The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about the first bite of thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies that tender crumb, the creamy frosting, and the festive sprinkles that make the whole world feel cozy for a moment. Every time I bake these cookies, I’m taken right back to my childhood in Crete, watching my grandmother dust flour all over the kitchen while she shaped traditional Greek treats with her gentle, warm hands.
Even though these cookies aren’t Greek, they carry the same spirit she taught me food is love, and love is meant to be shared. That’s why I adore making Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies during the holiday season. They’re soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and they’re exactly the kind of treat that brings everyone together especially the women in the family who love crowding around the kitchen table, laughing, frosting, and making memories.
I’m Marilyn, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete, and cooking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether I’m making Greek dishes from my grandmother or creative Christmas cookies like these, I believe the beauty of food comes from connection. And trust me these thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies have become one of my favorite ways to connect with friends, neighbors, and family during the holidays.
What I love most about these cookies is how simple they are. Even if your kitchen gets a little messy and mine always does they turn out incredibly soft every time. The recipe is forgiving, the dough is easy to work with, and decorating them is half the fun. You can go classic with red and green sprinkles, or get creative with metallic ones, peppermint bits, or snowflake shapes. That’s the joy of Christmas baking: there are no rules, just warmth, sweetness, and a whole lot of frosting.
If you want a cookie that feels like a hug, smells like a bakery, and tastes like childhood Christmas nostalgia, you’re in the right place. These thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies are the kind of treat that turns even a quiet night into a celebration.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- ½ cup sour cream
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (red, green, or any Christmas theme)
- Holiday sprinkles
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures your dry ingredients are well-distributed and gives the cookies their signature fluffy texture.
In another bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy this usually takes about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Now comes the ingredient that makes these thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies ultra tender: sour cream. Mix it in until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed or with a spatula until the dough comes together. It should be soft, slightly sticky, and very pillowy.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough become easier to shape and keeps the cookies thick and soft when baked.
2. Shape the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your hands and shape the dough into balls approximately 2 tablespoons each. Gently flatten each ball until it’s about ¾ inch thick this gives the cookies their classic Lofthouse look.
Place them at least 2 inches apart. They’ll puff up beautifully as they bake.
3. Bake
Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes. The tops should look set, and the bottoms barely golden. Do NOT overbake this is the secret to extra soft cookies.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add food coloring if you want festive red or green frosting.
5. Decorate
Spread a generous swirl of frosting on each cooled cookie. Top with holiday sprinkles. Enjoy the magic of Christmas in every bite!
Serving Suggestions
These thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, school events, and cozy family moments. Serve them with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a warm vanilla latte.
They also make wonderful edible gifts place them in a festive tin, and you’ve got a sweet homemade present that everyone will love.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour
- Bake: 10 minutes per batch
- Total: ~1 hour 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Full list included above
🥣 Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, extracts, sour cream.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Chill dough.
- Shape and bake.
- Cool and frost.
📝 Notes
- Don’t skip chilling the cookies need it for the right texture.
- Almond extract adds bakery-style flavor.
- Overbaking makes them lose their softness!
🍽️ Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)
- Calories: 220
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
These thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies are everything holiday baking should be: simple, joyful, and absolutely delicious. They’re soft, sweet, perfectly frosted, and guaranteed to bring people together. Whether you’re making them with kids, friends, or on a peaceful December evening, they’ll fill your home with warmth and festive cheer.
So tie your apron, sprinkle some flour, and let’s keep making memories one cookie at a time.
100-Word Mini-Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete, and these thick soft Lofthouse-style Christmas cookies remind me of the joy I felt baking with my grandmother as a child. Even though these aren’t Greek, they carry the same warmth she taught me food brings people together. These cookies are pillowy soft, topped with creamy frosting, and perfect for decorating with the whole family. My kitchen always gets messy making them, but that’s part of the fun! Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this recipe helps you create holiday cookies that feel like home and turn simple moments into memories.