Begin by lining a large cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend together the butter and sugar until fully combined.

Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well incorporated.

Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is thoroughly blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes.

After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into smooth balls. Dust your hands with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches of space between each one. Flatten the balls with the bottom of a glass or flat measuring cup that has been dipped in powdered sugar, aiming for a thickness between ½ inch and ¼ inch.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. The edges of the cookies should be just lightly golden; avoid overbrowning. Remember that the cookies will continue to bake on the hot baking sheet as they cool. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

To prepare the buttercream frosting, in a large mixing bowl, beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes lightened in color and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream to the butter, beating until the frosting achieves a fluffy texture. If desired, add food coloring to tint the frosting.

Frost the cooled cookies, leaving a small rim of the cookie exposed. Finally, top the frosted cookies with sprinkles or jimmies for a festive touch. Enjoy your delicious homemade Lofthouse Sugar Cookies!