Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies (Vegan Lofthouse-Style with Strawberry Frosting)

These soft frosted sugar cookies are thick, pillowy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft, topped with a fluffy layer of strawberry frosting. They’re just like classic bakery Lofthouse-style sugar cookies, but made completely vegan.

I tested these cookies this week, and my husband declared they had to go on the website immediately. He said they were that good! If you’ve ever picked up a Lofthouse-style cookie at the store and wished you could make a better, homemade version, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll LOVE These Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

• Ultra Soft & Pillowy: You won’t believe how tender these cookies are, as they literally melt in your mouth. Thanks to powdered sugar, applesauce, and plant-based milk, they stay soft for days.
• Elevated Sugar Cookie Flavor: I love sugar cookies, but they can sometimes feel a little one dimensional. In this recipe, I combined vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and lemon zest to take the flavor to the next level. It worked, and it worked well! Plus, the natural flavor from freeze-dried berries makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
• Bakery-Style Frosting: The fluffy strawberry frosting is light, creamy, and naturally flavored and colored. I’ll show you step-by-step how to use freeze-dried berries to naturally color your frosting, so you can enjoy a treat that’s beautiful, delicious, and worry-free.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these are some of the easiest cut-out cookies I’ve ever made. They’re fuss-free and turn out perfect every time.
• Perfect for Holidays (or Any Day!): Roll and cut into hearts, circles, or any festive shapes. I’m making these for Valentine’s Day this year, as they’ve quickly become my husband’s favorite cookie and I totally get it! Honestly, they’re perfect for brightening any ordinary Tuesday night too.
• Kid-Friendly: Mildly sweet, soft, and fun to frost, these cookies are a hit with kids. Let them help decorate for a fun family activity. Because we use natural fruit flavor and color, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals from artificial dyes.
• 100% Vegan: Completely plant-based, no eggs, no dairy. Just a classic sugar cookie flavor, done better.

Watch Me Make These Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

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Looking for More Vegan Baking Recipes?

If you love these soft frosted sugar cookies, you’ll also enjoy these vegan cookie favorites. Try Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies for tender cookies filled with tart raspberry jam and crunchy almonds. Vegan Lemon Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, perfect for spring or summer baking. Or bake Vegan Raspberry Cookies, naturally fruity, soft, and ideal for pairing with tea or coffee. These easy, plant-based cookies are a delicious way to expand your vegan baking collection.

What Are Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies?

Soft frosted sugar cookies are thick sugar cookies with a tender crumb and a generous layer of frosting on top. Unlike crisp sugar cookies, these are designed to stay pale and fluffy rather than golden and crunchy.

Classic versions are often sold in grocery store bakeries, but this homemade vegan version has better flavor, cleaner ingredients, and a softer texture — without preservatives or artificial colors.

Are These Vegan Lofthouse Cookies?

Lofthouse cookies are known for their ultra-soft texture, pale color, and thick layer of frosting. Traditionally, they’re made with eggs, dairy, and preservatives to keep them shelf-stable. These vegan Lofthouse cookies recreate that same soft, bakery-style texture using plant-based ingredients, but without artificial flavors or additives.

When Are Frosted Sugar Cookies Popular?

Soft frosted sugar cookies are especially popular around holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, as well as at baby showers, birthdays, and bake sales. They’re easy to shape, frost, and customize with colors or sprinkles, which makes them one of the most versatile cookie recipes you can make.

But honestly, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy them. We made these cookies on an ordinary Tuesday this week, and they instantly added a little sparkle and sweetness to our day. Perfect for brightening any ordinary afternoon or weeknight!

Traditionally, frosted sugar cookies are made with butter, eggs, and dairy frosting — but this vegan version delivers the same nostalgic flavor and soft, bakery-style texture without any animal products. And don’t worry, I’ll show you exactly how to make them so you can enjoy that same Tuesday-night magic in your kitchen.

Key Ingredients for Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Vegan Margarine: Softened vegan butter or margarine provides richness and structure. I like using Earth Balance for these cookies, but you can substitute with your favorite vegan margarine.

Natural Cane Sugar & Powdered Sugar: Using a combination of these two sugars creates a soft, tender texture. The secret is adding powdered sugar to the dough. It helps give these cookies that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Plant-Based Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the dough. I used almond milk, but soy, macadamia, or oat milk works great too. I recommend unsweetened milk to prevent the cookies from becoming overly sweet.

Unsweetened Applesauce: This is the secret to the softest cookies! Applesauce helps bind the dough and contributes to that pillow-like, fluffy texture.

Vanilla & Almond Extract: Vanilla adds warmth, while almond extract gives that classic bakery sugar cookie flavor. Don’t skip the almond extract. It really makes a difference. If you have vanilla bean paste, I highly recommend using it to elevate the flavor even more.

Lemon Zest: Just a touch of lemon zest brightens the flavor without making the cookies taste lemony. This little trick is subtle but makes a big difference… you’ll thank me later!

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft. I use King Arthur Flour because I grew up in New England, and I love supporting a local brand, but I’ve also tested other all-purpose flours and they work beautifully. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff slightly and stay tender. I use Trader Joe’s brand, but Rumford is another excellent option.

Tips for Success

Softened Margarine

Make sure it’s slightly soft but not melted. Too soft or melted butter can make the dough spread too much and prevents the fluffy texture we’re aiming for. We whip air into the margarine when creaming it with sugar, which gives the cookies that pillowy softness. No worries if it’s not perfectly softened, just whip it a little longer with your electric mixer, and it will warm up as you go.

Sugar Combination

Using both powdered sugar and cane sugar creates the ideal soft texture. Don’t skip the powdered sugar, as it’s the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth softness that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk

Use unsweetened milk to avoid overly sweet cookies and maintain the right dough consistency. Almond, soy, or macadamia milk all work beautifully.

Extracts & Lemon Zest

• Don’t skip the almond extract and lemon zest. They take the cookie flavor from good to bakery-level amazing. I love to use vanilla bean paste, as it adds extra depth and looks beautiful in the cookies, with little specks of bean in the dough. Highly recommended!

Measure Flour Correctly

I highly recommend to fluff your flour in the bag or container before measuring. When flour sits, it compacts and can lead to dense, dry cookies if you accidentally use too much. Gently scoop with a measuring cup and level with a knife for perfect results every time.

Fresh Baking Powder

Use fresh baking powder. Old or expired powder can make cookies flatter and less tender.

Chilling Dough

Chilling the dough for 20–30 minutes makes cutting shapes easier and keeps cookies soft while baking. I experimented by chilling half the dough for 30 minutes and the other half overnight. Both were equally fluffy and delicious, but overnight dough baked up smoother with a more uniform texture. Perfect if you want to prep cookies ahead of time.

Frosting Tip

When adding freeze-dried fruit powder for color, start with 1 teaspoon at a time to prevent over-coloring and keep the frosting fluffy. I usually add more to reach the color and flavor I like best, but it’s easy to customize to your taste.

How to Make Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep the oven & pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Both work great for preventing sticking and helping the cookies bake evenly while staying soft on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan margarine, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. At first, the mixture may look crumbly or uneven, but that’s totally normal. Just keep mixing. As the margarine warms and air is whipped in, it will turn into a soft, fluffy, slightly sticky mixture. This step is key to creating that classic pillowy sugar cookie texture.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients

Mix in the plant-based milk, applesauce, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest until smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture looks like it’s separating, as that can happen with vegan doughs. Once the flour is added, everything will come back together beautifully.

Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, mixing gently after each. Stop mixing as soon as a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to dense cookies instead of soft, tender ones.

Step 5: Chill the dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. This dough can also be refrigerated overnight if you want to prep ahead and bake the next day, but it works beautifully both ways.

Step 6: Roll and cut

Roll the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼–⅓ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. To avoid breaking or stretching the dough, I like to use a knife or an offset spatula to gently lift the cookies and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. This small step makes a big difference, especially with soft dough.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look matte. The cookies should stay pale. Do not wait for browning. Overbaking will dry them out, and we want that soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.

Step 8: Cool completely

Let the cookies cool completely on a wire cooling rack before frosting. This ensures the frosting stays fluffy and doesn’t melt when you decorate.

Tips for the Best Results

These tips will help ensure your cookies come out perfectly soft, fluffy, and bakery-style every time.

Measure Flour Accurately

Accurate flour measurement is key to keeping your cookies pillowy soft. Flour can compact in the bag or container over time, which can lead to dense, dry cookies if you add too much. I like to fluff the flour first, then scoop it into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This simple step ensures consistent results every time.

Don’t Overbake

These cookies are meant to be soft and tender. Bake for about 12 minutes, then check: the edges should be just set, the tops should still look soft, and the bottoms should be slightly golden. Avoid waiting for browning on top. Overbaking will dry them out and take away that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and cut, especially if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels sticky. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but you can also chill overnight. Longer chilling often results in a smoother exterior and a more uniform cookie shape, which is a fun little bonus I always notice when I bake these cookies.

Let Cookies Cool Completely Before Frosting

Frosting warm cookies will melt the frosting and create a sticky mess. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before adding your frosting. If you’re in a rush, a quick tip is to place the cooled cookies in the freezer for about 5 minutes. Just enough to firm them up and then frost.

Bonus Tip

Use a gentle hand when handling the cookies after baking. These cookies are soft and delicate, so treating them carefully ensures they keep their shape and stay pillowy for frosting and serving.

Natural Food Coloring for Frosting (No Artificial Dyes)

One of my favorite parts of these soft frosted sugar cookies is the naturally pink frosting — and it’s made without any artificial food coloring. Instead, I use freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries to create a vibrant, naturally colored frosting that also adds real fruit flavor.

Using freeze-dried fruit is one of the best options for natural food coloring for frosting because it’s:

• 100% plant-based and vegan
• Naturally vibrant in color
• Free from artificial dyes
• Flavor-enhancing instead of flavor-muting

Unlike liquid food coloring, freeze-dried fruit won’t water down your frosting. It blends beautifully into vegan buttercream, creating a fluffy, Lofthouse-style frosting with both color and real fruit taste.

How to Make Natural Food Coloring for Frosting

To make your own natural food coloring for frosting at home:

1. Powder the freeze-dried fruit:
   Add freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries to a blender or spice grinder and blend until very fine.
   No blender? No problem. You can also place the freeze-dried fruit in a zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin until it becomes a fine powder. This method works surprisingly well and is perfect if you don’t have special equipment.
2. Measure gradually:
   Add the fruit powder to your frosting 1–2 teaspoons at a time, mixing well until you reach your desired color and flavor.
3. Optional: sift the powder:
   If you want an ultra-smooth frosting, you can sift the fruit powder to remove seeds or larger pieces. That said, this step is completely optional — leaving everything in adds great flavor and a more natural look.

This technique creates a soft pink frosting that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and festive cookies — all without using food dye.

Best Freeze-Dried Fruits for Natural Frosting Color

Strawberries:

Freeze-dried strawberries create a soft, light pink frosting with a sweet, mild flavor that works beautifully with sugar cookies. This is actually my husband’s favorite option, since strawberries are his favorite fruit — and it’s always the frosting he reaches for first. If you want a classic pink color with a gentle, crowd-pleasing flavor, strawberries are a great choice.

Raspberries:

Freeze-dried raspberries produce a deeper pink hue with a slightly tart flavor that pairs especially well with the sweet, vanilla-forward cookie base. The brightness of raspberries balances the richness of the frosting and makes the cookies taste a little more bakery-style and refined.

Strawberry + Raspberry Combination:

For the best of both worlds, you can use a combination of freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries. This creates a beautiful pink color while keeping the flavor closer to strawberries — slightly sweet with just enough brightness from the raspberries. It’s a great option if you want vibrant color without too much tartness.

Blueberries:

Freeze-dried blueberries create a soft purple or lavender-colored frosting with a mildly sweet, slightly earthy flavor. They’re a fun option for spring, Easter, or blueberry themed cookie parties.

Blackberries:

Freeze-dried blackberries give frosting a deeper purple tone and a rich berry flavor. Because they can be a bit more tart, they work especially well when paired with sweeter cookies like sugar cookies.

Mango:

Freeze-dried mango creates a warm yellow frosting with a naturally sweet, tropical flavor. This is a great option for summer cookies or if you want a bright color without using artificial dyes.

Other Options:

Freeze-dried cherries, peaches, or mixed berries can also be used as natural food coloring for frosting. Each fruit adds its own unique color and subtle flavor, making this an easy way to customize your frosting naturally.

Because freeze-dried fruit contains no added sugar or moisture, it’s an excellent and healthy alternative to artificial food coloring and works perfectly as natural food coloring for frosting in vegan baking.

How to Make Strawberry Frosting

This fluffy strawberry frosting is the finishing touch that truly makes these soft frosted sugar cookies feel bakery-worthy. It’s naturally colored, naturally flavored, and surprisingly easy to make, with no artificial dyes or extracts needed.

The secret? Freeze-dried berries. They deliver intense strawberry flavor and a beautiful natural pink color without adding extra liquid, which keeps the frosting light, creamy, and perfectly spreadable. When I recipe tested this frosting, I honestly couldn’t believe the results. The flavor was bright and fresh, the texture was fluffy and smooth, and it tasted like something straight from a bakery, but better, because it was made with real fruit.

Step 1: Turn Freeze-Dried Berries Into Powder

Start by making your fruit powder. Add freeze-dried strawberries (or raspberries) to a blender, food processor, or spice grinder and blend until very fine. If you don’t have one of those tools, place the berries in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin until powdered.

You can sift the powder if you want an ultra-smooth frosting, but I often skip that step. The tiny fruit specks add so much character and make the frosting feel extra special.

Step 2: Whip the Vegan Butter

In a mixing bowl, beat softened vegan butter until pale, fluffy, and full of air. This step is key, as whipping the butter properly creates that classic bakery-style frosting texture that spreads like a dream.

Step 3: Add Sugar, Flavor, and Color

Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a few teaspoons of your freeze-dried strawberry powder. As soon as the fruit hits the frosting, you’ll see the color bloom and the flavor come alive. This was the moment during testing when I knew this frosting had to go on the website. It was that good.

Step 4: Adjust the Texture

Add plant-based milk one teaspoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. You’re looking for something fluffy, smooth, and easy to spread, not stiff, but not runny. The goal is a frosting that glides effortlessly over the cookies.

Step 5: Frost the Cookies

Once your soft frosted sugar cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting on top. Finish with sprinkles, crushed freeze-dried berries, or edible flowers, or keep them simple and let that natural pink frosting shine.

Why This Frosting Works

• Naturally colored and flavored with real fruit
• Light, fluffy, and not overly sweet
• Perfect for decorating soft frosted sugar cookies
• Tested, tweaked, and loved enough to make it onto the site immediately

Recipe Variations & Add-Ons

These soft frosted sugar cookies are incredibly versatile, which makes them perfect for customizing based on season or occasion.

Frosting Flavor Variations

• Berry Frosting: Swap the freeze-dried strawberry powder for raspberry, blackberry, or blueberry powder to change the flavor profile.
• Vanilla Frosting: Leave the frosting plain and add extra vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a classic bakery-style vanilla frosting.
• Chocolate Frosting: Mix cocoa powder or melted vegan chocolate into the frosting for a rich chocolate version.
• Carob Frosting: Use carob powder for a naturally sweet, chocolate-like frosting without caffeine.

Decorative Toppings & Finishing Touches

• Sprinkles: Heart sprinkles are perfect for Valentine’s Day, pastel sprinkles work beautifully for Easter, and festive mixes are great for Christmas, birthdays, or bake sales.
• Crushed Freeze-Dried Fruit: Lightly crush freeze-dried berries and sprinkle them over the frosting for extra texture and concentrated fruit flavor.
• Chocolate Accents: Top with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or drizzle with melted vegan chocolate.
• Dried Edible Flowers: Decorate with dried edible flowers like rose petals, lavender, or chamomile for a beautiful, bakery-style finish. This is especially lovely for baby showers, spring gatherings, or special occasions. I love edible flowers and Amazon has some really beautiful options.

These simple add-ons allow you to dress the cookies up or keep them classic, depending on the moment with no complicated techniques required.

Allergy-Friendly Options

These soft frosted sugar cookies are easy to adapt for a variety of dietary needs with just a few simple swaps.

Gluten-Free

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour for the best texture and structure. This blend is designed to mimic traditional flour and works well for soft, tender cookies. Be sure to roll the dough gently and avoid adding extra flour, as gluten-free dough can dry out more quickly.

Nut-Free

For a nut-free version, use soy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk, and omit the almond extract. The cookies will still have plenty of flavor thanks to the vanilla and lemon zest. Always double-check labels on vegan butter and sprinkles to ensure they’re produced in nut-free facilities if allergies are a concern.

Soy-Free

To keep these cookies soy-free, simply choose a soy-free vegan butter and a soy-free plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Many vegan butters are now soy-free, but labels can vary, so it’s worth checking ingredients carefully.

What Can I Serve With Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies?

Soft frosted sugar cookies are the crowning touch of a great meal. There’s something magical about ending dinner with a perfectly soft, frosted cookie. Honestly, an amazing dessert can smooth over a multitude of little kitchen mishaps. Even if dinner wasn’t perfect, these cookies will make everyone remember the meal fondly.

Serve Them with a Cozy Drink

These cookies pair beautifully with something warm or comforting to drink:

• Homemade almond milk or oat milk for a classic, bakery-style pairing
• Warm lemonade, which adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the sweet frosting
• Hot apple cider for a cozy, seasonal option during fall and winter

All of these drinks complement the soft texture and gentle sweetness of the cookies without overpowering them.

Serve with Fresh Berries (A Simple Scandinavian-Inspired Touch)

In Norway, it’s very common to serve dessert with a simple bowl of fresh berries, and it’s one of my favorite ways to make dessert feel special without being complicated. Just a bowl of fruit on the table adds color, freshness, and balance. It pairs beautifully with soft frosted sugar cookies.

For an easy and elegant spread, try:

• Sliced strawberries, served plain or lightly tossed with a little sugar
• Fresh raspberries and blueberries for a naturally sweet, tart contrast
• A dollop of vegan whipped cream on the side for anyone who wants a little extra indulgence

The combination of soft, frosted cookies with fresh berries creates a light, pretty dessert that feels both comforting and elevated. It’s perfect for everyday dinners, special occasions, or when you want something that looks lovely but takes almost no effort at all.

Create a Vegan Cookie Platter

For holidays, parties, or special gatherings, turn these soft frosted sugar cookies into the centerpiece of a beautiful vegan cookie platter. Because these cookies are ultra soft and pillowy, they pair perfectly with cookies that have a more crisp or crunchy texture, creating a balanced and irresistible spread.

Great cookie pairings include:

• Vegan lemon crinkle cookies for a bright citrus bite
• Raspberry almond thumbprint cookies for a fruity, jam-filled contrast
• Cutout sugar cookies, which are slightly crisper and perfect for decorating
• Spritz cookies, light and buttery with a delicate crunch
• Vegan meringue mushroom cookies for a light, airy texture
• Pumpkin cookies for warm, cozy spice
• Vegan raspberry cookies for a soft-yet-structured fruity option

The mix of soft frosted cookies with crisp, crunchy, and fruit-forward cookies makes the platter feel thoughtful, bakery-worthy, and perfect for sharing.

Package Them as a Thoughtful Gift

Soft frosted sugar cookies also make beautiful edible gifts. Stack them in a bakery box or tuck them into a cellophane bag tied with twine or ribbon. They’re perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Holidays
• Thank-you gifts
• Teacher or neighbor gifts

Because they’re soft, colorful, and bakery-style, they feel extra special. Like something you’d buy from a high-end bakery, but made with love at home.

Tools & Equipment

Here are a few helpful tools and pieces of equipment that will make these soft frosted sugar cookies easier to prepare and even more successful. None of these are overly complicated, and many are optional. This recipe is very forgiving.

• Electric Mixer: An electric hand mixer or stand mixer makes creaming the vegan margarine and sugars quick and easy, helping create that light, fluffy texture. That said, it’s not required. You can absolutely make these cookies with a wooden spoon and a lot of elbow grease. It just takes a bit more patience and effort to whip enough air into the mixture.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin helps roll the dough to an even thickness, which ensures the cookies bake evenly and stay soft all the way through.
• Cookie Cutters: I used heart-shaped cookie cutters for this recipe, but any shape works beautifully. Circles, flowers, stars, or seasonal cutters all work well depending on the occasion.
• Offset Spatula and Rubber Spatula: An offset spatula is especially helpful for spreading frosting smoothly on top of the cookies. If you don’t have one, a butter knife or even the back of a spoon works just fine. A rubber spatula is great for scraping down the sides of the bowl and gently folding ingredients together without overmixing.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few mixing bowls. One for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients to keep everything organized and easy to combine.
• Baking Sheets: Cookie sheets work perfectly for baking these cookies. Using light-colored baking sheets helps prevent over-browning on the bottoms.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly while staying soft.
• Wire Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies as they cool, which prevents soggy bottoms and helps them set properly before frosting.

How to Store Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies

These soft frosted sugar cookies store incredibly well, which means you can make them ahead of time. Perfect for parties, holiday prep, or just having a sweet treat ready whenever you want.

Room Temperature

Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature for up to three days. They stay soft, tender, and delicious, making them a great make-ahead option if you want to bake today and frost tomorrow.

Refrigerator

Frosted cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container. Keep in mind that both the cookies and frosting will be cold, which can make them firmer than you might expect. For the best texture and flavor, bring the cookies to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving. They’ll regain their soft, pillowy perfection.

Freezer

These cookies also freeze beautifully. Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving. This is a fantastic way to prep for holiday cookie platters or last-minute desserts!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes soft frosted sugar cookies so soft?

Soft frosted sugar cookies get their signature pillowy texture from a combination of fat, moisture, and gentle baking. Using powdered sugar in the dough, a small amount of applesauce, and plant-based milk helps keep the cookies tender, while baking just until set (not browned) ensures they stay soft and fluffy.

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Are soft frosted sugar cookies the same as Lofthouse cookies?

Soft frosted sugar cookies are very similar to classic bakery-style Lofthouse cookies. They’re thick, pale, ultra-soft, and topped with fluffy frosting. This homemade version delivers the same nostalgic texture and flavor, but made entirely vegan and with natural ingredients.

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Can I make soft frosted sugar cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies store incredibly well. You can bake the cookies 1–2 days ahead and frost them the day you plan to serve. Unfrosted cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed before frosting.

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Why shouldn’t soft frosted sugar cookies brown?

Soft frosted sugar cookies are meant to stay pale and fluffy. When these cookies brown, it usually means they’ve been baked too long, which causes the edges to crisp up and the interior to lose that signature soft, pillowy texture. Browning leads to a crispier cookie, and for this recipe, we’re aiming for a soft cookie.

For best results, bake the cookies just until the tops look matte and the edges are set. The bottoms should be lightly golden, but the tops should remain light in color. This ensures the cookies are fully cooked while staying tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.

If you are looking for a crispier sugar cookie instead, you might enjoy my cutout sugar cookie recipe, which is designed to bake up firmer with crisp edges and holds its shape beautifully.

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Do I have to chill the dough for soft sugar cookies?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended. A 30-minute chill makes the dough easier to roll and cut, helps the cookies hold their shape, and improves the final texture. You can also chill the dough overnight for an even smoother, more uniform cookie.

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Can soft frosted sugar cookies be made vegan?

Absolutely. Soft frosted sugar cookies can be made completely vegan using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and applesauce without sacrificing texture or flavor. This vegan version tastes just as soft, rich, and bakery-style as traditional recipes.

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How do you frost sugar cookies without melting the frosting?

Always let the cookies cool completely before frosting. If the cookies are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt. For faster cooling, you can place baked cookies in the freezer for 5 minutes before frosting.

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What frosting is best for soft frosted sugar cookies?

A fluffy buttercream-style frosting works best. Using vegan butter and powdered sugar creates a light, creamy texture, while freeze-dried fruit powder adds natural color and flavor without thinning the frosting.

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How do you naturally color frosting without food dye?

Freeze-dried fruit powders, like strawberries or raspberries are an easy way to naturally color frosting. They add vibrant color and real fruit flavor without artificial dyes or extra liquid.

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Can I freeze soft frosted sugar cookies?

You can freeze unfrosted soft sugar cookies for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the cookies first, then thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

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Why did my soft sugar cookies turn out dense?

Dense sugar cookies are usually caused by adding too much flour or overbaking. Be sure to measure flour correctly by fluffing it, spooning it into the measuring cup, and leveling it off and bake just until set for the softest results.

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