Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies are known for their soft, cake-like texture, and their sweet, buttery flavor. In every bite, you’ll experience a cloud of sweetness that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. Let’s dive into the world of Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies and create something magical in your kitchen!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Soft and chewy texture that resembles a cake
– Easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for bakers of all levels
– Customizable with your favorite colors and sprinkles
– Perfect for holiday celebrations, birthdays, or just everyday treats
– A delightful way to share love and joy with friends and family
What Goes Into Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Must-Have Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients seamlessly.
- Electric Mixer: To beat the butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.
- Cookie Sheets: For baking your Lofthouse cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
- Cooling Rack: To cool your cookies before frosting.
Cooking Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies: The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the 3 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1 cup of sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
Step 6: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter with 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the 6 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie. If you’d like to add a pop of color, mix in some food coloring to the frosting, and top with sprinkles.
Smart Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slight tang.
- Plant-Based Butter: Use a plant-based alternative for the butter to make it dairy-free.
- Almond or Coconut Milk: Substitute heavy cream with almond or coconut milk for a lighter frosting.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- For an extra soft cookie, slightly underbake them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts, like almond or lemon, for a fun twist.
- For colorful cookies, divide the frosting into smaller bowls, add different food colorings, and use a piping bag for a decorative touch.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture in both the cookies and the frosting.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
Store your Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before frosting when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Handy Q&A
Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?
Yes! You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but it may affect the texture slightly, making them chewier.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
How can I make these cookies more festive for holidays?
You can add seasonal sprinkles, use colored frosting, or even shape the cookies using fun cookie cutters for different holiday themes!
What’s the best way to frost these cookies?
For a smooth finish, use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly, or pipe it on for a more decorative look. A small offset spatula works wonders for this!
Next Steps
Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies, it’s time to get creative! Try different frosting colors, seasonal sprinkles, or even add a dash of cocoa powder for chocolate versions. The possibilities are endless, and each batch is sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet process of baking together. Happy baking!
Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar. In another mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla. Next, add the 3 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1 cup of sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Step 5: Scoop and Bake. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Step 6: Cool the Cookies. Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Step 7: Make the Frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter with 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the 6 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Step 8: Frost and Decorate. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie. If you’d like to add a pop of color, mix in some food coloring to the frosting, and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- For an extra soft cookie, slightly underbake them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts, like almond or lemon, for a fun twist.
- For colorful cookies, divide the frosting into smaller bowls, add different food colorings, and use a piping bag for a decorative touch.
