Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies

Have you tried those soft, fluffy sugar cookies with pastel frosting from the bakery? The ones you swore you’d only have one of… and then somehow ate five? Yep — those are Lofthouse cookies. And now you can make them at home! These frosted sugar cookies are thick and soft. They top the creamy buttercream with fun toppings. They taste even better than the store-bought kind. They’re fresh, made with love, and have no strange preservatives.

What are Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies?

Lofthouse cookies are soft sugar cookies. They have a thick layer of frosting and bright sprinkles on top. These cookies stand out from regular sugar cookies because of their texture. They are light and cakey, melting in your mouth. This is due to a blend of butter, sour cream, and the perfect amount of leavening. The frosting is a sweet buttercream. It’s often pink or pastel and always topped with rainbow sprinkles. They’re a sugar cookie and a cupcake that created a delightful combination.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these Lofthouse-style sugar cookies. They’re soft, sweet, and just like those from a bakery. Best of all, they’re easy to make! The dough comes together easily, and there’s no need to roll or cut with precision. The cookies come out thick and soft. The buttercream frosting adds a sweet, nostalgic touch. You can also customize them for any season. Just change the sprinkle colors and frosting for holidays, birthdays, or baby showers.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Small offset spatula (for frosting)

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For the frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and a spoonful of sour cream — this helps keep the cookies extra soft.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to scoop — this helps the cookies hold their shape.

2. Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop the dough into heaping tablespoons or use a cookie scoop. Roll into balls and slightly flatten with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8–10 minutes until puffed and set but not browned.

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Don’t overbake! The edges should be pale — this keeps them soft.

3. Make the Frosting

Beat together butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. Add a drop of food coloring if you want that classic pastel look.

Frost each cooled cookie with plenty of buttercream. Then, add rainbow sprinkles on top.

Optional: Let the frosting set for an hour if you want to stack or store them.

Variations You Can Try

• Holiday twist: Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or heart shapes for Valentine’s Day
• Flavor swap: Add almond extract or lemon zest to the dough or frosting
• Cream cheese frosting: Sub half the butter with cream cheese for a tangy finish
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an easy swap
• Mini version: Make smaller cookies for bite-size party treats

Storage and Serving Tips

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
• Fridge: Store frosted cookies for up to a week (let come to room temp before eating)
• Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; frost after thawing
• Serving: Perfect with milk, coffee, or as part of a cookie tray

FAQs

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not always, but it helps if the dough is too soft to scoop.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.

Why are my cookies too flat?

Make sure your baking powder/soda is fresh, and avoid overmixing.

Can I skip the sour cream?

Sour cream makes them soft and cakey. Greek yogurt can work in a pinch.

How do I get that classic pastel color?

Use gel food coloring in the frosting — a tiny drop goes a long way.

Final Thought

Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies are one of those nostalgic treats that never go out of style. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect for customizing any time of year. No matter if you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or a cozy weekend, these treats will surely bring smiles. You might even get requests for seconds! Once you make them from scratch, you’ll never look at the store-bought ones the same way again.