Lofthouse Cookies are soft, cake-like sugar cookies topped with a thick layer of creamy, colorful frosting and a sprinkle of festive decorations.
Known for their pillowy texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, these cookies are often found in bakeries and grocery stores, bringing instant nostalgia to anyone who’s tried them.
Their pastel frosting and seasonal designs make them perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special gatherings.
Unlike crisp sugar cookies, Lofthouse Cookies have a tender crumb and a rich flavor, often enhanced with vanilla. They’re a delightful treat for both kids and adults, offering a cheerful, bakery-style indulgence right at home.
If you’ve ever walked past the bakery section of a grocery store and spotted a tray of thick, pastel-frosted cookies with rainbow sprinkles, you’ve seen Lofthouse Cookies. Known for their ultra-soft, cake-like texture and sweet, buttery frosting, these treats are a nostalgic favorite for many. They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want a bakery-style cookie at home.
This recipe recreates the classic flavor and texture so you can skip the store-bought version and enjoy them fresh. The secret? A combination of cake flour, sour cream, and just the right mixing method to make them irresistibly soft.
Lofthouse Cookies are soft, cake-like sugar cookies topped with a generous layer of sweet buttercream frosting and often decorated with colorful sprinkles.
Famous for their pillowy texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, they are a nostalgic bakery treat loved by kids and adults alike.
Their delicate crumb comes from a blend of sugar, butter, and sour cream, giving them a light yet indulgent bite.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or everyday snacking, these cookies stand out for their pastel frosting and festive toppings.
Whether homemade or store-bought, Lofthouse Cookies bring a cheerful pop of color and flavor to any dessert table.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the sour cream, mixing just until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky—that’s a good sign for soft cookies.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and form it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut, and it prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
Using a round cookie cutter (about 2.5–3 inches in diameter), cut out circles and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut again until all dough is used.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just set but not browned. The cookies should look pale—this is what keeps them soft.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low until incorporated.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to match a theme or season.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
Add sprinkles while the frosting is still soft so they stick.
Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes before storing or serving.
Servings 24
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Lofthouse Cookies are more than just sugar cookies—they’re a bakery classic with a texture somewhere between cake and cookie. The sour cream adds moisture, while the frosting provides a sweet, creamy contrast. Homemade versions taste fresher and allow you to customize flavors and decorations for any occasion.
Lofthouse cookies are all about softness, sweetness, and colorful fun. With careful measuring, proper chilling, and patient cooling before frosting, you’ll get that bakery-style texture every time. Serve them fresh for the ultimate treat—they’re the kind of cookie that brings a smile before the first bite.
Whether you’re baking them for a holiday platter, a birthday celebration, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this recipe will give you a batch of cookies that rival (and probably surpass) the store-bought kind.
