Homemade Lofthouse Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you understand the pure magic of a soft, pillowy cookie topped with that sweet, colorful frosting that instantly brings a smile. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Homemade Lofthouse Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe with you—because these cookies are just plain fun to make and impossible to resist. When I first tried this recipe, I was dazzled by how the cookies turned out so incredibly tender and perfectly sweet, complemented by a frosting that’s smooth, creamy, and so vibrant. Trust me, once you make these, your family and friends will be coming back for more, guaranteed!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To achieve that classic Lofthouse cookie softness and dreamy frosting, you’ll want fresh ingredients that play nicely together. I’ve found that room-temperature butter and eggs really help the dough blend smoothly, and using fresh extracts gives the best flavor. Plus, just a touch of almond extract adds a subtle, delicious twist that I can’t get enough of.

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cookies—it’s great for that light texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just right without being cakey.
• Baking soda: Gives a slight lift and chewiness when balanced with powder.
• Cornstarch: This little trick keeps your cookies tender and soft—don’t skip it!
• Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors without overwhelming sweetness.
• Salted butter: Use room temperature for easier creaming and balanced flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and helps with that classic crumb.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the dough come together smoothly.
• Sour cream: Keeps cookies moist and tender—it’s my secret weapon.
• Pure vanilla extract: Infuses warm, comforting flavor into every bite.
• Almond extract: Adds a delicate, nutty depth that elevates these cookies.
• Powdered sugar: The base for frosting’s creamy sweetness.
• Milk: Just enough to thin the frosting to the perfect spreadable texture.
• Food coloring: Choose your favorite shades to make those vibrant, eye-catching cookies.
• Colored sprinkles: Because what’s a Lofthouse cookie without sprinkles that bring joy?

Variations

I love how flexible this Homemade Lofthouse Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tweaked it to suit different tastes, and you can too! Sometimes I swap out the almond extract for a touch of lemon or orange zest for a bright twist, and other times I make it dairy-free by substituting sour cream with a coconut yogurt. Feel free to experiment—you’ll be surprised how well it holds up.

• Almond-free option: Replace almond extract with extra vanilla or a splash of citrus zest if allergies are a concern.
• Gluten-free tweak: I tried using a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, and while the texture shifted slightly, it was still delicious!
• Seasonal twist: Add mini chocolate chips or swap sprinkles for crushed peppermint in winter for festive flair.
• Frosting flavor swaps: Experiment with cream cheese in the frosting for tangier richness—my family particularly loves this on the original cookie base.

How to Make Homemade Lofthouse Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Whisk and Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures every cookie has a consistent texture and rise. I like to set this aside while I work on the butter and sugar so everything’s ready to go.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar ‘til Fluffy

Using your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until it looks light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This really makes a difference in cookie softness. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to avoid any curdling.

Step 3: Add Sour Cream and Flavors

Mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is combined. Sour cream adds that fantastic moisture and slight tang that keeps these cookies tender and full of flavor.

Step 4: Slowly Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Switch mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix here—you want tender cookies, not tough ones. The dough will be a bit soft but firm enough to roll out after chilling.

Step 5: Chill Dough and Prep to Bake

Form the dough into a smooth ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chill period helps the dough firm up for easy rolling and prevents spreading when baking.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly flour your surface and roll dough to a little over ¼-inch thick—this thickness gives the cookies that classic soft-but-substantial bite. Use a 2-3 inch round cutter to cut shapes and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake for 7-9 minutes until the edges just begin to set but cookies stay soft in the center. I learned not to overbake them; they continue cooking slightly as they cool, so pulling them out right on time keeps them perfect.

Step 7: Whip Up That Colorful Frosting

While the cookies cool, it’s frosting time. With your stand mixer and whisk attachment, beat softened unsalted butter till smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Finally, mix in food coloring until you get the vibrant shade you want.

Step 8: Frost and Sprinkle!

Once cookies are completely cool, generously frost them and decorate with your favorite colorful sprinkles. This step is where you get to have fun and show off your creativity. I love using a small offset spatula for even layers—plus sprinkles are non-negotiable here!

How to Serve Homemade Lofthouse Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about sprinkles for these cookies because they add a playful crunch and that picture-perfect look. But sometimes, I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or even tiny candy pearls for a grown-up twist, especially for special occasions like bridal showers or birthdays.

Side Dishes

These cookies are sweet stars on their own but pair amazingly well with a cold glass of milk, a cup of tea, or even a vanilla latte. At holiday gatherings, I’ve served them alongside fresh fruit platters or a simple yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or festive events, I love stacking these cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a colorful ribbon—they look like little edible fireworks. Another favorite is arranging them on a tiered dessert stand with matching colored napkins for a delightful party presentation that gets rave reviews every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (though honestly, that rarely happens in my house!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I always keep them separated with parchment paper between layers so frosting doesn’t stick. For a bit longer freshness, I pop them in the fridge—just bring to room temp before serving.

Freezing

I regularly freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls, wrapped tightly in plastic, for up to a month. When ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake fresh. Frosted cookies can be frozen too, though the frosting texture can change slightly—just let them thaw at room temperature so they soften back up beautifully.

Reheating

Leftover cookies taste great cold, but if you want that freshly-baked feel, pop them in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. The frosting remains creamy and the cookie becomes soft again. For larger batches, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F oven works wonders too.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Lofthouse Cookies with Colorful Frosting Recipe is one I return to time and again because it brings so much joy with every bite and every colorful sprinkle. I hope you try it out and discover the same delight that I did when I first made these at home. Whether for a celebration or just a cheerful treat to brighten your day, these cookies never disappoint—and I promise you’ll love sharing them with those you care about. Happy baking, friend!

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