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
Scale
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
