Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for irresistibly tender, frosted sugar cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite, you are going to absolutely adore this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe. It captures all the magic of that iconic bakery-style treat with its pillowy texture, dreamy vanilla-almond frosting, and vibrant sprinkles that bring a joyful pop of color. Making these at home is simpler than you might think, and the result is a batch of cookies so delightfully delicious, they will vanish from your plate before you know it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lofthouse Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple, trusty ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating the soft, tender crumb and luscious frosting every bite deserves. From the all-purpose flour that forms the cookie base to the extracts that bring that unmistakable fragrant sweetness, these ingredients are your ticket to cookie bliss.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure while keeping cookies soft and tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the cookies a gentle rise for that fluffy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: A little lift and balance for the cookie’s crumb.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Adds extra softness and a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• ½ cup salted butter (room temp): Brings richness and moisture to the dough.
• 1½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with that tender bite.
• 2 large eggs (room temp): Bind ingredients and add moisture for softness.
• ½ cup sour cream (room temp): Adds tang and extra tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: The soul of this cookie’s flavor.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a delicate, nutty aroma that’s iconic in Lofthouse cookies.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (room temp): For the frosting, creamy and smooth.
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetness and structure to the frosting.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts frosting consistency for spreading.
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting flavor beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Gives the frosting that special nutty note.
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness in frosting.
• Food coloring (any color): Sets the mood with vibrant, fun frosting hues.
• 2 tablespoons colored sprinkles: Adds that signature festive crunch and charm.

How to Make Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for that soft, flat cookie texture Lofthouse cookies are known for.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the salted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this helps to incorporate air so your cookies end up tender but not dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that perfectly complements the nutty almond flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the flour mixture, just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as you no longer see flour.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Roll Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to just over a quarter-inch thickness — not too thin, so the cookies stay soft and pillowy.

Step 7: Cut Out Cookies

Using a 2 to 3-inch round cutter, cut circles out of the dough. Transfer them carefully to an ungreased baking sheet, arranging cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 7-9 minutes until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft and pale. Remember, these aren’t meant to be golden brown – that softness is what makes them magical.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While your cookies cool on a wire rack, make the classic Lofthouse-style frosting. Beat the unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Combine with milk, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Add your favorite food coloring for that cheerful, bakery-style look and whip it all until smooth and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once completely cooled, frost each cookie generously and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles for that joyful finishing touch. This is where your cookies start looking like the ones you’re excited to share (or keep to yourself!).

How to Serve Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

The classic colored sprinkles aren’t just pretty — they add a slight crunch and extra fun to each bite. You can also experiment with mini chocolate chips or edible glitter for a twist that complements the vanilla-almond frosting perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve these bright, tender cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy frosting and soft crumb pair wonderfully with a creamy latte or even a refreshing iced tea for afternoon treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Lofthouse cookies on a pastel-colored platter or tiered cake stand for parties or holidays. You can even pipe personalized messages or designs on the frosting with food-safe markers to make them truly special gifts or celebrations treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They will stay wonderfully soft, especially if you place a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked, unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag. Frost them after thawing for best results. Alternatively, freeze frosted cookies on a tray first, then transfer to a container, separating layers with parchment paper to protect the frosting.

Reheating

Gently warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want that fresh-baked feel. Avoid heating too long, especially with frosted ones, to prevent melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use different extracts instead of vanilla and almond?

Absolutely! While vanilla and almond extracts give Lofthouse cookies their signature taste, you can try lemon, coconut, or even peppermint extracts for a fun twist. Just remember to start with less, as some flavors are more potent.

Why is cornstarch used in this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe?

Cornstarch helps create an ultra-soft and tender cookie by inhibiting gluten formation, which is perfect for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture Lofthouse cookies are loved for.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a binding agent. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

How important is chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough is key to firm it up, control spreading during baking, and develop better flavor. Don’t skip this step, or your cookies may flatten too much and lose that soft, cakey texture.

Can these cookies be decorated with royal icing?

While royal icing looks beautiful, it can harden and change the soft texture contrast you get with traditional Lofthouse frosting. If you prefer a firmer decoration, try piping a thin border with royal icing and use the classic frosting inside.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly heartwarming about making and sharing these tender, frosted delights from scratch. This Lofthouse Cookies Recipe is your new go-to for bringing joy to any occasion, whether a casual snack or a special treat. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite sprinkles, and get ready to enjoy the sweetest smiles and warmest compliments you’ll ever receive.

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