Recipe

How to Make the Classic Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies You Find in the Grocery Store

By Sidney Uttam at Denison University

Remember those brightly colored frosted sugar cookies that you used to always beg for at the grocery store as a kid? The softest, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that were at every birthday party and school event because they are made perfectly for every occasion. This recipe tastes exactly like the classic Lofthouse style sugar cookies you lived for as a child, and will definitely make you feel like a kid again. 

Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 11 mins
  • Total Time: 21 mins
  • Servings: 3
Ingredients
  • Cookies:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Frosting:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup salted butter softened
  • Sprinkles

Step 1

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and granulated sugar until smooth.

Alex Frank

Step 2

Mix in eggs, sour cream, and vanilla.

Alex Frank

Step 3

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour.

Alex Frank

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 350° and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat liners.

Elizabeth Budd

Step 5

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll between palms to form balls. Place the balls of dough on a prepared cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Gently flatten out each dough ball with palms.

Alex Frank

Step 6

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are light and puffed. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes, then remove the cookies from cookie sheets and place on wired wrack to cool completely.
NOTE: Cookies may appear under-baked, but this is what you want.

Elizabeth Budd

Step 7

To make the frosting, beat the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment for about 30 seconds.

Step 8

Slowly add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until well incorporated.

Step 9

Add in the vanilla and 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10

Using a knife, spread the frosting onto the cookies and add sprinkles if desired.