Description
These Soft Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies, adorned with festive holiday colors, are a family favorite that brings delicious joy to any celebration. Their cake-like texture and sweet frosting make them irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but recommended)
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring (red and green for holiday colors)
- Holiday sprinkles, for decorating
Instructions
- Make the Cookies: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (or any festive shape) to cut out cookies.
- Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Do not overbake; these cookies are meant to be soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one bowl with red gel food coloring and the other with green gel food coloring.
- Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of red or green frosting on top of each cookie.
- Immediately decorate with holiday sprinkles.
- Allow the frosting to set slightly before storing.
Notes
- For extra soft cookies, make sure not to overbake them. They should still look pale in the center.
- Almond extract adds a classic Lofthouse flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.
- If your frosting becomes too thick, add a tiny bit more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For a fun activity, let kids help with the decorating!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
