Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade Lofthouse cookies are just as soft, buttery, and pillowy as the store-bought kind—but even fresher and more flavorful. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Ultra-Soft, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – The combination of cornstarch, sour cream, and butter gives these cookies their signature fluffy texture.
• Not Too Sweet – The mild sweetness of the cookie base is perfectly balanced by the rich buttercream frosting.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Easily customizable with food coloring, different frostings, and sprinkles for various holidays or events.
• Better Than Store-Bought – No preservatives or artificial flavors—just pure homemade goodness.
• Fun and Easy to Decorate – Great for kids and adults alike to customize with different colors and toppings.

What Makes Lofthouse Cookies Different from Regular Sugar Cookies?

Lofthouse cookies aren’t your typical sugar cookies. Here’s what sets them apart:

• Soft and Cake-Like Texture – Unlike classic sugar cookies that are crispy or chewy, Lofthouse cookies are thick, tender, and almost like a mini cake.
• Sour Cream in the Dough – This key ingredient keeps the cookies moist and enhances their delicate crumb.
• No Rolling or Cutting Needed – Unlike traditional cut-out sugar cookies, Lofthouse cookies are scooped and slightly flattened, making them much easier to prepare.
• Buttery, Fluffy Frosting – The sweet and creamy buttercream is a defining characteristic, making the cookies extra indulgent.

The Secret Ingredient: Sour Cream

Sour cream is the game-changer in this recipe, helping to create soft, moist cookies that don’t dry out. Here’s why it works so well:

• Adds Moisture – Prevents the cookies from becoming dense or dry.
• Enhances Flavor – Brings a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness.
• Creates a Tender Crumb – Works with the leavening agents to give the cookies their signature soft and airy texture.

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk, but sour cream will give the most authentic taste and texture.

How to Get the Perfect Cookie Shape

One of the hallmarks of Lofthouse cookies is their perfectly round, slightly domed shape. To achieve this at home, follow these tips:

• Chill the Dough – Refrigerating the dough prevents spreading and helps the cookies maintain their light, fluffy structure.
• Scoop Evenly – Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure each cookie is the same size for even baking.
• Press Lightly After Baking – Since Lofthouse cookies are known for their flat tops, gently press them down with a spatula while still warm. This creates the ideal surface for frosting and decorating.

The Best Frosting for Lofthouse Cookies

A rich, fluffy buttercream frosting is essential for authentic Lofthouse cookies. The combination of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract creates a light and airy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie base.

How to Make the Frosting Extra Fluffy:

• Beat the Butter First – Whipping the butter before adding powdered sugar ensures a light, airy consistency.
• Gradually Add Sugar – This prevents a grainy texture and keeps the frosting silky smooth.
• A Splash of Milk (If Needed) – If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
• Food Coloring for Fun Variations – Customize the cookies for holidays, birthdays, or themed events with different colors.

How to Decorate Lofthouse Cookies Like a Pro

One of the best parts of making Lofthouse cookies is decorating them! Here’s how to get that signature bakery look:

• Use an Offset Spatula or Butter Knife – This helps spread the frosting evenly and smoothly over the cookie surface.
• Leave a Small Border – Avoid spreading frosting all the way to the edges for a clean and polished look.
• Add Sprinkles Immediately – To ensure the sprinkles stick to the frosting, add them right after frosting each cookie.
• Let the Frosting Set – Allow the cookies to sit for at least 30 minutes so the frosting firms up before serving or storing.

Custom Variations and Flavor Twists

While the classic version is always a hit, you can easily switch things up to create new flavors and fun variations:

• Chocolate Lofthouse Cookies – Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate version.
• Citrus Twist – Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing flavor.
• Almond Frosting – Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist.
• Holiday-Themed Cookies – Use red and green food coloring for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or spooky designs for Halloween.

How to Store and Keep These Cookies Fresh

Homemade Lofthouse cookies stay soft and delicious for days, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or gift-giving.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw, then frost before serving.

For freezing frosted cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Chilling Step – Leads to cookies spreading too much and losing their signature shape.
• Overbaking – These cookies should be soft, not crispy. Take them out just as the edges turn golden.
• Not Mixing the Frosting Enough – Under-whipped frosting can be grainy instead of fluffy.
• Adding Too Many Sprinkles Too Late – Sprinkles won’t stick if the frosting has started to set.

Conclusion

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are the ultimate homemade version of the beloved bakery classic. With their soft, cake-like texture, rich buttercream frosting, and festive decorations, these cookies are a joy to make and even more fun to eat.

Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a sweet treat, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable. Once you bake a batch, you’ll love the fresh, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that make these cookies so irresistible.

Try them today, and enjoy a nostalgic, homemade treat that’s better than store-bought!