Step into any bakery, and you’ll likely be greeted by a vibrant display of soft, thick sugar cookies, generously slathered with frosting and adorned for every season. These iconic treats, widely known as Lofthouse Cookies, are a nostalgic favorite for many. Their distinct melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, pillowy frosting make them utterly irresistible. While readily available in stores, imagine creating these delightful frosted sugar cookies in your own kitchen – even better than the bakery version, customized exactly to your liking, and guaranteed to vanish moments after they’re made!
There’s something truly special about a homemade cookie, and these Lofthouse-style frosted sugar cookies are no exception. They bring a touch of joy to any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a Tuesday afternoon that could use a little extra sweetness. Forget the store-bought varieties; this recipe delivers an unparalleled softness and a delectable frosting that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness!
Why These Homemade Frosted Sugar Cookies Are a Must-Bake
Along with classic chocolate chip cookies, frosted sugar cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many, including my own family. The process of rolling out the dough and meticulously frosting each one is truly a labor of love, often reserved for festive times like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. But why wait for a special occasion when you can enjoy these delightful treats anytime? Crafting your own batch of soft, sweet Lofthouse-style sugar cookies offers numerous advantages over store-bought options, making them an absolute must-make.
- Significant Savings: Bakery-style frosted sugar cookies can be quite pricey, especially when you need a large batch for an event. Making them at home drastically cuts down on costs, allowing you to enjoy more delicious cookies for less. This recipe yields a generous amount, ensuring there’s plenty to share (or to keep all to yourself!).
- Unmatched Freshness and Flavor: There’s simply no substitute for a cookie enjoyed fresh from the oven, with frosting still perfectly soft. When you bake at home, you get to experience these cookies at their peak freshness, offering a superior taste and texture that pre-packaged versions can’t match. The aromas filling your kitchen alone are worth the effort!
- Endless Customization Options: One of the greatest joys of baking these Lofthouse sugar cookies yourself is the freedom to decorate them for *any* occasion or theme. From vibrant pastel frostings for spring celebrations to spooky designs for Halloween, patriotic colors for national holidays, or elegant touches for weddings and baby showers, the possibilities are limitless. You can match your cookies to any party décor or personal preference.
- Universal Appeal: These soft sugar cookies are a guaranteed crowd-plepleaser. Their gentle sweetness and tender texture appeal to both children and adults alike, making them the perfect treat for family gatherings, school events, office potlucks, or simply as an indulgent snack after a long day. Everyone will adore these classic bakery-style cookies!
Beyond these practical benefits, the act of baking itself can be incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. Sharing homemade treats fosters a sense of warmth and connection, making these Lofthouse cookies not just a dessert, but a gesture of care and love.
Crafting Your Own Lofthouse-Style Frosted Sugar Cookies
Creating these iconic soft and thick Lofthouse cookies at home is simpler than you might think, and you have a couple of versatile options for shaping them. Each method yields delicious results, allowing you to choose based on your preference for ease or presentation.
- The Signature Thick & Round Method: For the most authentic Lofthouse experience, the easiest approach is to scoop rounds of dough directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once scooped, use the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass to gently press each dough ball into a thick, uniform disc. This technique is key to achieving that classic bakery-style thickness, often up to 1/2 inch. Ensure your glass is lightly floured to prevent sticking. This method saves time on rolling and cutting, making it ideal for a quick batch of delicious cookies.
- Classic Cut-Out Cookies: If you prefer to create fun shapes for specific occasions, you can opt for the cut-out method. First, chill your dough thoroughly – this is crucial for easy handling and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Once chilled, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. While traditional Lofthouse cookies are quite thick, you can roll them a little thinner (around 1/4 inch) if you prefer more cookies from your batch or a slightly crispier edge. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create stars, hearts, flowers, or any festive shape you desire. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Baking & Reusing Dough: Bake your cookies as directed in the recipe, being careful not to overbake them. Overbaking is the enemy of soft cookies! Once a batch is done, collect the dough scraps from the cut-out method, gently knead them back into a ball, and re-chill if they’ve become too warm. This ensures you get the most out of your dough.
- Perfecting the Frosting: The signature fluffy frosting is what truly elevates these Lofthouse cookies. I find an offset spatula to be the perfect tool for simply smearing a generous layer of the sweet, buttery icing over the surface of each cooled cookie. Don’t worry about perfection; a rustic smear adds to their homemade charm.
- Festive Garnishes: The final touch is all about the sprinkles! Generously dust your cookies with colorful sprinkles immediately after frosting, before the icing has a chance to set. This makes them extra festive and appealing. For a more elaborate touch, as I did with daisy-shaped cut-outs, you can place a small blob of icing in the center and adorn it with a single pastel white chocolate M&M for a delightful springtime look. These cookies are also sturdy enough to create a beautiful cookie bouquet; just insert a wooden skewer into the side of each cut-out cookie before baking to create a stick.
Whether you choose the simple scooped rounds or intricate cut-outs, the joy of decorating these cookies is half the fun. Let your creativity shine and enjoy every step of bringing these beloved treats to life in your kitchen.
Mastering Lofthouse Cookies: Expert Baking Tips
Achieving that perfect soft, cake-like texture and evenly frosted finish for your Lofthouse cookies requires attention to a few key details. These expert tips will guide you through the process, ensuring your homemade frosted sugar cookies are nothing short of spectacular:
- Chill Your Dough: Always refer to your specific recipe, as many call for the cookie dough to be refrigerated before rolling and cutting. Chilling the dough helps firm up the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they maintain their shape and signature thickness. For scooped cookies, a brief chill can still help them hold their shape better.
- PRO-Tip: Check Your Leavening Agents: Baking powder is a crucial ingredient for the fluffy texture of Lofthouse cookies, and it has a much shorter shelf life than baking soda. To ensure your baking powder is still potent, place a spoonful into boiling or very hot water. If it bubbles vigorously, it’s fresh and ready to use. If not, it’s time to replace it. A fresh leavening agent is key to achieving that desired rise and softness.
- Mind Your Flour: When rolling out dough, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. However, use the minimum amount needed. Too much added flour can toughen your cookies, making them dense instead of tender and soft. Keep a close eye on the surface, flouring only as necessary.
- PRO-Tip: Achieve the Ideal Thickness: While standard sugar cookie dough is often rolled to about 1/8-inch thickness, authentic Lofthouse sugar cookies are noticeably thicker. Aim to roll your dough to approximately 1/4-inch thick to get that characteristic substantial and soft bite. This extra thickness contributes significantly to their bakery-style appeal.
- Parchment Paper is Your Best Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step prevents your cookies from sticking to the pan, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. It also helps with easy transfer of the delicate unbaked cut-outs onto the sheet.
- PRO-Tip: Keep Dough and Baking Sheets Cool: Warm dough is a common culprit for misshapen or spread-out cookies. If your dough becomes too warm while you’re rolling and cutting, don’t hesitate to re-chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Additionally, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing new cut-outs on them. Placing dough on a warm sheet can cause the butter to melt prematurely, leading to excessive spreading.
- Don’t Overbake: For that signature soft and tender texture, it’s vital not to overbake your Lofthouse cookies. Bake them until the edges are just barely golden and the centers look set, typically 10 to 12 minutes. They might seem slightly underdone when you pull them out, but they will continue to cook slightly on the hot pan and firm up as they cool, retaining their delightful softness.
By following these expert guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of Lofthouse cookies that rival your favorite bakery!
Frequently Asked Questions About Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse cookies are a distinctive style of thicker, soft-textured, frosted sugar cookies commonly found in grocery store bakeries across the United States. The “Lofthouse sugar cookies” originated in 1994 when Lofthouse Foods began producing these specific cookies for in-store bakeries and other merchandisers. Their unique appeal lies in their remarkably soft, cake-like texture, substantial thickness, and a generous layer of sweet, creamy frosting, often adorned with colorful sprinkles. This combination quickly made them a beloved classic, and the name “Lofthouse” became synonymous with this particular type of indulgent, frosted sugar cookie.
While there are many variations, this classic recipe, adapted from the now-defunct McCall’s Magazine, utilizes a thoughtful combination of ingredients to achieve the iconic Lofthouse profile. Key to their tender crumb are both baking powder and baking soda, which act as leavening agents to create a less crumbly and more cake-like texture. A crucial ingredient for softness and moisture in this particular version is sour cream. While not present in all Lofthouse cookie recipes, sour cream contributes significantly to their moistness and tender chew. For the distinct flavor, a touch of almond extract is often added alongside vanilla extract. This combination is believed to replicate the “creme bouquet” flavoring, an extract containing vanilla, almond, butter, and citrus notes, which was likely used in the original factory-made cookies. Some recipes might also include cornstarch, which is typically used to reduce the gluten content in all-purpose flour, mimicking cake flour for an even softer result. However, this recipe delivers excellent results with standard all-purpose flour thanks to the other moistening and leavening agents.
Most homemade sugar cookies, including these delightful Lofthouse-style treats, will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days when stored properly. To maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out, it’s essential to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, or if you have any leftovers after a few days, freezing is an excellent option. Make sure the frosting has fully set before stacking them gently between layers of parchment paper in an airtight freezer-safe container. This helps preserve their texture and flavor for future enjoyment.
Absolutely! Lofthouse cookies freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to prepare them in advance or save extras for later. They can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to let the frosting set completely first. If your cookies are heavily adorned with delicate sprinkles or other decorations, be aware that these might potentially “bleed” or become slightly tacky as the cookies defrost due to moisture condensation. For this reason, unadorned frosted sugar cookies tend to hold up slightly better in the freezer compared to those with intricate or sensitive decorations. To defrost, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, or let them come to room temperature on the counter for a few hours. This slow defrosting helps maintain their soft texture.
Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed baking these delightful Lofthouse Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and expand your baking repertoire:
- Jam Filled Linzer Cookies: Elegant, buttery cookies with a sweet jam center, perfect for holidays.
- Classic Vanilla Spritz Cookies: Beautifully shaped and delicate butter cookies, ideal for any occasion.
- Italian Ricotta Cookies: Incredibly soft and moist cookies with a subtle hint of lemon.
- Egg White Cookies (Simple Meringue Cookies): Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth confections.
- Plus, these Sugar Sprinkles Cookies are another fun, festive treat that kids and adults will adore.
- Discover even more of the Best Cookie Recipes for every taste and occasion.
- Planning for the festive season? Save this helpful post for the holidays: How to Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange.
Happy baking!
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Frosted Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
30 minutes
12 minutes
42 minutes
24
Master the art of baking the famous Lofthouse sugar cookies right in your own kitchen! These soft, thick, and perfectly frosted cookies are a beloved bakery classic, now easily achievable at home. Get ready for a delicious, customizable treat that vanishes quickly!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond flavoring (key for the classic Lofthouse taste)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened but still cool (set out for about a half-hour)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons or more of heavy cream, as needed for desired consistency
- Food coloring or gel, if desired (for festive colors)
- Sprinkles, candy, or other garnishes as desired
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add the vanilla extract and almond flavoring, mixing well to combine. Then, incorporate the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Stir in the sour cream until just combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms a ball. Be careful not to overmix.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight. Chilling is crucial for the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking, especially if you plan to roll out the dough for cut-out cookies.
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled cookie dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness. This thickness is essential for achieving the classic soft and thick Lofthouse cookie texture.
- Using your cookie cutters of choice, cut out desired shapes from the rolled dough. For a more traditional Lofthouse look, you can also scoop rounded spoonfuls of dough and gently flatten them with the bottom of a floured glass.
- Carefully place the cut-out (or flattened) cookies onto parchment-lined cookie sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden and the centers appear set. It is critical not to overbake if you want to retain their signature soft and chewy texture. Cookies will continue to set on the baking sheet after removal from the oven.
- While the cookies cool completely, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, cream the softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth and well combined. Then, add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring or gel to the frosting and mix until a uniform color is achieved (for example, use pink gel paste for a Valentine’s theme).
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them generously using an offset spatula or knife. Garnish immediately with sprinkles, candies, or other decorations as desired before the frosting sets. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure your baking powder is not expired. If it’s over a year old, it’s highly recommended to purchase a fresh can to guarantee proper leavening and cookie texture. You can test its freshness by mixing a spoonful in hot water; it should fizz vigorously.
This recipe has been carefully adapted from a classic McCall’s Magazine version, via What’s Cookin’ Italian Style Cuisine, to perfectly replicate the beloved Lofthouse cookie experience.
Recommended Baking Essentials
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets Non-Stick Parchment Paper, 25 Sheet, 4 Count
- USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan, Warp Resistant Nonstick Baking Pan, Made in the USA from Aluminized Steel – 1050HS
- Heart cookie cutters
- Rolling pin
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24
Serving Size:
1 cookie
Amount Per Serving (approximate):
Calories: 218Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 153mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 2g
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