Lofthouse Cookies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Copycat Lofthouse Cookies recipe makes the softest cookies with a perfect cakey texture and just the right amount of frosting on top. With just a few minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the oven, these cookies can be customized for any occasion or celebration.

A stack of three Lofthouse cookies, the top one missing a bite

Every time we’d pass by the store bakery, the kids would ask me to buy a container of Lofthouse cookies…so I eventually gave in and decided to make them at home. This copycat recipe is soft and cakey with just the right amount of frosting (and sprinkles). It’s become one of my most frequently made sugar cookie recipes, next to my classic soft sugar cookies and cut out sugar cookies. They’re so good!

Why You’ll Love This Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Here are a few reasons why we can’t get enough of these Lofthouse sugar cookies.

  • Perfect texture. The best thing about Lofthouse cookies is their texture. It’s cakey but soft and chewy and seems to just melt in your mouth. This copycat recipe nails that texture perfectly!
  • The frosting! The buttercream frosting on these is also just like the original cookies. It hardens just a bit on the top (so the cookies can stack!) but stays smooth and creamy. Feel free to make it any color you want!
  • Store well. One of my favorite things about these cookies is that they stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll still be just as soft and cakey as the day you baked them! Unfrosted cookies can also be frozen. (Full directions on that below.)
  • Easy to make. There’s nothing difficult about making these Lofthouse sugar cookies. There is a bit of chilling required but only for an hour and they bake in just 8-10 minutes. I think the hardest part is waiting for them to cool before frosting!
A plate of Lofthouse sugar cookies with one cut in half to show the inside texture

What Are Lofthouse Sugar Cookies?

Lofthouse cookies are the frosted sugar cookies you often find in the bakery section of the grocery store in the plastic containers. They’re usually frosted pink with sprinkles, though sometimes you can find other colors of frosting, and they have that incredible cakey but soft texture.

Ingredients needed to make Lofthouse cookies

Recipe Ingredients

Lofthouse cookies are made with cake flour, powdered sugar, and many of the same ingredients as classic sugar cookies. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

For the Cookies:

  • Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cookies and adds to the melt-in-the-mouth texture.
  • Butter & margarine – Using a combination of margarine and unsalted butter helps achieve the perfect texture. However, if you don’t have margarine on hand, you can substitute an additional 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
  • Egg – Make sure it’s at room temperature.
  • Vanilla & almond extract – Using both extracts helps achieve the perfect flavor. Keep in mind that almond extract is very strong so you only need 1/4 teaspoon!
  • Cake flour – I find that cake flour creates a softer, lighter texture in these cookies than all-purpose flour.
  • Cornstarch
  • Baking soda & baking powder – Using both leavening agents creates the right amount of rise in the cookies.
  • Cream of tartar
  • Salt – Helps to balance out the sweetness.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • Unsalted butter – Softened for easy mixing.
  • Powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk – Whole or 2% is best.
  • Food coloring – I used pink food coloring or you can just a few drops of red food coloring to achieve the pink flavor.
  • Rainbow sprinkles
  • Salt – Enhances the flavors.

How To Make Lofthouse Cookies

Here’s an overview of how to make Lofthouse sugar cookies at home. You can find the printable version of the instructions in the recipe card below.

  • Cream the ingredients. Cream the powdered sugar, margarine, and butter until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and extracts until well incorporated.
  • Add the dry ingredients. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Slowly add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined.
  • Chill. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  • Form the cookies. Roll 1 1/2 tablespoon scoops of dough into balls. Place them on the cookie sheet 2 inches apart and gently press down with the palm of your hand to flatten it slightly.
  • Bake. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
  • Make the frosting. Beat the butter until creamy then gradually stir mix in the powdered sugar on low. Once combined add the vanilla, milk, and salt. Beat on medium until light and fluffy then mix in the food coloring.
  • Decorate the cookies. Once the cookies have completely cooled, frost and decorate with sprinkles. Let the frosting sit for a few minutes to harden then enjoy!
Lofthouse sugar cookies on a cooling rack, one missing a bite

Tips & Variations

While these cookies are pretty straightforward and simple to make, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

  • Do not overmix. Mix the ingredients just until combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky when you chill it.
  • Don’t skip the chill. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead of refrigerating it.
  • Do not overbake. These Lofthouse cookies bake quickly, in just 8-10 minutes. They should be just set around the edges and slightly golden on top when you remove them from the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
  • Adjust the frosting consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time.
  • Switch up the colors. Feel free to customize the frosting color and sprinkles to fit any occasion or holiday theme. You can also add food coloring gel for more vibrant colors to the cookie dough or the frosting!
Holiday Lofthouse Cookies

Proper Storage

  • Room temperature. Lofthouse cookies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to one week. The frosting will harden enough that they can be stacked but you could also put parchment paper between the layers.
  • Freezer. Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze. Simply thaw on the counter and frost because serving.

More Sugar Cookie Recipes To Try

Lofthouse Cookies feature
5 from 2 votes

Lofthouse Cookies

This Copycat Lofthouse Cookies recipe makes the softest cookies with a perfect cakey texture and just the right amount of frosting on top. With just a few minutes of prep and 10 minutes in the oven, these cookies can be customized for any occasion or celebration.
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:

For the Buttercream Frosting:

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the powdered sugar, margarine, and unsalted butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
  • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until it is firm enough to handle. This step is essential for making the dough easier to work with and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  • Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Gently press each ball down with the palm of your hand to flatten it slightly.
  • Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops are slightly golden. Be careful not to over bake as you want the cookies to be soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a medium bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed. Once combined, add the vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
  • Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on each one. Add rainbow sprinkles on top for decoration.
  • Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. Enjoy!

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 146mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Categories:

Leave a Review!

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published.

5 from 2 votes

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




4 comments on “Lofthouse Cookies”