Lofthouse Cookies Recipe: If you’ve ever walked into a bakery section and spotted those soft, pillowy, frosted cookies topped with colorful sprinkles, chances are you’ve come across Lofthouse cookies. They’re the kind of cookie that practically melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting another bite before you’ve even swallowed the first.
Today, we’re going to walk through a professional yet easy-to-follow recipe that shows you exactly how to make Lofthouse cookies at home. With detailed steps, pro tips, and ingredient breakdowns, you’ll be baking these iconic cookies like a pro in no time.
What Makes Lofthouse Cookies Special?
Lofthouse cookies are not your typical sugar cookies. Unlike the crunchy, crisp sugar cookies that are often decorated with royal icing, these cookies have a texture that is soft, airy, and almost cake-like. The secret lies in their unique dough, which is often enriched with sour cream or cream cheese to give them that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Paired with a creamy, sweet frosting and a dash of sprinkles, they’re a perfect balance of lightness and indulgence.
Another thing that makes them stand out is the frosting. Instead of the hard, glossy royal icing found on traditional sugar cookies, Lofthouse cookies use a buttercream-style frosting. This creates a luscious, creamy topping that perfectly complements the softness of the cookie base. Together, they form a treat that feels more like a cross between a cake and a cookie—perfect for anyone who craves a little extra softness in every bite.
A Brief History of Lofthouse Cookies
The origin of Lofthouse cookies dates back to the mid-1990s when they first gained popularity in grocery store bakeries across the United States. They were marketed as “frosted sugar cookies” and quickly became a staple treat for birthdays, holidays, and office parties. What set them apart was their bakery-fresh softness and colorful, eye-catching toppings.
Over time, they became so popular that almost every grocery chain stocked their own version. Yet, despite their mass production, the appeal of Lofthouse cookies never faded. Today, they remain an iconic treat loved by kids and adults alike, and recreating them at home allows you to enjoy the same nostalgia but with fresher, more flavorful results.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lofthouse Cookies
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need. Having the right ingredients on hand is key to achieving that bakery-style flavor and texture.
Essential Ingredients for the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The base of your cookies, providing structure.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon): Balances acidity and aids in creating a light texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances flavor and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough while keeping it soft.
- Eggs (2 large): Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): The secret ingredient for that signature soft, cake-like texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Ingredients for the Frosting
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): The creamy base of the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth of flavor.
- Milk or Heavy Cream (2–3 tablespoons): Helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Food Coloring (optional): For that classic Lofthouse-style look.
- Sprinkles (optional): The finishing touch that makes them fun and festive.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Want to make your cookies unique? Try these variations:
- Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty note.
- Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavor with a hint of citrus.
- Cocoa Powder: For a chocolate twist on the classic.
By preparing your ingredients ahead of time and measuring them carefully, you’ll ensure a smooth baking process and consistent results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Lofthouse Cookies
Now that we have everything ready, let’s break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1 – Preparing the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies their signature soft texture. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
Next, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The sour cream not only enhances the texture but also adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense instead of light and fluffy.
At this stage, your dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to shape. If it feels too sticky, you can chill it for 10–15 minutes before rolling. This will make it easier to handle.
Step 2 – Chilling the Dough
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to let it rest. Chilling the dough is a step many people are tempted to skip, but it’s one of the most important parts of making perfect Lofthouse cookies. By refrigerating the dough for at least 1–2 hours, you allow the butter to firm up and the flour to fully hydrate. This not only makes the dough easier to roll but also ensures the cookies hold their shape when baking instead of spreading into flat pancakes.
Think of chilling as giving your dough a little nap—it’s going to bake up happier, puffier, and more flavorful. If you’re short on time, you can even make the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit out for about 10 minutes before rolling so it’s not too stiff.
If you want to be extra prepared, you can divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill them separately. This makes rolling easier because you can work with one portion at a time while keeping the other cold.
Step 3 – Rolling and Cutting the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—rolling and shaping your cookies! Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. Roll the chilled dough out to about ¼ inch thickness. This is the sweet spot: too thin, and your cookies will turn out crispy; too thick, and they may not bake evenly.
For that classic Lofthouse look, use a round cookie cutter (about 2–3 inches wide). However, don’t be afraid to get creative with shapes, especially if you’re making holiday-themed cookies—hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for Christmas, or pumpkins for Halloween.
As you cut out the cookies, transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave at least 1–2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will puff up slightly while baking. If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, just pop it back into the fridge for 10 minutes to firm it up again.
Step 4 – Baking the Cookies Perfectly
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your prepared cookies in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Here’s the trick: you don’t want the cookies to look golden brown on top. In fact, they should still look pale when you pull them out. The bottoms will be lightly golden, but the tops should stay soft and fluffy.
Overbaking is the biggest mistake people make with Lofthouse cookies. If they bake too long, they’ll lose that signature cake-like texture and turn dry. Instead, take them out as soon as the edges are set but before they start browning too much.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential before frosting—if the cookies are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off.
Step 5 – Preparing the Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting—the true crown jewel of a Lofthouse cookie. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud from forming.
Add in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Continue beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If it feels too thick, add another splash of milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
For that authentic bakery look, divide the frosting into bowls and tint each one with a few drops of food coloring. Classic pastel pink is the most popular, but you can experiment with blues, greens, yellows, or even bold holiday shades like red and green.
This frosting is sweet, creamy, and perfectly complements the soft cookie base. Once ready, cover it with plastic wrap until you’re ready to frost to keep it from drying out.
Step 6 – Frosting and Decorating the Cookies
Here’s where the magic happens! Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on top using a butter knife or offset spatula. Don’t be afraid to pile it on—after all, Lofthouse cookies are known for their thick, dreamy frosting.
To finish them off, sprinkle your favorite decorations over the freshly frosted cookies. Rainbow sprinkles are a classic choice, but you can also use themed sprinkles for special occasions—red and green for Christmas, pastel eggs for Easter, or spooky shapes for Halloween.
The beauty of this step is that you can get as creative as you want. These cookies are like a blank canvas waiting to be dressed up. Whether you prefer a minimalist design or a cookie covered in sprinkles, each one will look festive and taste delicious.
Once decorated, let the cookies sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the frosting can set slightly. This makes them easier to stack and store.
Tips for the Best Lofthouse Cookies
Achieving the Perfect Texture
The hallmark of a great Lofthouse cookie is its soft, pillowy texture. To nail this every time:
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overworking the flour can create tough cookies.
- Use sour cream. This keeps the dough moist and tender.
- Keep an eye on bake time. Pull them out while they’re still pale—softness is key.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even experienced bakers slip up sometimes. Here are the most common pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the chill time. Without it, the dough will spread too much in the oven.
- Rolling too thin. Lofthouse cookies should be thick and fluffy, not crispy.
- Overbaking. The tops should never be golden; that’s a sign they’re drying out.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to a week. You can also freeze them—either the baked cookies (unfrosted) or the dough—for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before frosting or serving.
Creative Variations of Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse cookies are famous for their classic vanilla flavor and pink frosting topped with rainbow sprinkles, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop there. One of the best parts about making them at home is the freedom to get creative. By experimenting with flavors, colors, and decorations, you can customize these cookies for any season, holiday, or personal preference.
Holiday-Themed Lofthouse Cookies
These cookies are practically made for holiday celebrations. Their soft texture and colorful frosting make them perfect for festive gatherings. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Christmas: Use red and green frosting topped with snowflake sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
- Valentine’s Day: Shape the cookies into hearts, frost with pink or red icing, and add heart-shaped sprinkles.
- Easter: Go with pastel colors like lavender, yellow, and baby blue, then sprinkle on mini candy eggs.
- Halloween: Frost the cookies with orange or black icing and decorate with spooky sprinkles or candy eyeballs.
- Fourth of July: Use red, white, and blue frosting topped with star-shaped sprinkles for a patriotic twist.
Holiday-themed cookies are not just fun to make—they’re also crowd-pleasers at parties, bake sales, and family get-togethers.
Chocolate or Vanilla Variations
While the classic Lofthouse cookie is vanilla-based, you can easily experiment with other flavors:
- Chocolate Lofthouse Cookies: Replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolaty base. Pair it with vanilla frosting for a striking contrast.
- Lemon Lofthouse Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and swap the vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, zesty twist.
- Almond Lofthouse Cookies: Replace half the vanilla extract with almond extract to give the cookies a subtle nutty flavor.
- Funfetti Lofthouse Cookies: Stir rainbow sprinkles directly into the dough before baking for a colorful surprise inside.
These variations keep the soft, fluffy texture of the classic while adding new flavor profiles that are just as irresistible.
Fun Toppings and Decorations
The frosting is like a blank canvas, so why not get creative with toppings? Here are a few ideas:
- Colored sugar: Add sparkle and crunch with brightly colored sugar crystals.
- Coconut flakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a snowy effect.
- Mini chocolate chips: A great option for chocolate lovers.
- Drizzled chocolate: Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle it across the frosted cookies for a bakery-style finish.
These small changes can elevate your cookies and make them look professionally decorated, even if you’re just baking at home.
FAQs about Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dough?
Yes! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will still give your cookies a soft, tender texture.
Q2: How do I keep the cookies from sticking when rolling the dough?
Lightly flour your work surface, rolling pin, and cookie cutter. If the dough becomes too sticky, chill it for 10–15 minutes before continuing.
Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Q4: Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, the recipe doubles (or even triples) very well. Just be sure to chill the dough in smaller portions for easier handling.
Q5: How do I make the cookies extra fluffy?
The secret is in the sour cream and not overmixing the dough. Also, avoid pressing the cookies flat before baking—let them puff naturally in the oven.
Conclusion
From mixing the dough and chilling it properly to frosting with bakery-style precision, this recipe gives you everything you need to create cookies that rival the store-bought favorites. And with the endless flavor variations and decoration possibilities, you can adapt them for any holiday, celebration, or personal craving.
So, the next time you’re craving a bakery-style cookie, skip the store and make a batch of homemade Lofthouse cookies. You’ll not only get fresher, tastier results but also the satisfaction of knowing you baked them yourself.
