Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Soft, pillowy Lofthouse cookies have captivated dessert enthusiasts with their irresistible charm.

Sweet memories of childhood bakery treats dance through countless kitchens.

Pillowy frosting and sprinkle-covered surfaces promise pure delight.

Home bakers can now recreate this beloved classic with simple ingredients.

Minimal kitchen skills work perfectly for crafting these delectable rounds.

Each bite transports you to moments of sugary nostalgia.

Whip up these cookies and watch smiles bloom across eager faces.

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour and xanthan gum for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil and sour cream with coconut yogurt to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Vegan Cookie Option: Use aquafaba instead of eggs, swap butter for vegan margarine, and replace milk with almond milk in frosting.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce granulated sugar by half and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version.

Ways To Serve Lofthouse Cookies On Any Table

  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these soft, dreamy cookies with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful morning treat.
  • Party Dessert Platter: Arrange the colorful frosted cookies on a festive platter alongside other bite-sized desserts for birthday parties or gatherings.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies between parchment paper in a cute gift box, tie with a ribbon, and surprise friends or family with a homemade sweet present.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Twist: Create a decadent dessert by sandwiching vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two frosted cookies for an indulgent summer snack.

Storage Tricks For Keeping Lofthouse Cookies Soft

  • Store frosted cookies in an airtight container between parchment paper layers for up to 5 days, keeping them cool and fresh.
  • Wrap unfrosted cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store for 2-3 months, preserving their soft texture.
  • Remove frozen cookies from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then gently frost when completely defrosted.
  • Warm cookies briefly in microwave for 5-8 seconds or place in preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs

  • Are Lofthouse cookies hard to make at home?

No, these copycat cookies are surprisingly easy to make. With basic baking ingredients and simple steps, even beginner bakers can create delicious soft sugar cookies that taste just like the store-bought version.

  • What makes these cookies soft and fluffy?

The combination of sour cream and butter creates an incredibly tender texture. The sour cream adds moisture and helps keep the cookies soft, while the creaming method of mixing butter and sugar incorporates air for a light, fluffy result.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Store the unbaked dough in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 weeks. When ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

What Makes Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Irresistible

  • Craft Homemade Comfort: Recreate the beloved Lofthouse cookie experience right in your kitchen with this simple, heartwarming recipe that brings nostalgic bakery-style treats to your home.
  • Customize with Creativity: Personalize these soft, pillowy cookies with various frosting colors and sprinkle combinations, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebratory moment.
  • Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Whip up these delightful cookies in under an hour, guaranteeing a crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible texture and sweet charm.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Designed for all skill levels, this recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, allowing even novice bakers to achieve bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients For Perfect Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the soft, tender cookies.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a soft, delicate crumb.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cookies rise and create a light, soft texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie base.
  • Sour Cream: Provides moisture and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Butter, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create a smooth, creamy frosting that completes the Lofthouse-style cookie.
  • Food Coloring: Allows customization of the frosting color for fun and festive decorations.
  • Sprinkles: Optional decorative topping to add color and whimsy to the cookies.

Steps For Baking Soft Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C) so it’s ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Step 3: Whip Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and wonderfully fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add these delicious companions to your butter mixture:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Sour cream

Beat everything until perfectly combined.

Step 5: Blend Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Form Cookie Rounds

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Step 7: Flatten Cookies

Use the bottom of a glass to gently press down each cookie, creating smooth, even circles.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges look set and bottoms turn golden brown.

Transfer cookies to a wire rack for cooling.

Step 9: Craft Creamy Frosting

Beat softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy in a clean bowl.

Step 10: Build Frosting Layers

Gradually mix in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable consistency.

Step 11: Add Colorful Flair

If you want, stir in food coloring to create your desired frosting shade.

Step 12: Decorate Cookies

Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread frosting on top.

Sprinkle with colorful decorations for extra fun!

Tips For Bakery-Style Lofthouse Cookies Every Time

  • Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a thick, soft texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that mimics the original Lofthouse style.
  • Gently combine dry and wet ingredients just until incorporated to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
  • Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smooth, even frosting that looks professionally done.
  • Store frosted cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
Print
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Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet memories bloom with homemade Lofthouse Cookies, soft sugar delights that bring nostalgic bakery charm right to your kitchen. Perfectly frosted and sprinkled, these pillowy treats will transport you to childhood moments of pure sugary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 3/4 cups (660 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1 large egg

Leavening and Seasoning Agents:

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
  2. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. Use an electric mixer to cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  4. Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream into the butter mixture, blending until the ingredients are fully integrated.
  5. Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to create a soft, cohesive dough without overmixing.
  6. Portion the dough into tablespoon-sized rounds, placing them evenly on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing.
  7. Delicately press down each cookie using the bottom of a glass to create a uniform thickness and shape.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. Transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  9. Whip softened butter in a mixing bowl until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
  10. Gradually introduce powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, blending until the frosting achieves a silky texture.
  11. If desired, incorporate food coloring and mix thoroughly to create a vibrant frosting.
  12. Once cookies have cooled completely, generously spread frosting across the surface and garnish with sprinkles for a festive touch.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature butter for the smoothest, most evenly mixed cookie dough that creams perfectly with sugar.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough after adding dry ingredients to prevent tough, dense cookies and maintain that signature soft Lofthouse texture.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, more pillowy cookies that hold their shape.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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