Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?

This usually happens when the dough isn't chilled enough or the butter was too warm. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour, and if your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cut-out cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! While almond extract contributes to that classic Lofthouse flavor, you can substitute with additional vanilla extract or even try a different flavor like lemon or maple.

Why do my cookies seem too dry?

This could be from measuring the flour too heavily. Try spooning flour into measuring cups and leveling off rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup. Also, be careful not to overbake - these cookies should come out of the oven while still looking slightly underdone.

How can I get the frosting colors just right?

Start with a tiny amount of food coloring and add gradually until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Remember that colors deepen slightly as they set.

Lofthouse Cookies Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

This classic Lofthouse Cookies recipe delivers those iconic soft, pillowy sugar cookies topped with creamy, colorful frosting and cheerful sprinkles. These bakery-style treats are easier to make at home than you might think, and they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to faces at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Soft: These cookies have that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. The cornstarch and sour cream are the secret weapons that keep them incredibly tender.
Fun to Decorate: Let your creativity shine! Customize the frosting colors for holidays, birthdays, or just because. It’s a great activity to do with kids or friends.
Better Than Store-Bought: Once you try these homemade Lofthouse cookies, you’ll never want the packaged version again. The fresh ingredients and real flavor make all the difference.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, making these perfect for planned gatherings or spontaneous cookie cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure while still keeping them tender.
Baking powder and baking soda: Our leavening agents that help these cookies rise to soft, cakey perfection.
Cornstarch: A key ingredient that gives these cookies their signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Butter: Use room temperature butter for the cookies and frosting – it creams better and creates the perfect texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create that soft structure.
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
Sour cream: The secret weapon! Creates incredible moisture and tenderness.
Vanilla and almond extracts: These two extracts together create that distinctive Lofthouse cookie flavor that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Powdered sugar: Makes the frosting smooth and spreadable.
Milk: Adjusts the frosting consistency – add just enough for smooth spreading.
Food coloring: Have fun with seasonal colors or your personal favorites.
Sprinkles: The finishing touch that makes these cookies instantly recognizable and extra festive.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this classic? Try these variations:

Flavor Twists: Add a touch of lemon, orange, or coconut extract to the dough or frosting for a unique flavor profile.
Holiday Editions: Use red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, orange for Halloween, or match any holiday with coordinated colors and themed sprinkles.
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies.
Decorative Toppings: Swap sprinkles for crushed candy canes, chopped nuts, or colored sugar for different textures and flavors.

How to Make Lofthouse Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt) in a medium bowl. In your stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and extracts until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined – this prevents tough cookies!

Step 2: Chill

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This crucial step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut while developing the flavors.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to just over ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (2-3 inches) to cut circles. Place them on baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 7-9 minutes – and watch carefully! These cookies should not brown around the edges. They’ll still look slightly underdone when you take them out, but will set up as they cool. Transfer to a cooling rack right away.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat room temperature butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in milk, extracts, and salt. Add food coloring drop by drop until you reach your desired shade. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Step 6: Decorate

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one and immediately top with sprinkles. Let the frosting set before stacking or storing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined – overmixing develops gluten and makes the cookies tough.
Keep It Cool: If your kitchen is warm, periodically return the dough to the refrigerator if it becomes too soft while you’re working with it.
Even Rolling: Use rolling pin rings or guides to ensure your dough has uniform thickness for even baking.
Frosting Consistency: The perfect frosting should hold its shape but still spread easily. If it’s too thick, add milk a few drops at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Cookie Thickness Matters: Roll slightly thicker than you might for other cookies – that ¼-inch thickness is key to their soft, cakey texture.

How to Serve

These cookies are versatile stars at any gathering:

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or tea for the classic cookie experience. They’re especially delightful alongside vanilla ice cream.

Occasion Ready

Arrange on a pretty platter for birthdays, holiday gatherings, baby showers, or school events. Color-coordinate the frosting with your event theme.

Gift Giving

Stack in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift that’s always appreciated.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place pieces of parchment or wax paper between layers to protect the frosting.

Freezing

The unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. The dough can also be frozen – either as a ball or pre-cut into circles with parchment between them.

Make Ahead Options

Prepare the dough up to 2 days before baking and keep refrigerated. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and frost them the day you plan to serve.

FAQs

Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?

This usually happens when the dough isn’t chilled enough or the butter was too warm. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour, and if your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cut-out cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! While almond extract contributes to that classic Lofthouse flavor, you can substitute with additional vanilla extract or even try a different flavor like lemon or maple.
Why do my cookies seem too dry?

This could be from measuring the flour too heavily. Try spooning flour into measuring cups and leveling off rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup. Also, be careful not to overbake – these cookies should come out of the oven while still looking slightly underdone.
How can I get the frosting colors just right?

Start with a tiny amount of food coloring and add gradually until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Remember that colors deepen slightly as they set.

Final Thoughts

These Lofthouse Cookies bring together the perfect balance of soft, sweet cookie and creamy frosting that’s impossible to resist. They’re the cookies that create memories – whether you’re making them with kids, serving them at a celebration, or simply enjoying with your afternoon coffee. There’s something magical about their simple but perfect combination of flavors and textures that keeps everyone reaching for just one more. Give this recipe a try, and I bet they’ll become a regular in your baking rotation!