🍪 Cloud-Like Softness: Copycat Lofthouse Cookies That Taste Like Pure Joy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

Remember those vibrant, pillowy soft sugar cookies from the grocery store bakery? The ones with that impossibly smooth, sweet frosting and a generous scattering of colorful sprinkles? They were pure childhood magic, a simple bite of pure happiness. Well, get ready to recreate that enchanting experience right in your own kitchen! These Copycat Lofthouse Cookies deliver all the nostalgic charm, the tender, cake-like crumb, and that iconic, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla frosting. They’re perfect for brightening up a rainy afternoon, celebrating a birthday, or simply bringing a sweet smile to anyone’s face – a little edible sunshine, anytime you need it.

Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies

💥 Vibe: Pillowy, Nostalgic, Sweet

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Cookies
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking bliss! Most of these pantry staples are probably already waiting for you, eager to be transformed into these delightful, soft-baked treasures.

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream, full-fat

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional, for classic pastel hues)
• Sprinkles, for decorating

How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Let’s get baking! This process is straightforward and so rewarding. Follow these steps to create cookies that are truly irresistible.

1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg until just combined, then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. The dough will be soft.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps with handling and prevents spreading.
6. Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 ½-3 inches) to cut out shapes. Re-roll scraps gently.
8. Bake: Place the cut cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden and the centers look set and puffy. They should still be very soft.
9. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be completely cool before frosting!
10. Make the Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, the vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar. Add food coloring now if desired.
11. Frost & Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting over each one. Immediately top with your favorite sprinkles before the frosting sets.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but a little creativity can make them even more special!

• Seasonal Sprinkles: Tailor your sprinkles to the season or holiday! Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, or spooky orange and black for Halloween.
• Citrus Zest Frosting: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon or orange zest to your frosting for a bright, tangy twist that beautifully complements the sweet cookie.
• Almond Extract Kick: Swap out half of the vanilla extract in the frosting (or even the cookie dough!) for almond extract for a delicate, nutty flavor.
• Mini Cookie Bites: Use a smaller cookie cutter (1.5-2 inches) to create adorable mini Lofthouse cookies, perfect for little hands or dessert platters.
• Cookie Sandwiches: For an extra indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two frosted cookies. Pure bliss!

Reviews

These cookies have brought so much joy to our community! Here’s what some fans are saying:

Sarah L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Oh my goodness, these are absolutely perfect! They taste exactly like the ones I remember from my childhood. The texture is spot on, and that frosting is heavenly. My new go-to sugar cookie recipe!”

Mark D. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “My kids absolutely devoured these! I made them for a school bake sale, and they were gone in minutes. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are incredibly satisfying. A definite winner!”

Jessica P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I was skeptical that I could recreate the ‘Lofthouse magic’ at home, but this recipe nailed it! The sour cream is truly the secret ingredient for that unique softness. So much fun to make and even more fun to eat!”

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these delightful cookies!

Q: Why is sour cream used in the dough?
A: Sour cream is a magical ingredient in these cookies! It adds incredible moisture, richness, and a slight tang that enhances the flavor, making the cookies exceptionally tender and cake-like, just like the originals.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling it out if it’s too firm.

Q: How do I get the frosting so smooth and creamy?
A: The key is using softened butter and sifting your powdered sugar to remove any lumps. Beat the butter well first, then gradually add the sifted sugar and liquid until it reaches a perfectly smooth, spreadable consistency. Don’t be afraid to adjust the milk (a tiny bit at a time) or powdered sugar to get your desired texture.

Q: What’s the secret to keeping the cookies soft?
A: Don’t overbake them! Pull them from the oven when the edges are just barely set and the centers still look very pale and a little puffy. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their moisture and signature softness.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about baking a recipe that transports you straight back to cherished memories, and these Copycat Lofthouse Cookies do just that. They’re more than just a sweet treat; they’re a little bite of comfort, a burst of joy, and a reminder that the simplest pleasures are often the most profound. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and let the flour fly. The smiles, the sprinkles, and the sheer delight of these pillowy wonders are waiting for you. Happy baking, sweet friends!

Recipe Note

For the ultimate soft texture, store your frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.