Do you ever crave those soft, pillowy sugar cookies with a thick layer of frosting that you find at bakeries or in the store? Well, now you can make them at home with this easy and delicious recipe for Lofthouse Sugar Cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress guests at a party or simply enjoy a cozy treat with a cup of tea. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring the bakery experience right into your own kitchen.
**Lofthouse Sugar Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp almond extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
**For the Frosting:**
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Food coloring (if desired)
– Sprinkles (for decoration)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each one fully before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into balls, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass to about ¼ inch thickness.
8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them to keep that soft texture.
9. While the cookies are cooling on a wire rack, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla extract, until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
10. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting and mix well until the color is uniform.
11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously with the frosting and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
12. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Enjoy these delightful Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea for a delightful treat that will surely brighten your day. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a sweet moment for yourself, these homemade bakery-style cookies are sure to hit the spot. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake up some sugary goodness together!
