Soft Lofthouse Cookie Delight

This homemade version of Lofthouse Cookies brings a nostalgic soft sugar cookie experience with significantly more flavor than store-bought versions. These pillowy treats with their signature frosting have been my go-to recipe whenever I want to recreate childhood memories but with a more delicious homemade twist.

I discovered this recipe during a holiday baking marathon and it immediately became my most requested cookie. Friends who try these always ask for the recipe because they can taste the difference from store-bought versions right away.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure while cornstarch creates that signature softness
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and tenderness essential for the authentic texture
• Almond extract: Elevates the flavor profile though it can be optional
• Cool room temperature butter: In both cookie and frosting creates the ideal texture
• Heavy cream: In the frosting gives it that luxurious mouthfeel
• Gel food coloring: Works best as it won’t thin your frosting like liquid varieties

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the baking sheets:

Line baking sheets with parchment paper while preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature allows the cookies to rise gently without browning too quickly which keeps them pale and tender.

Create the dry mix:

Whisk together flour cornstarch baking soda baking powder and salt until thoroughly combined. These dry ingredients need to be fully incorporated to ensure even distribution of leavening agents throughout your cookies.

Cream butter and sugar:

Beat butter and sugar for a full three minutes until truly light and fluffy. This crucial step incorporates air into the dough which helps create that soft pillow texture. The mixture should visibly change color to a lighter shade.

Add wet ingredients:

Incorporate egg sour cream and extracts at a medium speed for about two minutes. The mixture might look slightly curdled which is completely normal at this stage. The sour cream is what gives these cookies their signature tenderness.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Add the flour mixture gradually at low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage will develop gluten making your cookies tough rather than tender. Stop mixing as soon as the last visible flour disappears.

Shape cookies:

Use a spring-loaded scoop for consistent sizing then flatten each ball to a quarter inch thickness. The uniform thickness ensures even baking. Dampening your hands slightly prevents sticking without adding excess flour which could toughen the cookies.

Bake with care:

Look for cookies that appear dry on top but remain pale at the edges after about 11 minutes. Do not wait for browning as this indicates overbaking. The cookies will continue firming up as they cool.

Create luscious frosting:

Beat powdered sugar and butter until smooth before adding the remaining ingredients. The frosting should be thick yet spreadable. If coloring the frosting use gel colors for vibrant hues without altering the consistency.

Frost generously:

Apply a heaping tablespoon of frosting to each cooled cookie spreading it to the edges. Add sprinkles immediately if using as the frosting sets relatively quickly forming a slight crust on the surface.

The sour cream is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I once tried substituting yogurt in a pinch and while the cookies were good they lacked that distinctive melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes Lofthouse cookies so special. My family could tell the difference immediately.

Perfecting Your Cookies

Storage Solutions

These cookies maintain their soft texture remarkably well when properly stored. Keep them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers if stacking is necessary. At room temperature they remain fresh for about six days but their texture is truly best within the first three days. For longer storage freezing works wonderfully. The cookies thaw beautifully though you should be aware that colorful sprinkles may bleed slightly when frozen and thawed.

Flavor Variations

While the classic vanilla almond combination is traditional these cookies make a wonderful canvas for different flavor profiles. Try adding lemon zest and lemon extract to both cookie and frosting for a bright citrus version. During holiday seasons peppermint extract works beautifully especially with crushed candy canes as decoration. For chocolate lovers replace two tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder in the cookie base and add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes.

Decorating Techniques

The traditional Lofthouse cookie features a generous layer of frosting and sprinkles but you can elevate your presentation further. Consider using a piping bag with a large round tip to create a more polished look. For holidays create patterns with contrasting frosting colors or use cookie cutters to shape the flattened dough before baking. Custom-colored sprinkle mixes can coordinate with party themes or seasons making these cookies perfect for any celebration.

The Science Behind The Softness

The unique texture of Lofthouse cookies comes from their specific ingredient ratio. The combination of cornstarch and all-purpose flour reduces the overall protein content creating a more tender crumb. Meanwhile the sour cream adds moisture while its acidity tenderizes the gluten strands. The relatively low baking temperature prevents the exterior from crisping while allowing the interior to fully bake. This scientific approach to ingredients and technique is what distinguishes these cookies from regular sugar cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these cookies soft and fluffy?

The combination of sour cream, cornstarch, and the right mixing techniques ensures a soft and fluffy texture in the cookies.

→ Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Yes, almond extract is optional but recommended for an additional layer of flavor. You can skip it if needed.

→ How can I customize the frosting color?

Use gel food coloring to customize the frosting's color to suit your preferences or match specific themes.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to six days. For longer storage, freeze for up to six weeks.

→ Can I freeze these cookies with frosting?

Yes, you can freeze them with frosting. However, note that sprinkles' colors may bleed when thawed.

→ What’s the best way to frost these cookies?

Use a heaping tablespoon of frosting per cookie and spread evenly with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for a smooth finish.