Soft Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Frosting
These pillowy soft sugar cookies replicate the beloved bakery-style treats with their cake-like texture and signature vanilla buttercream frosting. The secret lies in using both butter and oil for maximum tenderness, plus slightly underbaking to maintain that characteristic pale color and soft bite. Perfect for birthday parties, holidays, or any time you crave that nostalgic bakery cookie experience. The generous frosting layer and colorful sprinkles make them instantly recognizable and irresistibly sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 ½ cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may be more fragile
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoons half-and-halfwhole milk1:1dietaryadds dairy
slightly thinner frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- sprinkles
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and grease two baking sheets
- 2
Beat butter, oil, and sugar until combined
- 3
Beat in water and vanilla
- 4
Mix in eggs one at a time
- 5
Add baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and flour and mix until thoroughly combined
- 6
Scoop dough onto baking sheets using medium scoop or measuring cup
- 7
Flatten each mound slightly with bottom of measuring cup
- 8
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes without letting cookies brown
- 9
Cool on pans several minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely
- 10
Beat butter until smooth for frosting
- 11
Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, half-and-half, and vanilla
- 12
Spread frosting on cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles
Tips
Don't overbake - cookies should remain pale with no browning for the signature soft texture
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and smoother dough consistency
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Unfrosted cookies can be made 2 days ahead; frost day of serving
Serve at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes
Use medium scoop to avoid oversized cookies that bake unevenly
Don't skip flattening step or cookies will be too thick and undercooked in center
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
may be more fragile
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies up to 3 months in airtight container. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
What if my frosting is too thick?
Add half-and-half one teaspoon at a time until spreadable. If too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually.
How long do frosted cookies keep?
Frosted cookies stay fresh 3-4 days at room temperature in single layer in airtight container.