Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are a delicious way to enjoy the soft, fluffy cookies you love from the store—right in your own kitchen. These cookies are made with a simple dough that includes softened butter, sour cream, and just the right amount of sugar, resulting in a soft and tender cookie. The frosting is a classic buttercream, easily customized with your favorite colors and sprinkles to match any occasion. Whether you're baking for a party, holiday, or just a special treat, these Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are sure to be a hit.
Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the beloved store-bought treat in the comfort of your own home. These cookies are known for their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, colorful frosting, making them a hit at parties, holidays, and everyday indulgences. The key to achieving that classic Lofthouse texture lies in the combination of butter, sugar, and sour cream in the dough, which results in a cookie that is both tender and light. The frosting is a simple buttercream that can be customized with your favorite food coloring and sprinkles, adding a personal touch to each batch.
INGREDIENTS
- All-purpose flour: 2 3/4 cups, provides structure to the cookies.
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp, helps the cookies rise and maintain their soft texture.
- Baking powder: 1/2 tsp, works with the baking soda to give the cookies their light, fluffy consistency.
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Unsalted butter (softened): 1 cup, adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: 1 1/4 cups, sweetens the cookies and contributes to their tender crumb.
- Large egg: 1, binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup, adds moisture and helps create the soft, fluffy texture.
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups, used in the frosting for a smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: 2 tbsp, thins the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Food coloring (optional): for customizing the frosting color.
- Sprinkles (optional): for decorating the cookies.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4:
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until well combined.
- Step 5:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 6:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7:
- Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 9:
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Step 10:
- Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Step 11:
- Add food coloring if desired and mix until well combined.
- Step 12:
- Frost the cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, though the frosting may firm up slightly.
- If you’re making these cookies for a special occasion, consider customizing the frosting colors and sprinkles to match the theme. They make a great addition to any dessert table!
Helpful Notes
- If you want to replicate the exact texture of store-bought Lofthouse cookies, be careful not to overbake them. The cookies should be just set and lightly golden at the edges.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the frosting. This will give the frosting a slight tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet cookie base.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting layer, you can double the frosting recipe to ensure each cookie gets a generous topping.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Christina Tosi suggests adding a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Chef Martha Stewart recommends chilling the dough slightly before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading.
- Chef Jacques Torres advises using high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the cookies and the frosting.
Why Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are a Must-Try
These Copycat Lofthouse Cookies offer the perfect balance of soft, cake-like texture and sweet, creamy frosting. They’re a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. The best part is that they can be customized with different colors and decorations, making them suitable for any event or holiday. With their delightful flavor and eye-catching appearance, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves baking (and eating) sweet treats.
Customizing Your Lofthouse Cookies
One of the great things about Lofthouse cookies is how versatile they are. You can customize them with different frosting colors, add festive sprinkles, or even flavor the frosting with a hint of almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist. The soft texture of the cookies pairs well with a variety of flavors, so feel free to get creative and make these cookies your own. Whether you’re decorating them for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies. It’s best to freeze them unfrosted and then add the frosting once they’ve thawed. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to frost these cookies?
To get a smooth, even layer of frosting, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. You can also pipe the frosting on using a piping bag for a more decorative finish.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How can I make the cookies softer?
If you prefer an even softer texture, try adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream to the dough. This will increase the moisture content and make the cookies even more tender.
Can I add flavors to the frosting?
Absolutely! You can add a variety of extracts such as almond, lemon, or peppermint to the frosting. Just start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Summary
These Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft, cake-like texture and sweet, colorful frosting, they’re just like the store-bought cookies you love. The recipe is easy to follow, using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and sour cream to create a dough that bakes up fluffy and light. The frosting is a classic buttercream, which can be tinted with food coloring and topped with sprinkles to match any theme or celebration. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.