Homemade Lofthouse Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Soft, Fluffy, Frosted Sugar Cookies

Discover the secret to making truly authentic, bakery-style Lofthouse cookies right in your own kitchen! These iconic sugar cookies are renowned for their incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a signature layer of vibrant, creamy frosting. If you’ve ever craved that nostalgic taste of a classic frosted sugar cookie, this comprehensive guide to our homemade Lofthouse Cookies recipe is exactly what you need. Forget store-bought; creating these delightful treats at home is surprisingly simple and yields a superior flavor and freshness that your family and friends will absolutely adore. Get ready to bake the most irresistible soft and fluffy Lofthouse cookies you’ve ever tasted!

My children absolutely light up when they realize we’re making this beloved cookie recipe at home. There’s something universally appealing about a classic sugar cookie, and these Lofthouse-style treats elevate that experience. With their beautiful icing and fun sprinkles, they’re not just a feast for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. They make a fantastic addition to any holiday table, birthday party, or simply as a special everyday dessert.

You’ll be delighted to find that this recipe is incredibly straightforward and approachable, even for novice bakers. We’ve been perfecting this particular method for years, transforming our kitchen into a mini Lofthouse bakery. While store-bought versions are a convenient treat, nothing quite compares to the freshness and customization options of a batch made from scratch. This copycat Lofthouse cookie recipe rivals the original in terms of texture and flavor, promising soft, pillowy cookies every single time.

Beyond these delightful sugar cookies, I also enjoy baking other simple yet satisfying desserts. Some of my other go-to recipes for an effortless sweet treat include Homemade Cream Puffs and Vanilla Wafer Cookies. Each offers a unique texture and flavor profile, but all share the common thread of being easy to prepare and absolutely delicious.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science Behind the Softness

Lofthouse Cookies, first popularized by the Lofthouse Foods bakery in 1994, quickly became a grocery store staple, beloved for their distinctively soft, cake-like texture and sweet frosting. This recipe perfectly replicates that iconic texture, setting it apart from a standard crispy or chewy sugar cookie. The magic lies in a few key ingredient choices and their precise ratios.

Unlike many cookie recipes that rely solely on baking soda, our Lofthouse cookies utilize both baking soda and baking powder. This dynamic duo creates a gentle lift and a tender, airy crumb, preventing the cookies from becoming dense or overly crumbly. The combination ensures a perfectly puffed cookie with a soft center. But perhaps the most crucial element for that signature moistness is the addition of sour cream. Sour cream adds a rich tang and, more importantly, a velvety tenderness that is essential to the Lofthouse experience. It contributes to the dough’s moisture content without making it sticky, resulting in a cookie that stays soft for days. This carefully balanced ingredient list is what allows these copycat Lofthouse cookies to achieve their renowned softness and delightful chewiness, making them an instant favorite in any household. Now, you can effortlessly bring the joy of these bakery-quality sugar cookies right into your home!

Essential Ingredients for Your Lofthouse Cookies

Crafting the perfect Lofthouse cookie starts with having the right ingredients and understanding their roles. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need for the cookies themselves:

• All-Purpose Flour: For accurate measurement and to prevent a dense cookie, remember to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack in too much flour.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This powerful combination is crucial for achieving the signature fluffy and soft texture of Lofthouse cookies. Ensure both are fresh for optimal leavening. If you find yourself without baking soda, explore some effective baking soda substitutes to save your baking day.
• Unsalted Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of your cookies. It’s vital that the butter is softened to room temperature, which allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough.
• Granulated Sugar: This provides the classic sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Unlike brown sugar, granulated sugar contributes to the pale color characteristic of Lofthouse cookies.
• Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient that gives Lofthouse cookies their unparalleled moistness and distinctive, tender texture. Do not skip this! It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and keeps the cookies incredibly soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract offers the best, most authentic flavor profile for these sugar cookies.
• Eggs: Like butter, eggs should be at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, resulting in a more uniform and tender dough.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and adding depth.
• Almond Extract (Optional but Recommended): For that truly authentic, bakery-bought Lofthouse flavor, a touch of almond extract is a game-changer. It adds a subtle, delicate nuance that elevates the cookies. However, if you have a nut allergy, it’s best to omit it.

For the Creamy, Colorful Frosting

The vibrant frosting is just as important as the cookie itself, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect topping:

• Unsalted Butter, Softened: Again, room temperature butter is key for a smooth, creamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is essential for a silky-smooth frosting. Sifting it beforehand is highly recommended to eliminate any lumps and ensure a consistently smooth texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream or Milk: I personally prefer heavy whipping cream for a richer, more luxurious frosting. However, milk can also be used for a slightly lighter consistency. Adjust the amount gradually to achieve your desired thickness.
• Clear Vanilla Extract: Using clear vanilla extract ensures that your frosting remains bright white, allowing any food coloring you add to truly pop without being altered by the vanilla’s natural tint.
• Coloring of Your Choice: Gel food coloring is highly recommended as it provides vibrant colors without adding excess liquid, which can thin out the frosting. Choose your favorite shades to match any occasion!
• Sprinkles: The final touch! Select your favorite sprinkles – whether classic rainbow, holiday-themed, or custom colors – to add a fun and festive finish to your homemade Lofthouse cookies.

You can find the complete, detailed list of ingredients with precise measurements at the bottom of the page in our printable recipe card.

How to Make Homemade Lofthouse Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these delightful Lofthouse cookies is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps for the best results:

• Step 1 – Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures even baking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2 – Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is vital for the cookies’ consistent texture and rise. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3 – Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate, even larger bowl (preferably using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and sour cream. Beat this mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes visibly light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ tenderness. Once fluffy, mix in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using) until just combined. Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added.

Step 4 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. After each addition, use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Continue mixing until the dough is just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies.

Step 5 – Form and Bake the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into uniform 2-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between each. To achieve the classic Lofthouse shape, lightly flatten each cookie ball. A great trick is to dip the bottom of a drinking glass into water, then gently press down on each cookie until it’s about ½ inch thick. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are slightly puffed, set, and the bottoms are just barely golden. They should still look very pale on top. Do not overbake! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6 – Prepare the Creamy Frosting: While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the delicious frosting. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until it’s incredibly fluffy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with small splashes of heavy cream or milk, beating well after each addition. Continue until the frosting is light, creamy, and reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the clear vanilla extract, and finally, add a few drops of gel food coloring of your choice if you desire a vibrant hue, or leave it white for a classic look.

Step 7 – Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread or pipe the prepared frosting onto each one. The cookies must be entirely cool, or the frosting will melt. Immediately after frosting, adorn them with your favorite sprinkles. The sprinkles will adhere best to fresh frosting. Now your beautiful, soft, and fluffy Lofthouse cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Storage Recommendations for Freshness

To maintain the optimal softness and flavor of your homemade Lofthouse cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to one week. For best results and to preserve their tender texture, avoid refrigerating frosted cookies, as this can sometimes dry them out or cause the frosting to become too firm.

Expert Tips for Perfect Lofthouse Cookies Every Time

Achieving bakery-quality Lofthouse cookies is easy with a few insider tips:

• Flour Type: While all-purpose flour works wonderfully in this recipe, for an even softer, more delicate, and truly cake-like texture, consider using cake flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which results in less gluten development and a tender crumb.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This cannot be stressed enough! Ensure both your unsalted butter and eggs are at true room temperature. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, incorporating air for a lighter cookie, while room temperature eggs emulsify more effectively, creating a smoother, more uniform dough.
• Use Granulated Sugar: Stick to granulated sugar for this recipe. Unlike brown sugar, which adds moisture and chewiness, granulated sugar contributes to the signature pale color and tender crumb of Lofthouse cookies.
• Don’t Skip the Sour Cream: This ingredient is a game-changer! Sour cream is crucial for the ultra-soft, moist, and slightly tangy profile that defines Lofthouse cookies. It adds richness and ensures the cookies stay tender for days.
• Check Your Leavening Agents: For the lightest, fluffiest results, make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh and active. Expired leavening agents will result in flat, dense cookies. You can test their freshness by mixing a small amount of baking soda with vinegar and baking powder with hot water – if they bubble, they’re good to go!
• Perfect Frosting Consistency: When making the frosting, gradually add the heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. For piping intricate designs, you’ll want it slightly stiffer, while a thinner consistency is perfect for spreading. Sift your powdered sugar to ensure a super smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Get Creative with Sprinkles: Sprinkles aren’t just for kids! They add a delightful textural contrast and visual appeal. Experiment with different colors and shapes to match holidays, themes, or simply your mood.
• The Power of Almond Extract: For that distinctive, authentic Lofthouse flavor often found in bakery versions, a touch of almond extract is highly recommended. It adds a lovely depth that complements the vanilla beautifully. Of course, if you have a nut allergy, omit this ingredient.
• Invest in a Stand Mixer: While not strictly necessary, a stand mixer greatly simplifies the process of creaming butter and sugar, ensuring they are light and fluffy without much effort. It’s an invaluable tool for consistent baking results.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough and chewy cookies instead of the desired soft and tender texture.
• Don’t Overbake: Lofthouse cookies are meant to be pale. Bake them until they are slightly puffed and the edges are just set, but the tops remain light and soft. A minute or two too long in the oven can transform them from wonderfully soft to disappointingly dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lofthouse Cookies

Explore More Easy and Delicious Cookie Recipes

If you loved making these Lofthouse cookies, you’re in for a treat with these other simple yet satisfying cookie recipes:

• M&M Cookies: A colorful and chewy classic, perfect for any occasion.
• Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe: Incredibly tender and rich, these cookies offer a delicate flavor.
• Cinnamon Roll Cookies: All the deliciousness of a cinnamon roll, conveniently packed into a cookie.
• Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies Recipe: A timeless favorite with a soft peanut butter base and a chocolate kiss center.
• Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: Perfectly spiced and wonderfully tender, ideal for the holiday season.
• Quick and Easy Monster Cookies: Loaded with oats, peanut butter, M&Ms, and chocolate chips for a truly satisfying bite.

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this Homemade Lofthouse Cookies Recipe. Each bite promises a soft, sweet escape! Once you do, please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how much you loved them.