These Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies are the ultimate nostalgic treat! With their signature soft and pillowy texture, lightly sweet flavor, and fluffy vanilla frosting, they melt in your mouth with every bite. The pastel-colored frosting and festive sprinkles make them a fun and cheerful dessert, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can be crisp or crumbly, these cookies have a cake-like softness that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy frosting. Best of all, they’re easy to make at home and can be customized with different colors, sprinkles, and flavors to match any theme or celebration. Whether you’re baking for a party or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Then, blend in the sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the tops remain pale.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cookies and top with sprinkles. Let the frosting set before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes
Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
The Ultimate Guide to Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies
A Classic Bakery Favorite, Now Homemade
Lofthouse-style sugar cookies are a beloved treat known for their ultra-soft, cake-like texture and fluffy, colorful frosting. Originally sold in grocery store bakeries, these cookies have become a nostalgic favorite for many, often associated with childhood memories, birthdays, and festive celebrations. Their signature look—pastel frosting with sprinkles—makes them stand out, but their true charm lies in their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor.
While store-bought versions are widely available, homemade Lofthouse-style cookies are even better. By making them yourself, you can control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and customize the flavors and colors to suit any occasion.
What Makes These Cookies Unique?
Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which can be crisp or chewy, Lofthouse-style cookies have a distinct texture that is soft, airy, and almost cake-like. This is achieved through a combination of key ingredients:
- Sour cream – This ingredient adds moisture and a slight tang, creating the soft texture that sets these cookies apart.
- Vegetable shortening – Combined with butter, shortening helps give the cookies structure without making them too dense.
- Almond extract – A subtle yet essential ingredient, almond extract enhances the vanilla flavor and adds a bakery-style taste.
- Fluffy frosting – The thick, buttery frosting is whipped to a light consistency, making each bite indulgent and creamy.
The Benefits of Making These Cookies at Home
- Better Taste – Store-bought cookies often contain artificial ingredients and stabilizers. Homemade versions taste fresher and richer.
- Customization – You can adjust the flavors, colors, and decorations to match holidays, parties, or personal preferences.
- No Preservatives – Making these cookies from scratch means avoiding unnecessary additives.
- Fun for All Ages – Decorating these cookies with different frostings and sprinkles is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, a birthday, or just a weekend baking project, these cookies are always a hit.
A Brief History of Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse Cookies were first introduced by the Lofthouse Foods company in the 1990s. The idea was to create a sugar cookie that was softer and fluffier than traditional versions, with a creamy frosting that complemented its texture. These cookies quickly became a staple in grocery stores across the U.S., loved for their festive appearance and melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Today, many home bakers have perfected their own versions, bringing the same delightful flavors to their own kitchens.
Tips for the Perfect Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies
- Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overworking the dough can make the cookies dense rather than soft and airy. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough – While not always necessary, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Use a Cookie Scoop – This ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly.
- Don’t Overbake – The cookies should remain pale on top with just a slight golden edge. Overbaking will make them dry instead of soft.
- Whip the Frosting Well – To get a light and fluffy frosting, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth.
Customizing Your Cookies
One of the best things about Lofthouse-style cookies is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few ideas:
- Colorful Frosting – Use food coloring to match the theme of a party or holiday.
- Flavored Frosting – Try adding a hint of lemon, orange, or coconut extract for a twist.
- Different Sprinkles – Use holiday-themed sprinkles for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Storing and Freezing
These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them:
- Unfrosted Cookies – Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
- Frosted Cookies – Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
There are many recipes for Lofthouse-style sugar cookies, but this one stands out because:
- It captures the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and creaminess.
- The addition of sour cream makes the cookies extra moist.
- The frosting is rich and fluffy, just like the original bakery version.
- It uses simple, real ingredients, making it an easy and accessible recipe for any home baker.
Conclusion
Lofthouse-style sugar cookies are a timeless classic, loved for their soft texture and creamy frosting. Making them at home allows for endless creativity, from choosing different frosting colors to experimenting with flavors and decorations. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy with every bite. So, why not give this recipe a try? Your kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies, and your taste buds will thank you!