Spooktacularly Soft & Pillowy Halloween Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies: A Trick-or-Treat Dream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how these cookies combine a tender, cake-like texture with rich buttercream frosting that melts in my mouth. The bright Halloween colors and fun sprinkles make them festive and customizable, and I enjoy how easy they are to bake and decorate. Whenever I bring them to gatherings, they always stand out as the star of the dessert table.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.25 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cornstarch
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
0.25 cup sour cream
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon almond extract

For the Buttercream Frosting
0.5 cup butter softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
Orange food coloring
Purple food coloring
Green food coloring
Halloween sprinkles

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg, sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth.

3. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out Halloween shapes and transfer to baking sheets.

6. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain pale. Cool on sheets, then transfer to a wire rack.

7. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, alternating with milk, until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla. Divide frosting into bowls and tint with orange, purple, and green food coloring.

8. Frost cooled cookies with colored buttercream and decorate with Halloween sprinkles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on cutter size. Chilling takes 1 hour, baking takes 9 minutes per batch, so I usually set aside around 1 hour and 20 minutes total.

Variations

I like swapping almond extract for lemon extract for a zesty twist. If I want something different, I use maple or orange zest in the frosting. I also enjoy adding edible glitter, candy eyeballs, or spooky designs with black gel for extra Halloween flair.

Storage/Reheating

I store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days, layering parchment paper between them. In warmer weather, I refrigerate for up to 7 days. Unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 3 months, while frosted cookies can also be frozen if layered properly.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I like preparing the dough the night before and chilling it overnight for easy baking the next day.

Can I use different shapes besides Halloween cutters?

Absolutely. I sometimes make them as circles, stars, or hearts depending on the occasion.

Can I skip the almond extract?

Yes, I replace it with more vanilla or even lemon extract for a different flavor.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, unfrosted cookies freeze best, but I’ve also frozen frosted ones by letting them harden first.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

I avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to keep them pillowy.

Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream?

Yes, I sometimes switch to cream cheese frosting for a tangier flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results.

How do I make the frosting colors more vibrant?

I use gel food coloring instead of liquid for bolder shades.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, I often double it for parties, and the dough chills and bakes the same way.

Can I decorate them differently?

Of course. I like piping spiderwebs, bats, or pumpkins on top with black gel icing for extra fun.

Conclusion

These Halloween Lofthouse-style sugar cookies are my go-to festive treat when I want something soft, colorful, and fun. I love how easy they are to bake and decorate, and they always bring joy to spooky celebrations. Whether I keep the classic look or get creative with decorations, these cookies never fail to delight.