Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies

So I found this amazing recipe for Lofthouse Style Frosted Sugar Cookies 

on pintrest from Authentic Suburban Gourmet.

Lofthouse cookies happen to be one of my favorite.

They looked great, had a perfect texture and a yummy frosting.

But the cookie itself didn't have the best flavor.

And the cookie isn't an exact match

So making them again I added some almond extract. Big difference!

I also want to try some orange flavoring the next time.

Add some extra flavoring a TBSP or two (to taste)

and they are amazing!

Lofthouse Style Frosted Sugar Cookies

                                                                        Cookies:

6 cups all purpose flour

1 t. baking soda 

1 t. baking powder 

1 c. butter, at room temperature 

2 c. granulated sugar 

3 eggs 

2 t. vanilla extract

**I add more flavoring: almond, orange, vanilla

1 1/2 c. sour cream

Frosting:

1 c. butter, 

room temperature 

1 t. vanilla extract 

4 c. powdered sugar 

6 T. heavy cream 

Several drops food coloring 

Multi-colored Sprinkles

Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the flat beater attached, cream the butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the eggs, one at a time beating until each is incorporated. Add the vanilla and sour cream and beat at low speed until combined.

Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Dough will be a bit “sticky”. Divide dough into two sections. Flatten into rectangles about 1 1/2 inches thick, then wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator overnight or at least two hours until firm.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.

Use the plastic wrap that you chilled the dough in. Dust the top of the dough and then flip and flour the other side, keeping it on the plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, until pale golden. Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Best to work in small batches while keeping the remainder of the dough chilled.

To make the frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and vanilla. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar. Once smooth and creamy, add in heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired spreading consistency is achieved. If desired, add food coloring and beat until combined.

Once cookies have cooled completely, frost and add sprinkles. Allow frosting to set, then store in an air-tight container. Let cookies sit for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Makes approximately: 5 to 6 dozen cookies (will vary on the thickness of the dough)

NOTE: These cookies are pretty darn close to the ones you buy in the store however, I am sure that original lofthouse recipe is under "lock and key" so we may never be able to completely duplicate it 100%. I used the recipe that I found (as noted in the body of the post) and basically increased the amount of vanilla and working the dough in small batches, while keeping the rest chilled, works best.  It is a very soft dough. I thought they were quite tasty, but I know that they may not appeal to everyone, since they do taste a bit different than the ones in the store but pretty close.