Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze
Soft, pillowy sugar cookies topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for celebrations or everyday treats. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 32 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 large egg, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup sour cream, mixing until smooth.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6: Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart, then flatten each slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Step 7: Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft; remove and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Step 8: For the glaze, whisk together 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Step 9: Spoon glaze over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle with 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles before glaze sets.
- Step 10: Allow glaze to set completely, about 30 minutes, before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies with Vanilla Glaze?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
