Lofthouse Cookies Recipe: Soft and Better Than Store-Bought

Lofthouse Cookies are the nostalgic, ultra-soft, frosted sugar cookies you used to beg for at the grocery store—and now, you can recreate that melt-in-your-mouth experience right in your own kitchen. This article walks you through an authentic copycat Lofthouse Cookies recipe, including tips to perfect their cake-like texture and rich buttercream frosting. We’ll explore what makes these cookies so iconic, the must-have ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to guarantee bakery-quality results.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Spiral Halloween Cookies Treat to pair with your homemade sugar cookies.

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What Makes Lofthouse Cookies So Special?

Iconic Texture and Taste

What sets Lofthouse Cookies apart from regular sugar cookies is their ultra-soft, cakey texture combined with a thick, sweet layer of pastel-colored buttercream frosting. Unlike crispy cookies, these feel more like sugar cookie clouds with a slight chew and a rich vanilla flavor.

Made with ingredients like sour cream and cornstarch, Lofthouse-style cookies deliver a pillowy softness that melts in your mouth. The creamy buttercream frosting—often tinted pink and topped with festive sprinkles—adds a nostalgic look and just the right amount of sweetness.

Lofthouse vs Traditional Sugar Cookies

Traditional sugar cookies are often crisp or chewy, depending on the recipe. But Lofthouse Cookies bridge the gap between cake and cookie. Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Lofthouse Cookies	Traditional Sugar Cookies
Texture	Super soft, cakey	Crisp or chewy
Flavor Profile	Sweet, buttery, vanilla-rich	Simple, buttery
Thickness	Thick, fluffy	Thin to medium
Frosting	Buttercream with sprinkles	Often none or royal icing
Key Ingredients	Sour cream, cornstarch	Basic sugar cookie dough

These cookies are especially popular at holidays because they’re easy to decorate, store well, and always look festive.

Don’t miss our Cinnamon Roll Cookies Delicious Recipe if you’re looking for more soft and sweet cookie treats.

Ingredients for Authentic Lofthouse Cookies

Must-Have Ingredients for the Cookie Dough

To achieve that signature soft texture, you’ll need the right combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour – Offers structure without making the cookies dense.
• Cornstarch – Secret ingredient for softness and tenderness.
• Baking powder & baking soda – A balanced combo for proper lift and fluffiness.
• Salt – Enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (room temp) – Helps create a rich, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar – Provides classic sweetness.
• Sour cream (room temp) – Adds moisture and softness.
• Egg (room temp) – Binds everything and contributes to texture.
• Vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for deep flavor.
• Almond extract (optional) – Mimics that store-bought flavor.

Check out our Nutter Butter Cookies Recipe if you’re after even more melt-in-your-mouth classics.

Classic Buttercream Frosting Essentials

To make the frosting that completes the Lofthouse experience, here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter (room temp) – For creamy richness.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens.
• Milk – Thins the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla extract – Boosts the flavor.
• Food coloring – Optional but perfect for replicating the iconic pink look.
• Sprinkles – Colorful toppings make them pop!

Want more frosted cookie ideas? Discover great ideas like our Magic Brownie Cookies Delicious Recipe to elevate your dessert tray.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Lofthouse Cookies at Home

Mastering the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Lofthouse Cookies isn’t hard—especially when you follow a well-tested method. Here’s a detailed walk-through of how to make them from scratch, using pantry-friendly ingredients and a few pro-level tricks.

Preparing the Dough

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—in a medium bowl. Cornstarch may sound unusual, but it’s a key player in delivering that signature softness.

In a separate bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air and creates that airy, cakey crumb we want. Then, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) and beat until fully combined.

Mix in the sour cream and scrape down the sides to ensure a smooth, cohesive dough. Finally, combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture slowly. The dough should be thick but soft—don’t overmix it.

Once your dough is ready, form it into a disk, cover, and chill for at least one hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Cutting, Baking, and Cooling

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness, depending on how soft you want your cookies. Use a 2.5 to 3-inch round cookie cutter for that classic Lofthouse shape.

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–9 minutes. These cookies should not brown on top—they should remain pale. That’s how you lock in the soft texture.

Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.

Don’t miss our Almond Joy Cookies Recipe if you’re a fan of soft cookies with a twist.

Frosting and Decorating

While the cookies cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. Start by creaming the butter until soft and smooth, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

If you want that classic pink hue, add a few drops of gel food coloring. Gel works better than liquid, as it delivers brighter color without thinning the frosting.

Spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie. Top with sprinkles while the frosting is still soft so they stick. You can customize them with seasonal colors or themes for holidays and parties.

Looking for more decorative treats? Don’t miss our Halloween Popcorn Balls Recipe for your next festive spread.

Pro Tips for Perfect Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Getting the Texture Just Right

• Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s essential for the soft, tender bite.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Especially butter, sour cream, and egg.
• Chill your dough: It keeps the cookies from spreading and helps maintain shape.
• Don’t overbake: The cookies should be just set—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Avoid browning: If the edges brown, they’ll be too crisp.

Frosting That Holds Its Shape

• Beat the frosting until fluffy for a light, cloud-like texture.
• If frosting is too soft, chill it briefly before using.
• Use gel food coloring for bold colors without watering down your mix.
• Add extra powdered sugar to stiffen if your frosting is too loose.

Want to pair these with another nostalgic classic? Check out our Chessman Banana Pudding Dessert for another creamy favorite.

Variations and Customization Ideas

While classic Lofthouse Cookies are timeless, there are plenty of ways to get creative with flavors and appearances.

Flavor Twists

Switch things up by adding extra flavor layers to the dough or frosting. Try these fun options:

• Lemon zest or orange extract for a citrusy twist
• Cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, fall flavor
• Coconut or peppermint extract for holidays
• Substitute almond extract with maple or hazelnut

Want more creative cookie ideas? Discover great ideas like our Cookie Empanadas Dessert Recipe to inspire your next batch.

Holiday and Seasonal Themes

You can easily customize these cookies for any occasion:

Holiday	Frosting Color	Sprinkle Style
Christmas	Red & Green	Snowflakes or Trees
Halloween	Orange & Black	Bats or Pumpkins
Easter	Pastel Colors	Flowers or Bunnies
Valentine’s	Pink & Red	Hearts or Kisses
July 4th	Red, White, Blue	Stars or Flags

Looking for inspiration? Try our Halloween Cake Pops Spooky Dessert for another themed treat.

Storing, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Options

These cookies are surprisingly low maintenance and make-ahead friendly.

Cookie Longevity

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 1 week, perfect for parties.
• Freezer: Store unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer bag.

Best Way to Freeze (Before or After Frosting?)

It’s best to freeze the cookies without frosting, then frost them after thawing for the best look and texture. If you must freeze frosted cookies, flash-freeze first to set the frosting, then layer with wax paper.

Check out our Homemade Pumpkin Rolls Prefect Recipe for another make-ahead dessert option.

FAQs About Lofthouse Cookies

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Making These at Home

Homemade Lofthouse Cookies bring together the nostalgia of childhood favorites with the satisfaction of baking from scratch. With their fluffy texture, creamy frosting, and endless customization options, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies are a foolproof favorite.

Don’t miss our Strawberry Tiramisu Delicious Dessert for another bakery-style sweet to pair with your cookies.

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