There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a Lofthouse sugar cookie, don’t you think? These cookies are soft, pillowy, and bring a smile to your face with every bite. They remind me of warm kitchens filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a delightful way to fill your home with warmth and joy.
Lofthouse sugar cookies are made with simple yet essential ingredients. The combination of sour cream, sugar, and softened unsalted butter creates a moist and tender cookie. Adding eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract gives these cookies a subtle richness and depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The dry ingredients, which include all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, balance the sweetness perfectly. To elevate these cookies, a fluffy buttercream frosting made from powdered sugar, more butter, and a splash of milk can be added, and you can even customize it with food coloring and festive sprinkles.
Preparing these cookies is a straightforward process that’s perfect for bakers of any level. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, you’ll cream together the sour cream, sugar, and softened butter until fluffy. Then, add in your eggs and extracts. After mixing the wet ingredients, whisk your dry ingredients in another bowl. Gradually combine the two mixtures, scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet, and bake until lightly golden around the edges. Once cooled, spread on the delicious buttercream frosting, and you’ll be ready for any gathering.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon at home or a holiday celebration. They also make for a delightful treat to bring when visiting friends or family. You’ll find that they disappear quickly, leaving everyone craving just one more.
Why You’ll Love This Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
- Quick to Make: With simple steps, you can have fresh cookies in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making them easy to whip up.
- Comfort Food: The soft texture and sweet flavor bring warmth and nostalgia.
- Customizable: Experiment with different colors and toppings for all occasions.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.
Sour Cream Tips
The star of this recipe is definitely the sour cream. When selecting sour cream, look for one that has a smooth, creamy texture and a balanced tangy flavor. Choose full-fat sour cream for the richest taste, as it contributes to the cookies’ moistness. If you’re sensitive to acidity, try an organic or fresh brand that tends to have a milder taste. Remember to let it come to room temperature before mixing, as this will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
Options for Substitutions
- For a lighter option, substitute half of the butter with applesauce.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy flavor and added protein.
- Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar for a rich, caramel flavor.
- For gluten sensitivity, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Reduce the sugar by half for a less sweet cookie, though the texture may slightly change.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overmixing the dough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Another pitfall is overbaking. Keep an eye on the cookies; you want them to be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. It’s also essential to let them cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Finally, don’t skip the parchment paper or silicone baking mat. They help prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
What to Serve With Lofthouse Sugar Cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, enhancing their sweetness and creaminess. For a delightful dessert spread, serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also go well with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider featuring these cookies in a cookie platter with other favorites like chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal raisin cookies.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Freeze: For longer storage, these cookies can be frozen. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or on the stove over low heat for a few minutes.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 2400-2600
Protein: 30-35g
Fat: 100-115g
Carbohydrates: 375-400g
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk, more as needed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- food coloring (optional)
- sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream Together Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, sugar, and softened butter. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. Take a moment to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is blended well.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt throughout the dough.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 6: Bake Cookies and Cool
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Conclusion
Lofthouse sugar cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. With their soft texture and sweet frosting, they are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe at home; it’s an excellent way to share warmth and joy with family and friends. After you give them a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share your experience or check out similar recipes on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
How can I make these cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, but keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze it for longer storage. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
Print
Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, pillowy sugar cookies topped with fluffy buttercream frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk, more as needed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- food coloring (optional)
- sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream sour cream, sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Notes
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg