Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever bitten into a soft, pillowy cookie that’s loaded with sweet, creamy frosting, you’re in for a treat with this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe. These cookies are an absolute game changer — think velvety texture, a little hint of almond, and that classic fluffy frosting that just melts in your mouth. Honestly, once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else when you want a soft, nostalgic cookie fix. Trust me, I’ve made these more times than I can count, and they always impress!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe really comes down to a few key ingredients that work together perfectly. The sour cream adds moisture and tanginess for tenderness, while the combination of baking powder and baking soda gives the cookies a subtle lift and keeps them incredibly soft. Plus, the almond extract in both dough and frosting hints at that classic bakery vibe we all love.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter helps you control the salt and gives these cookies their rich, creamy base.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie and helps with texture when creamed with butter.
• Sour cream: The secret ingredient for that soft, tender crumb and subtle tang that balances sweetness.
• Egg: Adds structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla extract: Classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth.
• Almond extract: Adds a distinct, sweet aroma and flavor—just a little goes a long way!
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for your dough; measuring carefully helps keep the cookies light.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Combined to ensure the cookies rise just enough without getting cakey.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Confectioners’ sugar (for frosting): Gives that ultra-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth frosting texture.
• Milk (for frosting): Thins the frosting just enough to spread easily but still keep it fluffy.
• Food coloring & sprinkles: Optional but such a fun way to customize and decorate your cookies exactly how you like them.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Everyone has different flavor favorites or color themes, and this recipe is like a blank canvas for your cookie creativity. I’ve played around with extracts and frosting colors, and it never disappoints.

• Variation: I sometimes swap almond extract in the frosting for peppermint around the holidays — it’s a fresh twist that guests always ask about.
• Dietary tweaks: Want to make this gluten-free? I’ve had success using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, just make sure to watch the dough consistency.
• Decorating ideas: Add colored sugar or edible glitter over the frosting for birthday parties or special occasions — it instantly elevates the look!
• Difficulty level: This recipe is super beginner-friendly, but if you’d like a firmer cookie for stacking, just chill the dough before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cream Your Base

First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat—this keeps the cookies from sticking and promotes even baking. Then, in your stand mixer or with a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and light in color. This step is key because it helps create that dreamy, soft texture we want inside the cookie.

Step 2: Mix in the Wet Ingredients

Add the sour cream, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract next. Mix everything just until combined — overmixing can make the cookies tough, and we want them tender and soft, remember? Keep an eye on it and gently fold the ingredients together.

Step 3: Add Your Dry Ingredients Gently

Sift together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. I like to sift because it helps avoid lumps and makes sure everything is evenly distributed. Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl in three additions, mixing well but carefully after each addition to prevent overworking the dough. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Step 4: Roll, Flatten, and Bake

Roll your dough into 2-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Now, here’s a little trick I swear by: use a mini rolling pin (or the bottom of a small glass) to flatten each dough ball to roughly ¼ to ½ inch thickness. This helps the cookies bake evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for just 7 minutes — no browning! They’ll look pale, but they’re done and perfect. Let them cool on a rack before the frosting magic.

Step 5: Whip Up That Fluffy Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat together the softened butter, vanilla, and almond extract until it’s nice and smooth. Slowly add your confectioners’ sugar, mixing well after each cup, then add the milk to reach the perfect spreadable consistency. If you want to get fancy, this is where you toss in your food coloring or sprinkles! Beat until fluffy and inviting.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting atop each one. If you like, sprinkle on some colorful sprinkles right away so they stick. These cookies shine bright with a little pop of color and texture on top!

How to Serve Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for classic rainbow or pastel sprinkles on these cookies—adds a fun party vibe without much effort. Sometimes I go for edible glitter to make them extra festive. If I’m feeling nostalgic, I keep it simple with just a dusting of colored sugar on top.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, but I also love serving them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a fun brunch spread, pair them alongside fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait to balance all that sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties, I like stacking the Lofthouse cookies in a pretty glass jar or tiered dessert tray with colorful ribbons tied around, making an irresistible centerpiece. For holidays, switching frosting colors and themed sprinkles instantly customizes the vibe. They make darling edible gifts when wrapped in cellophane bags with a cute tag.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Lofthouse cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I layer parchment paper between cookies to keep the frosting intact. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, though they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Want to save these for later? I freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw completely before frosting. You can also freeze frosted cookies for short periods but place parchment between layers to protect the frosting.

Reheating

If you like your Lofthouse cookies just a little warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—but no longer, or the frosting will melt. A gentle warming really brings out that soft texture and enhances the buttery flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lofthouse Cookies Recipe is one of those comforting little treasures I always go back to when I want a bit of sweet nostalgia without fuss. It’s simple, reliable, and so wonderfully customizable that it feels like a special treat every time. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a kid’s party, or just because, you’ll find that soft, frosted goodness hard to resist. Give it a go, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your cookie repertoire too!

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