Soft Lofthouse Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Soft Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are thick, fluffy, buttery, and topped with a rich vanilla buttercream frosting. Just like the famous grocery store cookies, they're incredibly soft with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them impossible to resist.
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, Valentine's Day, or whenever you're craving a nostalgic bakery-style treat.
The Origins of Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse Cookies became famous through grocery store bakery sections across America. Their signature texture—soft, cakey, and topped with colorful frosting—quickly made them one of the most recognizable sugar cookies on the market.
Today, homemade versions have become incredibly popular because they deliver the same nostalgic flavor with even better ingredients.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
Ultra-soft texture
Thick bakery-style cookies
Sweet vanilla buttercream
Perfect for decorating
Great for parties and holidays
Ingredients
For the Cookies
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable oil
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream
For the Frosting
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
Pink sprinkles
Rainbow sprinkles
Colored sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat butter, oil, and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream.
Mix until combined.
Step 3: Combine
Gradually add dry ingredients.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Bake
Scoop dough into large balls.
Place on baking sheets.
Flatten slightly.
Bake for 9-11 minutes.
The cookies should remain pale and soft.
Allow to cool completely.
Step 5: Make Frosting
Beat butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.
Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 6: Frost and Decorate
Spread frosting onto cooled cookies.
Top with sprinkles.
Allow frosting to set before serving.
What to Serve with Lofthouse Cookies
Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Strawberry Milk
Vanilla Milkshakes
Tea
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate if frosted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Lofthouse cookies so soft?
The combination of sour cream and oil creates their signature fluffy texture.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months.
Can I color the frosting?
Absolutely. Pink, blue, and pastel colors are popular for parties and holidays.
More Cookie Recipes You'll Love
Classic Sugar Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Snickerdoodles
Peanut Butter Cookies
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Lemon Sugar Cookies
Red Velvet Cookies
Birthday Cake Cookies
Final Thoughts
If you love thick, soft bakery-style cookies, these homemade Lofthouse Sugar Cookies deliver everything you love about the store-bought version with an even richer flavor and fresher texture.