If you have a sweet tooth craving for a soft, buttery delight topped with rich frosting and colorful sprinkles, you are in for a treat with this Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. These cookies are irresistibly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfectly balanced with a creamy vanilla frosting that’s just sweet enough to make you smile. Plus, the sprinkle toppings take these beauties from simple to festive in a flash, making them ideal for celebrations or everyday indulgence. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to cookie for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie heaven. This list includes pantry staples that work together seamlessly to create that iconic soft texture and the perfect vanilla flavor in your Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the sturdy base for your cookies, giving them structure.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps your cookies rise just enough to stay soft without being cakey.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Adds a touch of lift and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Cornstarch (4 tbsp): The secret ingredient for that ultra-soft, velvety texture.
- Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened + 1/2 cup for frosting): Adds richness and creaminess; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps with browning.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Essential for creating a smooth and spreadable frosting.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Imparts that warm, classic flavor in both dough and frosting.
- Egg (1): Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
- Milk (3–4 tbsp): Adjusts the frosting texture for that perfect spread.
- Corn syrup (1/2 tbsp): Gives the frosting a glossy finish and smoothness.
- Sprinkles (optional): Brings fun, color, and crunch to each bite.
- Food coloring (optional): Customize your frosting with any hue you love for a festive flair.
How to Make Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This dry mix will create the perfect foundation for your soft, tender cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy, fluffy, and smooth. This step is key because properly creamed butter traps air that helps your cookies stay light yet soft.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These add moisture and the classic flavor that makes these cookies so addictive.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the butter mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make your cookies tough. The dough should be soft but manageable.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Use a tablespoon to scoop out dough portions and roll them into balls. Place them on your baking sheet about two inches apart so they have room to spread. Then, gently press the dough balls down with the bottom of a glass or your hand to form thick rounds. This ensures the soft, thick texture that fans adore in this Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to just start turning golden while the centers remain soft and delicate. This balance is what makes these cookies standout – they’re tender without being underdone.
Step 7: Cool Before Frosting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla, corn syrup, and milk until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk; too thin, add more powdered sugar. Optionally, divide your frosting and add food coloring for a personalized touch.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Spread generous amounts of frosting over your cooled cookies. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles immediately so they stick. These final details bring the joyful personality this Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe is famous for.
How to Serve Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra sprinkles or even edible glitter can make these cookies pop on any dessert tray. Consider crushed candy canes during holidays or edible flowers for a springtime vibe. These small touches elevate the experience beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with classic cold milk or a rich cup of hot cocoa to complement their sweetness. For a grown-up twist, a glass of dessert wine or a creamy coffee latte also pairs wonderfully, balancing the sugary frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in colorful mason jars for a charming gift or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to impress guests. You can also sandwich frosting between two cookies to change things up and delight everyone with a double-layer treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to a week, so you can enjoy your Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe even days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. When ready, thaw completely and frost before serving. Frosted cookies can be frozen too, but the texture may be slightly affected after thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or a quick 5 minutes in a preheated 300°F oven. This step revives that fresh-baked warmth and softness which perfectly complements the creamy frosting.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have, but reduce or omit the additional salt to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor balance.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch helps create the signature tender and soft texture in these sugar cookies. It prevents gluten development in the flour, making the cookies light and velvety rather than chewy or tough.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your frosted cookies will remain fresh for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. You can also freeze them to extend their shelf life as mentioned above.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain texture. Keep other ingredient proportions the same for best results.
What’s the best way to get bright, vibrant frosting colors?
Using gel-based food coloring works best as it won’t thin out your frosting like liquid colors might. A little goes a long way, so start with small amounts and add more until you get the desired hue.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am for you to try this Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. It’s such a joy to make and even more fun to personalize and share. These cookies bring a smile with their soft texture, classic vanilla sweetness, and playful sprinkle toppings. Whether it’s for a holiday, a party, or just a cozy day at home, they’re an absolute winner every single time. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
This classic Lofthouse Sugar Cookies recipe delivers soft, thick, and delightfully tender cookies topped with a creamy vanilla frosting. Perfectly balanced with a hint of cornstarch for extra softness, these cookies bake up with golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. Finished with a luscious homemade frosting that’s spreadable and sweet, and optional sprinkles or food coloring for a festive touch, they make a perfect treat for celebrations or everyday indulgence.
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 Dough
- 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 flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch until fully combined and set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and continue beating until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Form Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Flatten Cookies: Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your hands, creating thick rounds that will bake evenly.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn golden while the centers remain soft and slightly undercooked to keep tenderness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating continuously until smooth and whipped.
- Flavor & Thin Frosting: Add the vanilla extract, corn syrup, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add the extra tablespoon of milk as needed.
- Frost Cookies: Once cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie using a knife or spatula.
- Decorate: Optionally, tint the frosting with food coloring before spreading, and add sprinkles for festive decoration.
Notes
- For best results, soften the butter but do not melt it to maintain the right cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- Flattening the cookie dough balls ensures an even bake and the signature soft thickness.
- Cooling the cookies slightly on the baking sheet before transferring prevents breakage.
- You can customize the frosting color and decorations to match any occasion.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
