Lofthouse Cookies

These homemade Lofthouse Cookies are the ultimate copycat of your favorite grocery store treat. Soft, cakey sugar cookies topped with fluffy pink buttercream and festive sprinkles, they melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet nostalgic indulgence, they’re even better than the original — and easier to make than you might think.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super soft texture: Thanks to sour cream, cornstarch, and just the right balance of leavening agents, these cookies are incredibly soft and pillowy.

• Classic flavor: Sweet vanilla-almond dough and buttery frosting deliver that iconic Lofthouse taste.

• Customizable: Change the color of the frosting, use different sprinkles, or even switch up the flavors to match the season.

• Perfect for any occasion: Birthday parties, baby showers, holidays, or just because — these cookies are always a hit.

• Make ahead and freeze friendly: Bake now, enjoy later. These cookies store beautifully.

• Fun to decorate: Great for getting kids involved in the kitchen or for creating themed cookies for celebrations.

• Better than store-bought: Fresh ingredients and homemade love take these to the next level.

• Yields a large batch: Perfect for sharing with friends, coworkers, or neighbors.

• Not too sweet: Despite the frosting, the cookie base balances everything out.

• Easy to follow: Simple instructions, familiar ingredients, and no fancy equipment needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookies:
all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
cornstarch
salt
unsalted butter, room temperature
granulated sugar
egg, room temperature
sour cream, room temperature
vanilla extract
almond extract (optional)

Buttercream Frosting:
unsalted butter, room temperature
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
milk (plus more if needed)
food coloring (optional)
sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, then add vanilla and almond extract if using. Mix in the sour cream until well combined.

4. Combine dough: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Shape into a disk, cover in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Roll and cut cookies: Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Use a 2½–3 inch round cookie cutter to cut shapes. Reroll scraps and cut more.

7. Bake: Place cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 8–9 minutes. The cookies should remain pale and not brown. Let cool completely.

8. Make the frosting: Cream the butter, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add food coloring if desired.

9. Decorate: Spread or pipe a thin layer of frosting on each cooled cookie. Top with sprinkles and let the frosting set before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 28 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 8–9 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 23 minutes

Variations

• Color themes: Use different gel food colorings to match holidays or parties.

• Flavored frosting: Swap the vanilla for lemon, orange, or almond extract for a fun twist.

• Holiday sprinkles: Customize the look with seasonal or themed sprinkles.

• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• No almond extract: Omit or replace with a flavor of your choice if avoiding nuts.

• Thicker cookies: Roll out dough to ½ inch for a fluffier, more cake-like result.

• Mini cookies: Use a smaller cutter for bite-sized treats.

• Piped frosting: For a bakery look, use a piping bag with a round or star tip.

• No food coloring: Keep the frosting white for a more natural or minimalist look.

Storage/Reheating

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

To freeze, place unfrosted cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, frost, and decorate before serving. You can freeze frosted cookies too, but they may be harder to stack and store.

FAQs

What makes Lofthouse cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

Lofthouse cookies are softer, thicker, and more cake-like than traditional sugar cookies. They also have a signature fluffy frosting and are never crisp or chewy.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before rolling out.

Is it okay to skip the almond extract?

Absolutely. The almond extract adds a nostalgic flavor similar to the original Lofthouse cookies, but the cookies are still delicious without it.

Can I make these cookies without frosting?

You can, but the frosting is what gives Lofthouse cookies their classic look and taste. Try a dusting of powdered sugar as a simpler alternative.

Why is my dough too sticky to roll out?

Make sure the dough has chilled for at least an hour. If it’s still sticky, dust your rolling pin and surface with flour to help manage the dough.

What food coloring works best for the frosting?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it’s more vibrant and doesn’t thin out the frosting like liquid dyes can.

Can I use cookie cutters in different shapes?

Yes! Any shape will work. Just keep an eye on baking time—thinner or smaller shapes may bake faster.

Why do my cookies look underbaked?

That’s normal. Lofthouse cookies are meant to be pale with no browning. Overbaking will make them dry and cakey instead of soft and tender.

Can I freeze the frosting?

Yes, store frosting in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge, then re-whip for a smooth texture.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love decorating them with colorful frosting and sprinkles, and they’re soft enough for even little ones to enjoy.

Conclusion

Homemade Lofthouse Cookies are a joyful, nostalgic treat that brings bakery-style sweetness to your own kitchen. With their soft, cakey texture, vibrant frosting, and fun sprinkles, they’re a guaranteed hit for birthdays, holidays, or everyday indulgences. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite for years to come.