“`html

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about those delightful bakery treats with a soft, pillowy texture covered in swirls of sweet frosting and sprinkles, you’re in for a real treat with the Lofthouse Cookies: Soft Sugar Cookies with Pink Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe. This recipe captures the magic of those iconic cookies, blending a delicate, tender crumb with luscious pink frosting and just the right sprinkle of colorful jimmies to bring that nostalgic joy right to your kitchen. It’s honestly one of the best ways to impress friends, family, or just indulge your own sweet cravings with a warm, homemade hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an off-white, slightly crumbly dough inside a white bowl. The dough has an uneven texture with soft lumps and small pieces scattered around, some areas appearing denser and others more crumbly. The bowl's inside edges and bottom are visible, contrasting with the dough's pale color. A white spatula is partially seen at the bottom right, touching the dough, adding a subtle shiny surface near the tool. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a starring role in creating the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and that perfect balance of sweetness and flavor that makes Lofthouse cookies so irresistible.

2 cups cake flour: This delicate flour results in a softer, lighter cookie than using regular flour.
1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch: Adds extra tenderness and helps keep the cookies soft over time.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives just enough lift for that fluffy, cloud-like texture.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness brilliantly.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and buttery softness.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while aiding in that tender crumb.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Classic flavor that makes the cookies taste like a dream.
½ teaspoon almond extract: A subtle hint that elevates the cookie’s aroma and taste.
¼ cup sour cream, room temperature: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep cookies soft.
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy, luscious frosting base.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds that comforting vanilla note to frosting.
Dash of kosher salt (for frosting): Balances the frosting’s sweetness beautifully.
2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adjusts frosting consistency to silky perfection.
1 drop pink gel food coloring: Gives your frosting that irresistible, playful pastel pink tone.
¼ cup jimmies colored sprinkles: The sprinkle magic that finishes these cookies with a cheerful pop!

How to Make Lofthouse Cookies: Soft Sugar Cookies with Pink Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This blend lays the foundation for the cookies’ distinctive softness and ensures every bite is light and tender.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they combine into a smooth, slightly fluffy mixture. This step creates the creamy structure that will hold your cookie together and make them irresistible.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Their flavors infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic complexity that’s just begging to be baked.

Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream

Sour cream is your secret weapon here! Stir it in until well blended—it keeps the dough moist and tender, giving your cookies that classic soft texture every Lofthouse fan adores.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gently, using a rubber spatula to scrape the bowl and fold everything just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix; you want to keep those cookies soft and delicate!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough so the cookies bake up perfectly thick and soft instead of spreading too thin.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Dust your hands with powdered sugar and scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough, rolling it into a smooth ball each time. This helps create that familiar round, fluffy look that’s so satisfying.

Step 8: Flatten and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the dough balls spaced about 3 inches apart. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in powdered sugar until the cookies are about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until they’re just lightly golden on the edges. Remember, the cookies should never brown too much.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool completely, beat softened frosting butter until it lightens and becomes creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream, mixing until silky and the perfect spreading consistency. Add a drop of pink gel food coloring and swirl it in to get that dreamy pastel pink frosting that’s so classic.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Spread a generous amount of pink frosting on each cooled cookie, leaving a tiny border so the cookie edges peek through. Finish with a cheerful sprinkle of colorful jimmies to complete the Lofthouse Cookies: Soft Sugar Cookies with Pink Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe to perfection.

How to Serve Lofthouse Cookies: Soft Sugar Cookies with Pink Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe

The image shows a close-up of soft, round cookies with one cookie broken in half and stacked on top of another. The cookies have a pale, light beige color with a soft, crumbly texture. Each cookie is topped with a thick layer of smooth, bright pink frosting, spread evenly in a swirled pattern. On top of the frosting, there are colorful sprinkles in different shapes and colors, including green, yellow, purple, red, white, and blue. The cookies rest on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface, and in the background, there is a white bowl with more sprinkles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your cookies extra special, add a few creative garnishes like mini edible pearls, edible glitter, or even a light drizzle of white chocolate. These small touches add visual interest and elevate presentation for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Pair these soft sugar cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of rich hot chocolate, or even a fresh berry smoothie. The creaminess and sweetness from these drinks complement the cookies beautifully, making every bite even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies on a pretty cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers for a party, or package a few in a clear treat bag tied with a pastel ribbon as a charming homemade gift. You can also use cookie cutters before baking to make fun shapes that bring an extra dose of delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Lofthouse Cookies: Soft Sugar Cookies with Pink Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for snacking or sharing.

Freezing

Want to enjoy these later? Freeze the undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature, then frost and decorate. This keeps their signature softness intact.

Reheating

If you want to bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop the cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. It’s like magic—soft, gooey, and perfect every time, especially when paired with frosting.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but your cookies may be slightly less tender and soft. To mimic cake flour more closely, try removing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Why is sour cream used in the cookie dough?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps these cookies soft and prevents them from becoming dry or cakey. It’s a key ingredient for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How do I prevent my frosting from being too runny?

If your frosting becomes too soft, add a little more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time to thicken it up, or chill it briefly before frosting. Conversely, add a bit more cream if it’s too stiff.

Can I use a different color for the frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and tint the frosting any color you like. The pink is classic and sweet, but pastel blues, purples, or even rainbow swirls can be a fun twist for parties or holidays.

What type of sprinkles work best?

Traditional jimmies colored sprinkles are perfect for this recipe because they add fun texture without melting or bleeding colors into the frosting. Avoid nonpareils or sugar crystals that might be too hard or overpower the frosting’s softness.

Final Thoughts

Making the Lofthouse Cookies: Soft Sugar Cookies with Pink Frosting and Sprinkles Recipe is like discovering a little batch of happiness in your own kitchen. These cookies are a beautiful blend of nostalgia and easy comfort food, perfect for celebrations or everyday joy. Dive into this recipe and watch how quickly these soft sugar cookies become a beloved classic in your home too!

“`