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Irresistible Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies with Fruit Loops: Your New Favorite Chilled Treat

Get ready to bake the most delightful and vibrant cookies you’ve ever tasted! My **Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies with Fruit Loops** are a playful twist on a beloved classic. These cookies boast a wonderfully soft and chewy sugar cookie base, generously studded with crunchy, colorful crushed Fruit Loops. The result? A perfectly sweet, subtly fruity, and utterly irresistible treat that captures the essence of a traditional soda shop cookie with a fun, rainbow-infused surprise.

What makes these rainbow cookies truly special is their ease of preparation. Crafted from scratch using simple pantry staples, they come together effortlessly and deliver fantastic flavor. Best of all, they maintain their delicious taste and perfect texture for days, making them ideal for meal prep or sharing. Whether you’re planning a party, packing lunches for back to school, or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies fit every occasion. They’re also an excellent choice for a fun weekend baking project with kids, requiring minimal planning and maximum enjoyment. Let’s dive into making these joyful cookies together!

What is a Soda Shop Sugar Cookie?

If you’re familiar with the vibrant culinary scene in Utah, then you likely know exactly what a “Soda Shop Sugar Cookie” is all about. These iconic chilled sugar cookies, traditionally served with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting, are a local delicacy that truly hits the spot. They are not your average sugar cookie; they have a distinct character that sets them apart.

Unlike many sugar cookie recipes that require rolling and cutting out shapes, these Soda Shop Sugar Cookies are “drop” cookies. This means the dough is simply scooped onto a baking sheet, and then an ingenious method is used to create their signature appearance. After scooping, the bottom of a flat cup is dipped in granulated sugar and then pressed down onto each cookie. This technique not only flattens the cookie but also creates a beautiful, rustic, and slightly rough edge, which is a hallmark of this beloved cookie style. This simple step adds both visual appeal and a delightful sugary crunch to the perimeter of the cookie.

The magic continues after baking. These cookies are best served chilled, which gives them their characteristic firm yet tender texture and allows the creamy frosting to truly shine. The cool temperature enhances the chewiness of the cookie and provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet buttercream. Making this classic signature sugar cookie at home is surprisingly easy, allowing you to bring a piece of Utah’s soda shop culture right into your kitchen. It’s a unique baking experience that yields incredibly delicious results.

Here’s What You’ll Need to Make Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies

These delicious Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies are made with a straightforward list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of these components creates the perfect chewy texture and rich flavor that defines these beloved treats. Pay attention to the role each ingredient plays in achieving cookie perfection!

For the Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies

• **1/2 cup butter:** Adds richness and flavor. Using softened butter is key for a smooth dough.
• **1/2 cup vegetable oil:** Contributes to the cookies’ incredible softness and chewiness, preventing them from becoming too crisp.
• **1 cup sour cream:** This is a secret ingredient for many moist and tender baked goods. It provides tanginess and helps create a wonderfully soft, cake-like texture in the cookies.
• **1 1/2 cups granulated sugar:** Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning.
• **4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour:** The primary structural ingredient for our cookie dough.
• **1/2 cup crushed Fruit Loop cereal:** The star of our “rainbow” theme! These add a vibrant color, fruity flavor, and a delightful crunch to the cookie base.
• **1 teaspoon baking powder:** A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and become soft.
• **1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar:** Often paired with baking soda (though not explicitly listed here, it reacts with the baking powder and sour cream) to activate leavening, contributing to the cookies’ chewiness and bright color.
• **1 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• **1/4 cup additional sugar on top of cookies:** Used for pressing the cookies, giving them their iconic rough, sugary edges and a beautiful sparkle.

For the Frosting

No soda shop sugar cookie is complete without a generous dollop of creamy buttercream. This simple frosting recipe perfectly complements the cookie’s flavor and texture.

• **1/2 cup softened butter:** The base of our rich and smooth buttercream. Ensure it’s truly softened for easy creaming.
• **2 Tablespoons sour cream:** Adds a touch of tang and creaminess to the frosting, cutting through the sweetness and giving it a delightful texture, similar to the cookie dough itself.
• **4 cups powdered sugar:** The primary sweetener and thickener for the frosting. Sift it for the smoothest results.
• **2 teaspoons vanilla extract:** Provides essential flavor to the buttercream. Use good quality vanilla for the best taste.
• **Fruit Loop cereal for decorating:** A final touch to make your cookies pop with color and a bit more fruity crunch!

How to Make Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of irresistible Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies. Precision and attention to detail will ensure the perfect soft, chewy texture and beautiful presentation.

1. **Prepare Your Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cookies go in.
2. **Cream Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, preferably with a paddle attachment on your stand mixer, combine the softened butter, vegetable oil, sour cream, and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients at a medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** To the creamed mixture, gradually add the all-purpose flour, crushed Fruit Loop cereal, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Mix slowly on low speed until all the ingredients are just combined and a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies. As soon as the flour streaks disappear, stop mixing.
4. **Scoop the Dough:** Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Using a cookie scoop (I recommend a 1-inch or 2-inch scoop depending on your desired cookie size), portion out uniform balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each dough ball as they will spread slightly.
5. **Press for Signature Edges:** Pour the additional 1/4 cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Lightly spray the flat bottom of a drinking cup with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Dip the cup’s bottom into the sugar. Now, gently press the sugared bottom of the cup onto the center of each cookie dough ball, flattening it to your desired thickness. As you press, twist the cup slightly to create the characteristic rough, crinkled edge that is a hallmark of soda shop sugar cookies. Repeat this process for all scooped cookies, re-sugaring the cup as needed.
6. **Bake to Perfection:** Place the cookie sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are lightly browned, and the centers appear set but still look soft. Do not overbake, as this will prevent them from achieving their signature chewiness.
7. **Cool Completely:** Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool fully is crucial before frosting, otherwise, your frosting will melt.
8. **Chill Before Frosting:** For the authentic soda shop experience and best texture, place the cooled cookies in the refrigerator until they are thoroughly chilled. This firms them up and makes them perfect for holding that creamy frosting.

How to Make the Creamy Frosting

While your cookies are chilling, whip up this simple and delicious buttercream frosting:

9. **Prepare the Frosting:** In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together. Start on low speed to incorporate the powdered sugar, then increase to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
10. **Frost and Decorate:** Once your cookies are thoroughly chilled and your frosting is ready, generously spread the buttercream over each cookie. For an extra festive touch and added crunch, sprinkle a few whole Fruit Loops on top of the frosting. Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies!

For your convenience, the full printable recipe card and instructions are at the bottom of this post. Enjoy every colorful bite!

Tips for Success with Your Rainbow Fruit Loop Sugar Cookies

• **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together smoothly, resulting in a uniform dough and light, airy frosting.
• **Don’t Overmix:** When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
• **Crushing Fruit Loops:** For the best texture in the cookie dough, crush your Fruit Loops well. A food processor works quickly, or you can place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
• **Chilling is Key:** Don’t skip chilling the baked cookies before frosting. This is essential for the traditional “soda shop” texture and helps the frosting set perfectly.
• **Evenly Sized Cookies:** Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly and look professional.
• **Storage:** These cookies taste fantastic fresh, but they also keep well. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are delicious straight from the fridge!

Why You’ll Love These Rainbow Soda Shop Sugar Cookies

These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience! Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household:

• **Uniquely Delicious:** The combination of a soft, chewy sour cream sugar cookie with the fruity crunch of Fruit Loops is simply unbeatable.
• **Visually Stunning:** Their vibrant colors make them a showstopper, perfect for parties, celebrations, or brightening up any day.
• **Easy & Fun to Make:** The drop cookie method simplifies baking, and adding crushed cereal makes it an engaging activity for all ages, especially kids.
• **Perfectly Chilled:** The signature chilled serving style offers a refreshing take on traditional sugar cookies, enhancing their texture and flavor.
• **Versatile for Any Occasion:** From birthday parties and potlucks to back-to-school treats and simple afternoon snacks, these cookies are always a hit.
• **Homemade with Love:** Using pantry staples means you’re creating a wholesome, delicious treat without artificial preservatives.

Other Cookie Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these unique sugar cookies, you might love exploring some of my other popular cookie recipes:

• Traditional Soda Shop Sugar Cookies: For the purists who love the original chilled classic.
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies: A timeless favorite that never disappoints.
• Decadent Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Rich peanut butter cookies filled with a creamy center.
• Indulgent White Chocolate Cookie Butter Cookies: A sophisticated twist for cookie butter lovers.
• Easy Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies: Quick and delightful cookies using a cake mix base.
• Delicate Mexican Wedding Cookies: Buttery, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Soft & Chewy Gingersnap Cookies: A comforting cookie with a warm spice blend.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram!  I love to see what you’ve been cooking. It always makes my day!

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