If you have ever bitten into a soft, pillowy sugar cookie topped with a cloud of rich, creamy frosting and wondered how to recreate that magic at home, you’re in for a treat. The Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting Recipe brings that bakery-fresh experience right to your kitchen counter. This recipe delivers that iconic tender texture, subtle vanilla-almond aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that make these cookies a beloved classic, perfect for celebrations or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of baking ingredients is arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two glass measuring cups with flour and powdered sugar, two sticks of butter with blue labels placed horizontally in the center, and several small white bowls containing cream, vanilla extract, baking powder, and small colorful sprinkles in orange, black, and white. Three small tubes of food coloring in purple, orange, and green are lined up on the left. The ingredients are neatly spread out and clearly visible, showing a mix of textures from smooth butter to powdery flour and sugar. The lighting is bright and even. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect cookie base and luscious frosting. From the soft unsalted butter that creates tender crumb to the vanilla and almond extracts that give delightful fragrance, every component counts in crafting this all-time favorite.

2 ¼ cups flour: The foundation that provides structure without making the cookies tough.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness.
¼ teaspoon baking soda: Adds a slight lift and tenderness.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: A secret weapon for unbelievably tender and silky cookies.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the dough richness and creaminess.
1 cup sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with spreading and browning.
1 egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
¼ cup sour cream: Gives the dough moisture and tenderness.
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Classic aroma that elevates the cookie’s flavor.
¼ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty note that is signature to Lofthouse cookies.
½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Creates the smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting’s flavor.
2 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to be perfectly spreadable.
Orange, purple, green food coloring: Fun colors to bring your cookies to life!

How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and a smooth texture in every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps your cookies achieve that soft and tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined and smooth. The sour cream is a game-changer here, adding moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; that way, the cookies stay soft and won’t become tough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Chilling solidifies the fats, making the dough easier to handle and resulting in cookies with better shape and texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into balls and place them on a parchment-lined sheet, leaving space for slight spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Adjust milk amount to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency. Divide into bowls and tint with your desired food coloring.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Generously spread or pipe the buttercream over cooled cookies. This frosting is rich, sweet, and smooth – an irresistible topping to the soft sugar cookie base.

How to Serve Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The image shows four scenes of cookie making on a white marbled background. The top left scene has a silver mixing bowl with pale yellow dough, one egg yolk, and a dollop of white cream. The top right scene shows the dough shaped into a flat, round square wrapped in clear plastic wrap. The bottom left has three white bowls filled with smooth frosting in three colors: bright orange, light green, and lavender, each with its own silver spoon. The bottom right scene shows six round cookies on a baking sheet, each topped with swirled frosting in the three colors, two cookies per color arranged in rows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils or edible glitter instantly adds festive flair to these cookies. You can also try colored sugar crystals for a little crunch and shimmer on top of the luscious frosting.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a mild tea or coffee to complement the sweetness while balancing richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a pretty platter for parties or gift them in pastel-colored tins lined with parchment paper for a heartfelt homemade gift. You might even get creative with cookie sandwiches by pairing them with a flavored buttercream or jam in the middle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layering with parchment paper between cookies prevents them from sticking to each other or losing their soft texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Defrost fully before frosting. Alternatively, freeze frosted cookies with careful wrapping to retain frosting shape and flavor.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cookies, bring them to room temperature. If desired, warm briefly in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes, but be cautious not to melt the frosting.

FAQs

What makes these cookies different from regular sugar cookies?

The Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting Recipe uses cornstarch and sour cream to create an exceptionally tender and soft texture that is distinct from typical sugar cookies, which are often crispier or more crumbly.

Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?

Yes! While almond extract is traditional and gives a signature flavor, you can use an equal amount of extra vanilla extract or even a splash of lemon zest for a different but delicious twist.

How do I get the frosting so smooth and fluffy?

Make sure the butter is very soft before beating, and add powdered sugar slowly while mixing on medium speed to incorporate air. Adjust milk quantity until the frosting is creamy yet firm enough to hold its shape.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses regular all-purpose flour. To make gluten-free versions, swap in a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and check that all other ingredients, like extracts and cornstarch, are gluten-free.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Not without some adaptations, since the recipe calls for butter, egg, and sour cream. However, you could experiment using plant-based butter, a flax egg substitute, and vegan sour cream alternatives for a similar effect.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies with Buttercream Frosting Recipe enough. It’s such a reward to recreate those bakery-style cookies that melt softly and taste just as dreamy as your favorite sweet shop. Whether for a special celebration or simply to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home too.