Lofthouse Sugar Cookies: 7 Reasons You’ll Love Them!

I’ve always been a soft cookie fanatic, and for years, store-bought Lofthouse sugar cookies were my guilty pleasure. That distinctive cakey texture, the thick layer of frosting, and those fun sprinkles? Irresistible! But let me tell you, nothing beats the satisfaction of baking your own, especially when they turn out just as dreamy. If you’re chasing that nostalgic, pillowy-soft sugar cookie experience, you’ve landed in the right place. This recipe isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about recreating a beloved classic in your own kitchen with even better results.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There’s something uniquely comforting about a Lofthouse-style sugar cookie, and this recipe absolutely nails it. First off, they’re incredibly soft and tender, almost melting in your mouth – that’s often the number one reason people search for this particular style. Secondly, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. You don’t need any fancy techniques, just a desire for deliciousness! Plus, these cookies are a fantastic canvas for creativity; think vibrant food colors in your frosting, endless sprinkle combinations, or even seasonal shapes. They’re perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or just a Tuesday evening treat. And let’s not forget the sheer joy of watching faces light up when you offer one of these beautifully frosted gems.

> “I used to buy Lofthouse cookies every grocery trip, but honestly, these homemade ones are a game-changer! So much fresher, softer, and I can customize the frosting. My family devours them!” – Happy Baker

The Cooking Process Explained

Making these Lofthouse Sugar Cookies is a delightful journey that begins with creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy – this is key for that signature tender crumb. Next, eggs and vanilla are incorporated, followed by the dry ingredients. The dough is then chilled, which helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to roll out. After cutting out your fun shapes, they get a brief bake until just set, ensuring they stay soft. The real magic happens once they’ve cooled and are generously slathered with a fluffy, vibrant buttercream frosting, often adorned with a playful scattering of sprinkles.

What You’ll Need

To whip up a batch of these irresistible Lofthouse Sugar Cookies, gather these items:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream (full-fat works best for tenderness)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer frosting)
• Pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional, but highly recommended for that Lofthouse look!)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions to Follow

Here’s how to bring these delightfully soft cookies to life:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Alternately Add Dry and Sour Cream: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Next, add half of the sour cream and mix. Continue alternating, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This chilling step is crucial for preventing spread and making the dough easier to handle.
6. Preheat Oven & Prep Pans: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gently transfer the cut cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut additional cookies.
8. Bake: Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies should still look pale. Do not overbake!
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare the buttercream. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. If desired, divide the frosting and tint with food coloring.
11. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the buttercream frosting over each cookie. Top with sprinkles if using.

How to Serve Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

These cookies are iconic on their own, but there are a few ways to elevate the experience. For a true Lofthouse feel, make sure your frosting is spread thickly and evenly – almost like a cake top! They’re fantastic alongside a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a soothing herbal tea. Because of their vibrant colors and festive sprinkles (if you choose them), they make incredible additions to dessert platters at parties, holiday gatherings, or as edible gifts. You can even package a few in a pretty box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.

The Best Way to Save Extras

To keep your Lofthouse Sugar Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is very warm, you can store them in the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting and cookie are at their best texture.

These cookies also freeze beautifully! Once the frosting is set, you can gently stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

Pro Chef Tips

• Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tougher cookies rather than the desired soft texture.
• Chill the Dough: Seriously, don’t skip this step! It prevents your cookies from spreading too much in the oven, helping them maintain their shape and that delightful thickness.
• Do Not Overbake: This is crucial for Lofthouse-style cookies. They should look pale and just set in the center. Even a minute or two too long can turn them from soft to crispy.
• Softened Butter: For both the cookies and the frosting, ensure your butter is genuinely softened – not melted, but easily indented with a finger. This allows it to cream properly with sugar, creating air and tenderness.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For the smoothest, lump-free frosting, always sift your powdered sugar. It makes a noticeable difference in texture.

Creative Twists

While the classic pink frosting with rainbow sprinkles is iconic, don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Seasonal Themes: Use green frosting and red sprinkles for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween. Different cookie cutter shapes will enhance the theme.
• Flavor Variations: Add a touch of almond extract to the cookie dough or frosting for a subtle flavor twist. Lemon zest in the dough or a touch of lemon juice in the frosting can brighten the flavor profile.
• Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted milk or white chocolate, or add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
• Nuts & Spices: While not traditional, a hint of nutmeg in the dough or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios on top of the frosting could offer an intriguing contrast.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: For an even tangier and richer frosting, swap out some of the butter in the frosting with softened cream cheese.

Your Questions Answered

Why are my Lofthouse cookies not soft?

A: The most common culprits are overmixing the dough or overbaking the cookies. Ensure you only mix the flour until just combined and remove the cookies from the oven when they’re still pale and just set. Also, make sure your sour cream is fresh and full-fat for maximum tenderness.

Can I make these dairy-free or gluten-free?

A: While this specific recipe calls for dairy and gluten, you can experiment with substitutions. For dairy-free, use a good quality plant-based butter (like Miyoko’s Kitchen), a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and plant-based milk for the frosting. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Results may vary slightly in texture.

How far in advance can I make the cookie dough?

A: You can chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you need more time, you can also freeze the dough (well-wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.