Gluten-Free Lofthouse Cookies
Soft, Frosted Sugar Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
If you’ve ever enjoyed those famous soft sugar cookies from the grocery store bakery, you know how irresistible Lofthouse cookies can be. They are known for their pillowy-soft texture, thick frosting, and colorful sprinkles, making them a favorite treat for holidays, birthdays, and everyday desserts.
For people who follow a gluten-free diet, enjoying these iconic cookies can feel impossible. Fortunately, this homemade gluten-free Lofthouse cookies recipe recreates the same soft, tender texture and sweet frosting without using wheat flour.
These cookies are incredibly soft, lightly sweet, and topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting that makes them taste just like the bakery classic. The gluten-free flour blend ensures the cookies hold their shape while remaining delicate and fluffy.
Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a school event, or simply craving a nostalgic treat, these soft gluten-free frosted sugar cookies are sure to become a favorite.
What Are Lofthouse Cookies?
Lofthouse cookies are thick, soft sugar cookies topped with sweet buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles. They became popular in grocery store bakeries because of their unique cake-like texture and bright, festive appearance.
Unlike traditional sugar cookies that are crisp or chewy, Lofthouse cookies are soft and fluffy with a smooth frosting layer on top.
The secret to their texture comes from ingredients like sour cream and baking powder, which create a light and tender crumb.
Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Lofthouse Cookies
These homemade cookies have all the qualities people love about classic Lofthouse cookies.
Soft and Fluffy Texture
The cookies have a cake-like softness that melts in your mouth.
Gluten-Free Friendly
Made with a gluten-free flour blend so everyone can enjoy them.
Perfect for Holidays
Decorate them with colorful frosting and sprinkles for any occasion.
Easy to Make
The recipe uses simple ingredients and easy baking techniques.
Key Ingredients for Gluten-Free Lofthouse Cookies
Each ingredient contributes to the soft texture and sweet flavor of these cookies.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
A good flour blend with xanthan gum helps create structure without gluten.
Butter
Adds rich flavor and creates a soft cookie base.
Sugar
Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their tender texture.
Eggs
Provide structure and help bind the dough.
Sour Cream
This ingredient gives the cookies their famous soft, cake-like texture.
Baking Powder
Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay light.
Vanilla Extract
Adds a classic bakery-style flavor.
Powdered Sugar
Used to create smooth, creamy frosting.
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Frosted Cookies
Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Do Not Overbake
Lofthouse cookies should remain pale and soft. Overbaking can make them dry.
Let Cookies Cool Completely
Always frost cookies after they have cooled so the frosting does not melt.
Use Soft Butter for Frosting
Room temperature butter creates smooth and fluffy frosting.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 18–20 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (if not included in flour)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Stir in the sour cream.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
Place them on the baking sheet and gently flatten them into thick circles.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cookies are set but still pale.
Do not allow them to brown too much.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until creamy and fluffy.
Add food coloring if desired.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Spread frosting over each cooled cookie and decorate with sprinkles.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are perfect for many occasions.
Holiday Cookies
Use festive frosting colors for Christmas, Easter, or Halloween.
Birthday Treats
Add bright sprinkles for party desserts.
Afternoon Snacks
Enjoy with coffee, tea, or milk.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature
Store cookies in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator
They can last up to 1 week in the fridge.
Freezer
Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Why This Gluten-Free Lofthouse Cookie Recipe Works
This recipe combines gluten-free flour, sour cream, and butter to create cookies that are soft, fluffy, and tender. The dough chills before baking to prevent spreading, ensuring thick bakery-style cookies.
The creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles make these cookies look just like the beloved store-bought version—but with the added benefit of being completely gluten-free and homemade.
