Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

Who can resist the delightful charm of a soft, buttery sugar cookie topped with a thick layer of frosting? If you grew up enjoying the iconic Lofthouse sugar cookies, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The fresh-baked aroma, the pillowy texture, and the colorful frosting make them a favorite for celebrations or just a sweet treat. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies that brings all those nostalgic vibes right into your kitchen. Get ready to wow your friends and family with these delicious cookies that are sure to become a new staple in your home!

Why This Recipe Works

The secret behind these Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies lies in the combination of ingredients and technique. The use of sour cream adds moisture, resulting in a soft and chewy cookie. The addition of cornstarch ensures a tender texture, while the right balance of butter and sugar creates a rich flavor that melts in your mouth. Plus, the creamy frosting, made with heavy whipping cream, is the perfect finishing touch that elevates these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredient Rundown

To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create magic:

• 1 cup butter, softened – This is the base for your cookies, providing richness and flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups sugar – Sweetness is key to a great sugar cookie, and sugar helps achieve that perfect texture.
• 2 eggs, room temperature – Eggs add moisture and structure to the cookies.
• 2/3 cup sour cream – The tangy flavor and moisture from sour cream make these cookies incredibly soft.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – A must for flavor; it adds that classic cookie taste.
• 1/2 tsp almond extract – Enhances the flavor profile with a subtle nutty note.
• 4 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure.
• 3 tbsp cornstarch – Creates a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise, giving them a soft and fluffy texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda – Works with the other leavening agents for the perfect rise.
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar – Adds stability and enhances the cookie’s texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup butter, softened (for frosting) – The base for a creamy frosting.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting) – Adds flavor to the frosting.
• 5 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth texture.
• 8 tbsp heavy whipping cream – Creates a creamy, spreadable frosting.
• Food coloring (optional) – For fun and festive decorating!

Must-Have Equipment

Before you start baking, gather these essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:

• Mixing bowls – You’ll need a couple of different sizes for mixing your dough and frosting.
• Electric mixer – A hand or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar effortless.
• Baking sheets – Ensure you have enough to bake multiple batches of cookies.
• Parchment paper – Lining your baking sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cookie scoop – For uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
• Spatula – Perfect for transferring cookies and frosting.

Build Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies Step by Step

Follow these easy steps to whip up your very own batch of Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies that will impress everyone:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using your electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the butter, helping the cookies rise.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Next, add the room temperature eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 5: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly puffy. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream until smooth and creamy. If desired, add food coloring to achieve your preferred hue.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the creamy frosting. Feel free to get creative with your decorating—sprinkles are always a fun touch!

Better Choices & Swaps

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to the recipe, consider these alternatives:

• Butter substitute: You can use a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a slightly tangy flavor with less fat.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Less sugar: You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a less sweet cookie.

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

• For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
• These cookies can be frozen before or after frosting. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
• Experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest or different extracts!
• For a fun twist, consider adding mini chocolate chips or sprinkles to the cookie dough.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking. If you’d like to freeze the dough, shape it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Once baked and frosted, store your Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prep or future cravings!

Top Questions & Answers

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. Just allow it to soften slightly before baking.

How can I make my frosting more colorful?

Add a few drops of food coloring to your frosting and mix well until you achieve your desired color. Gel food coloring works best for vibrant shades!

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, which provides a similar tangy flavor and moisture. It works wonderfully in this recipe!

Can I use a different type of extract?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like lemon or coconut to customize the flavor of your cookies and frosting.

More from the Kitchen

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Lemon Sugar Cookies
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The Last Word

These Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience filled with nostalgia and joy. Each bite is a reminder of simpler times, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo with a cup of tea or coffee. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you can customize the frosting colors and flavors to suit any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or just a Tuesday, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some happiness!