Name: Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ounces powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups; 285 g); 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or half as much by volume if using table salt); 2 1/2 ounces heavy cream (shy 1/3 cup; 70 g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml); 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks; 225 g), pliable but cool, about 60°F (16°C); 7 ounces sugar (1 cup; 200 g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/4 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or half as much by volume if using table salt; 5 g); 2 ounces egg white (1/4 cup; 55 g), from about 2 large eggs; 1 ounce heavy cream (2 tablespoons; 30 g); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml); 11 ounces bleached cake flour (2 3/4 cups; 310 g), such as Swans Down; Assorted food coloring, nonpareils, and sprinkles, for decorating (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

I absolutely adore these thick, chubby, and unrepentantly sweet treats that capture the essence of classic bakery nostalgia. When I make my Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe, I feel like I’m bringing a slice of that soft, frosted delight right to my kitchen. The tender, cakey texture combined with the luscious, creamy frosting is nothing short of magical; it’s one of those recipes I cherish sharing with friends and family whenever a sweet moment calls for it.

Why You’ll Love This Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

What truly makes this recipe stand out to me is the perfect balance of flavors and texture. The cookies are wonderfully soft thanks to the bleached cake flour, and the gentle sweetness is elevated by the rich, velvety frosting that melts in your mouth. I love how the subtle vanilla aroma lingers with every bite, making these cookies not just a treat but a comforting experience. The faintly golden edges hint at that slight caramelization, which gives it just the right amount of complexity without overpowering the delicate sweetness.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe is how approachable it is, even for a home baker like me who appreciates fuss-free steps. The ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen, resulting in a finished product that looks as good as it tastes. Plus, the gentle baking time means you can whip these up in under an hour—a perfect solution for celebrations or a last-minute dessert that still feels special and impressive. Whether it’s a holiday party, a kid’s birthday, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cookies truly bring joy to any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a baking tray lined with white parchment paper holding several round sugar cookies arranged in rows. Each cookie is smooth and light golden in color with a soft, slightly raised surface. One cookie in the foreground is being spread with a thick layer of bright pink, creamy icing using a small spoon held by a woman's hand. Other cookies in the tray show a layer of white icing topped with multicolored sprinkles. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Before you start, I want you to know the ingredients here are refreshingly simple yet essential for delivering that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that classic look. Each element, from the cake flour’s soft touch to the heavy cream’s lush creaminess, plays an irreplaceable role in creating these iconic cookies.

10 ounces powdered sugar: This forms the sweet, smooth base of the frosting that melts effortlessly on top of each cookie.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all other flavors in the frosting.
2 1/2 ounces heavy cream: Adds richness and that dreamy creamy texture to the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
8 ounces unsalted butter: Provides a tender base to the cookie dough with a perfect pliability at 60°F.
7 ounces sugar: Sweetens and helps create the soft, fluffy dough.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookies that wonderful lift and cakey texture.
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances the dough’s sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
2 ounces egg white: Adds structure and moisture without weighing down the dough.
1 ounce heavy cream: Keeps the dough soft and tender.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a delicious vanilla aroma and flavor.
11 ounces bleached cake flour: Essential for that tender, cakey texture and the pale color that sets these cookies apart.
Assorted food coloring, nonpareils, and sprinkles (optional): For adding your personal decorative flair and fun colors to the frosting.

Directions

Step 1: Let’s begin by making the frosting. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the powdered sugar, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Start mixing at a low speed so everything gets moistened, then crank it up to medium and beat for about 5 minutes until the frosting becomes creamy, soft, and luscious.

Step 2: Once your frosting is perfectly smooth, scrape it into a small bowl or divide it into several bowls if you want to tint it with food coloring. Cover each bowl tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to avoid any crust forming and set aside for now, up to 24 hours at room temperature.

Step 3: For the cookie dough, adjust your oven rack to the middle and preheat to 350°F (180°C). Using the same bowl and paddle attachment you used for the frosting (no need to wash it first), mix the butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt at low speed to combine, then increase to medium speed. Beat for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns pale ivory, fluffy, and light.

Step 4: While your mixer is running, whisk together the egg whites, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a glass measuring cup until smooth. Add this liquid mixture slowly in 4 or 5 additions, stopping halfway to scrape down the bowl and paddle to ensure everything is perfectly incorporated.

Step 5: Lower the mixer to a slow speed, then sprinkle the bleached cake flour over the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. To guarantee an even mix, fold the dough once or twice with a flexible spatula, making sure to reach all the bits at the bottom of the bowl.

Step 6: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out 24 even dollops of dough onto two parchment-lined half sheet pans. Leave about 2 ½ inches space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. If your dough sticks to the scoop, rinse it in hot water between scoops to maintain neat, round shapes.

Step 7: Pop the cookies into the oven and bake until they puff up and appear pale all over, with just a hint of golden edges—this should take around 15 minutes. Let them cool completely on the pans for another 15 minutes, so they’re firm but still soft to the touch.

Step 8: Finally, decorate! Add a generous but shy tablespoon of frosting on each cookie and spread it evenly with a palette or butter knife. If you like, sprinkle your favorite nonpareils or sprinkles on top for that classic festive look. Enjoy right away, or let the frosting set before storing (up to 3 days) layered with wax paper in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 24 delicious 3-inch cookies—perfect for sharing or savoring over several days. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to bake, and another 15 minutes to cool the cookies, making the total time approximately 50 minutes from start to finish. The resting time ensures your cookies are cool enough to frost and enjoy to the fullest softness and flavor.

How to Serve This Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows twelve round cookies arranged in a loose grid on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a smooth layer of colorful icing in four different colors: purple, blue, pink, and white, with random sprinkles of various colors scattered evenly on top. The icing layers cover most of each cookie's surface, creating a soft, glossy texture. The cookies' edges are light brown and slightly rough, contrasting with the bright, smooth icing. Some sprinkles have fallen around the cookies on the surface, adding a playful touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies at room temperature because that’s when the soft, cakey texture and creamy frosting shine their brightest. They pair so well with a simple cup of tea or coffee, which perfectly balances the cookie’s sweetness. For a festive twist, I sometimes serve them alongside a chilled glass of milk or even a frothy hot chocolate on colder days; the cookie sweetness complements those drinks beautifully.

When I want to add a bit of flair, I garnish the frosting with colorful sprinkles or a light dusting of edible glitter for special occasions like birthdays and holidays. I find that arranging them on a pretty platter or tiered serving tray instantly elevates the presentation and invites guests to indulge with delight. For portion control while hosting, slicing a dozen cookies in half also makes these a lovely bite-sized treat, perfect for sharing among friends or family at a casual gathering.

These cookies are ideal for celebrations, after-dinner desserts, or even an indulgent afternoon snack. Because of their soft texture, they don’t need to be served warm, but if you like, you can gently warm them in the microwave for just a few seconds to soften the frosting a bit before eating—just be careful not to melt it completely.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe in a few fun ways. If you’re looking to swap ingredients, I recommend sticking to bleached cake flour or a high-quality cake flour substitute, because it really makes the cookie’s texture. For a twist, you could try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.

If you need gluten-free options, I’ve found that using a specialty gluten-free cake flour blend designed for baking yields tasty results, though the texture may be a touch different—less cakey and more tender. For a vegan take, I substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea brine); it requires a little extra care with mixing and timing but still produces a lovely soft cookie. You can also experiment with the frosting by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a mild tropical note.

In terms of decorating, I often experiment with natural food colorings made from beetroot powder, spirulina, or turmeric instead of artificial gels for a fresh and wholesome vibe. Regarding cooking methods, you can also freeze the dough balls ahead of time and bake them as needed; this little shortcut saves time when you crave fresh cookies without starting from scratch.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover Lofthouse-style frosted sugar cookies, I make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their signature soft texture. I like to place a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking together. They generally stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying gradually or for guests throughout the week.

Freezing

I often freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls for convenience. To do this, I scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid. Then I transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough stores well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to bake, I let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Unfortunately, once frosted, these cookies don’t freeze as well, since the frosting can change texture upon thawing, so I usually frost fresh after baking.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover cookies at their best, I gently warm them in the microwave for 5 to 8 seconds, which softens the frosting and refreshes the cakey texture without melting the frosting completely. Avoid reheating in the oven, as it can dry out the cookies. If you want to refresh the frosting’s softness, a quick whisk of a fresh batch and a smear on the cookie always works wonders!

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bleached cake flour?

While you technically can, I don’t recommend swapping bleached cake flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe because it changes the texture dramatically. Cake flour’s lower protein content and specific starch characteristics give these cookies their signature cakey softness and pale color. Using all-purpose flour will result in cookies that are denser, chewier, and browner on the edges.

How long can I store these cookies before they go stale?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their tender texture and frosting may harden. For longer storage, freezing the dough is your best bet to maintain freshness.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prepare the frosting up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap directly on its surface to prevent a crust from forming. You can store it at room temperature if you plan to use it within the day, or refrigerate it. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before frosting your cookies.

What can I use to decorate the cookies?

I enjoy using colorful nonpareils, sprinkles, or edible glitter to make these cookies extra festive. You can also tint the frosting with gel food coloring for personalized hues, which is especially fun for holidays or themed parties. If you want a more natural approach, powdered spices or finely chopped nuts make lovely garnishes too!

Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?

Yes! I’ve experimented by replacing the butter with vegan margarine and the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Use a plant-based heavy cream substitute as well. It takes a bit of tweaking since the balance of moisture and structure is delicate, but with some care, you can achieve a similarly soft and frosted cookie experience.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe as I am to share it with you. There’s something so comforting and joyous about biting into that soft, cakey cookie with that luscious, creamy frosting on top. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and a touch of sweet magic to your day. Give them a go, and I promise they’ll become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!