweet, and fluffy frosting texture.
- Milk (3–4 tbsp): Adjusts frosting consistency for spreading softness.
- Corn syrup (1/2 tbsp): Adds shine and stabilizes frosting for that bakery-like finish.
- Sprinkles (optional): Because every good sugar cookie deserves a pop of color and fun.
- Food coloring (optional): To personalize your frosting with your favorite shades.
How to Make Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch. Setting this mix aside ahead gives you a smooth workflow when combining with the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns creamy and smooth. This step is crucial because well-creamed butter and sugar creates a light texture and helps with the cookie’s spread during baking. Take your time with this to make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is blended well. The egg introduces moisture and acts as a binder, while vanilla delivers that warm and inviting flavor that makes these cookies so nostalgic. With each stir, you’re one step closer to cookie heaven.
Step 4: Combine Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing here because you want to keep your cookies tender and soft. Once incorporated, your dough is ready to be rolled!
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon scoop, roll dough into balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your hand to create thick round shapes. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for edges that start to golden while the center stays soft—those centers are where the magic is.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps them firm up just enough so they’re sturdy but still soft and tender inside—exactly how you want your Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe to feel.
Step 7: Make the Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar while beating until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract, corn syrup, and milk, beating everything together until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. If needed, add a splash more milk for the perfect consistency. Feel free to swirl in food coloring to brighten up your cookies!
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of fluffy vanilla frosting atop each one. Sprinkle colorful sprinkles on the frosting for that classic, festive look that makes these cookies impossible to resist.
How to Serve Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While traditional rainbow sprinkles are a showstopper, try adding edible glitter or crushed freeze-dried fruit for a personalized touch. Freshly grated zest of lemon or orange folded into the frosting can add a bright citrus note that Refreshes the buttery sweetness and provides a grown-up twist.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of chai tea to highlight their vanilla-sweet richness. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of fresh berries to balance sweetness with a bit of tartness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your frosted cookies on a colorful plate or tiered dessert stand for eye-catching appeal at any gathering. Try sandwiching frosting between two cookies to create cookie sandwiches, or use cookie cutters to shape your dough before baking for seasonal or thematic presentations. Presentation is part of the fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their softness and flavor. If you prefer chilled cookies, store them in the fridge but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Freezing
You can freeze un-frosted cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw at room temperature and then frost as usual. Frosted cookies do not freeze well because the frosting texture can change.
Reheating
For that freshly baked warmth, pop your room-temperature cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes before frosting. This slight warmth revives softness, making every bite feel just baked fresh.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine or shortening?
While you can use margarine or shortening, butter is the key to the flavor and soft texture in this Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. Margarine may cause a different texture, and shortening won’t provide the same rich taste.
Why is cornstarch used in the cookie dough?
Cornstarch is crucial because it makes the cookies super tender and soft by limiting gluten formation. It’s the secret ingredient that differentiates Lofthouse-style cookies from typical sugar cookies.
How do I get my frosting really fluffy?
Beat the butter thoroughly until creamy before adding powdered sugar. Adding corn syrup and a bit of milk helps whip air into the frosting, making it glossy and light. Don’t rush this step; patience is key for that perfect fluff.
Can I add food coloring to the frosting?
Absolutely! Using gel-based food coloring is ideal because it won’t thin your frosting. It’s a fun way to customize your cookies for holidays, parties, or just your personal style.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these frosted cookies stay deliciously fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they may start to lose their soft, fresh-baked texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing the Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies bring a little extra happiness to the day. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles makes each bite a celebration. So go ahead, bake a batch, and watch smiles light up all around you!
Print
Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Fluffy Vanilla Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are soft, thick, and delightfully sweet, topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat any time, these cookies combine simple pantry staples with a luscious frosting that can be customized with sprinkles and food coloring for added fun.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
Cookie Batter
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tbsp corn syrup
- Sprinkles (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring proper aeration for soft cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently but just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Portion the Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each to allow spreading.
- Shape Cookies: Using the bottom of a glass or your hands, gently flatten each dough ball to form thick cookie rounds to ensure even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden color while the centers remain soft, to achieve the classic Lofthouse texture.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents breakage.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth to develop the frosting texture.
- Add Flavor and Texture to Frosting: Mix in the vanilla extract, corn syrup, and milk. Beat the frosting until it becomes fluffy and spreadable, adding more milk if necessary for desired consistency.
- Frost the Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one.
- Decorate: Optionally, add food coloring to the frosting before spreading, and decorate with sprinkles for a colorful finish and festive presentation.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Using cornstarch in the dough helps achieve a softer texture typical of Lofthouse cookies.
- For thicker cookies, chill the dough before baking.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust milk quantity in frosting to reach your preferred spreadability.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
