Lofthouse Cookies with Frosting

I won’t lie — these soft, pillowy Lofthouse-style cookies with that glossy, vanilla frosting are my sweet little cheat when I want cookies that feel like a hug. They’re cakey-but-tender, brightly frosted, and somehow always make me feel like it’s a party even when it’s just Tuesday and I’m avoiding dishes.

My husband is embarrassingly dramatic about them. He’ll wander into the kitchen, sniff the air like a cartoon dog, and demand a “just one” that always turns into three. The kids call them celebration cookies and will happily eat them for breakfast if I let them. I started making them when a boxed version went on hiatus and now it’s our house staple — quick to throw together, impossible to resist, and oddly nostalgic.

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These cookies are charmingly forgiving. I once flung the mixer off the counter (don’t ask) and salvaged the dough by hand — still soft and amazing. I also swapped half the butter for browned butter once because I was feeling fancy; the family noticed (in a good way), but plain butter is perfectly nostalgic. Expect a little flour on your shirt and frosting on your cheek — that’s part of the experience.

Shopping Tips

– Baking Basics: Pick all-purpose flour and a reliable granulated sugar; fresher baking powder/soda means better rise, so check dates.
– Fats & Oils: Use unsalted butter for control; if using salted, skip any extra salt in the recipe.
– Flavor Boosts: Real vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference — don’t skimp with imitation if you can help it.
– Chocolate: If adding sprinkles or chips, buy batch-sized bags so you don’t run out mid-decorating.
– Nuts & Seeds: Optional — if you add chopped nuts for texture, buy roasted or toast them quickly at home for the best flavor.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Make the dough a day ahead and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge — room temp it a bit before scooping for easier handling.
– Mix the frosting a day ahead and chill; give it a quick whisk before spreading if it separates slightly.
– Store dough in an airtight container or wrapped on a baking sheet so it’s ready to drop and bake after work.
– Use small lidded containers for leftover frosting so it stays spreadable; a short zap in the microwave (5–8 sec) softens it up.

✔Time-Saving Tricks

– Use a cookie scoop to get uniform cookies faster — no fiddly rolling required.
– Frost while cookies are slightly warm so the frosting spreads easily, but don’t go too hot or it melts off.
– Buy pre-made sprinkles if you’re short on time; decorating becomes a 2-minute job.
– Freeze scooped dough on a sheet tray, then pop into a bag for quick single-batch baking later.

✔Common Mistakes

– Overbaking: I once left them in because they looked pale — they firm up as they cool, so pull them out when edges are set.
– Frosting too thin: If you overheat frosting to loosen it, it can become runny; chill and re-whip.
– Too much mixing: Overworking dough makes tougher cookies — mix until just combined.
– Decorating while too-warm: I learned this when my sprinkles slid off like little candy boats; let cookies cool slightly first.

What to Serve It With

– Cold milk (classic) or an iced latte for grown-up pairing.
– Fresh berries or a fruit salad to cut the sweetness.
– Vanilla ice cream for a cookie-sandwich moment.
– A simple green salad if you’re making a whole spread and need something crunchy and bitter to balance.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming and fluffier cookies.
– Don’t eyeball the flour — scoop and level for consistent texture.
– If frosting is gritty, it likely needs more mixing or a pinch of milk to smooth.
– I once doubled the recipe and ran out of oven space — bake in batches for even results.

✔Storage Tips

Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days; separate layers with parchment to avoid frosting smears. You can refrigerate for a week but they’ll firm up (still tasty). Cold cookies are perfectly fine for a quick, cheeky breakfast — frosting gets firmer and a little more like candy when chilled, which I won’t judge you for loving.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap half the vanilla for almond extract for a distinct, nutty note — potent stuff, so use less.
– Use brown butter for a toasted, caramel undertone if you want grown-up flavors.
– Replace some flour with cake flour for an even softer, cakier crumb.
– For dairy-free, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk in the frosting; texture changes slightly but still great.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lofthouse Cookies with Frosting

Soft, cakey Lofthouse-style sugar cookies crowned with fluffy vanilla frosting and sprinkles. A bakery favorite made at home.

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Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2.75 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 0.25 cup cornstarch
• ▢ 2 tsp baking powder
• ▢ 0.25 tsp baking soda
• ▢ 0.5 tsp fine salt
• ▢ 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ▢ 1.25 cups granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 0.5 cup sour cream
• ▢ 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• ▢ 0.25 tsp almond extract optional
• ▢ 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened for frosting
• ▢ 2.5 cups powdered sugar for frosting
• ▢ 3 tbsp milk for frosting, more as needed
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting
• ▢ 0.125 tsp fine salt for frosting
• ▢ 2 tbsp sprinkles for topping

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until very light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
• Blend in sour cream until smooth and creamy.
• Add dry ingredients in two additions. Mix on low just until combined.
• Rest dough 10 minutes to hydrate. Chill briefly if sticky.
• Scoop 1.5-tablespoon mounds onto sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
• Flatten gently to roughly 1/2 inch thick for even baking.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes until set but still pale. Cool completely on racks.
• Beat frosting butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt; whip until fluffy.
• Tint frosting if desired. Spread generously on cooled cookies and finish with sprinkles.

Notes

For a bakery-style look, tint the frosting pastel and add festive sprinkles. For a strawberry twist, beat in 1–2 tbsp finely ground freeze-dried strawberries to the frosting. Store frosted cookies airtight at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months; thaw and frost before serving.

This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Lofthouse Cookies with Frosting flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.