Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies
Are you ready to indulge in a soft, pillowy cookie that melts in your mouth? Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies are not just delightful; they are incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. With a fluffy texture and a sweet frosting, they quickly become a crowd favorite. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and explore why these cookies deserve a spot in your baking repertoire.
Why I Love This Recipe
Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of childhood baking sessions filled with joy and laughter. The soft texture is simply irresistible, and the versatility of flavors and colors makes them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because. Plus, the ability to customize the frosting with vibrant colors and fun sprinkles adds a personal touch that everyone loves. Each bite is a sweet reminder of home and happiness.
Ingredient Breakdown
To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our cookies, giving them that beloved soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect fluffy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Works alongside baking soda for a balanced rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors in the cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature – Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their soft texture.
- 3 large eggs – Acts as a binding agent and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Infuses the cookies with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting) at room temperature – Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting) – Adds depth to the flavor of the frosting.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting to perfect sugary goodness.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream – Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
- Food coloring (optional) – To create fun and festive colored frosting.
- Sprinkles (optional) – For the perfect finishing touch!
Appliances & Accessories
Before we start baking, gather these essential appliances and accessories:
- Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients, preferably in various sizes.
- Electric Mixer – A hand or stand mixer will make creaming butter and sugar a breeze.
- Baking Sheets – Ensure they are lined with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies.
- Spatula – For mixing and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Cooling Rack – To cool the cookies before frosting.
Stepwise Method: Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden edge.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, using your electric mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, blending until combined.
Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream
Add the sour cream to the mixture and mix until smooth. This step is crucial for that soft, tender cookie texture.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth, adding heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
Step 10: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each cookie with icing. If desired, add food coloring to your frosting for a pop of color and top them with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you need to make these Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies dairy-free or gluten-free, consider these swaps:
- For dairy-free: Replace unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use a dairy-free sour cream.
- For gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- For heavy cream: Use a dairy-free cream alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even seasoned bakers can stumble when it comes to making Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not measuring ingredients correctly – This can affect the texture and taste of your cookies.
- Overbaking – Keep a close eye on your cookies; they should look soft and slightly underbaked when you take them out.
- Skipping the cooling period – Frosting warm cookies can lead to a melted mess; ensure they are completely cooled.
- Using cold butter – Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storing tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container for up to three months.
- Frosted cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week; however, they are best enjoyed fresh.
Popular Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This could be due to using warm butter or not chilling the dough before baking. Make sure your butter is at room temperature and consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes.
Can I use different flavors for the frosting?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to create unique flavors for your frosting.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even buttermilk for a similar texture and tang.
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and steps laid out for making Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! Whether you’re treating yourself, sharing with friends, or celebrating a special occasion, these cookies are sure to delight. Enjoy the process, have fun with the frosting, and most importantly, savor every delicious bite. Happy baking!
Lofthouse Style Soft Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden edge.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, using your electric mixer, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, blending until combined.
- Step 5: Add the sour cream to the mixture and mix until smooth. This step is crucial for that soft, tender cookie texture.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Step 7: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth, adding heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cooled, generously frost each cookie with icing. If desired, add food coloring to your frosting for a pop of color and top them with sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to three months.
- Frosted cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week; however, they are best enjoyed fresh.
