How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Cookies at Home

April PreislerUpdated: Sep. 06, 2023

Lofthouse cookies have been around since 1994 and we're still obsessed. Use this Lofthouse cookie recipe to make soft, cakey bites of heaven at home!

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You’re probably familiar with the colorfully frosted Lofthouse cookies at the grocery store. The soft, frosted sugar cookies are brightly frosted and sprinkled for the season—and extremely hard to resist! It’s easy to buy a package of cookies at the grocery store, but I think this Lofthouse cookie recipe might be even better than store-bought!

What Makes Lofthouse Cookies So Soft?

Unlike a standard sugar cookie, Lofthouse cookies are made with both baking soda and baking powder for a softer, less crumbly texture. The dough also includes sour cream to keep the cookies moist. The texture is soft and airy, like a cross between a cookie and a cupcake.

How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Lofthouse Cookies with pink frosting and sprinkles on a wooden cutting board, one cookie has a bite taken out of it April Preisler for Taste of Home

Ingredients

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups full-fat sour cream

For the frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Food coloring
Colorful sprinkles

Tools You’ll Need

Stand Mixer: This stand mixer will come in handy to mix the dough together and create perfectly fluffy frosting.
Cookie Cutter: For perfectly sized and shaped cookies, use a 2.5 or 3-inch round cookie cutter.
Offset Spatula: For the perfect leverage when frosting your cookies, use a small offset spatula to spread the frosting.

Directions

Step 1: Whisk together dry ingredients

dry ingredients for lofthosue cookies measured out in separate bowls and measuring spoons on the kitchen counter, view from above April Preisler for Taste of Home

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream butter and sugar

fluffy butter after being whipped in a stand up mixer April Preisler for Taste of Home

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

beating eggs with the fluffy butter in a stand up mixer April Preisler for Taste of Home

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated.

Add the vanilla and sour cream and beat at low speed until just combined.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

Lofthouse Cookie Add Dry Ingredients E1659709835638 April Preisler for Taste of Home

Add in the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Dough will be slightly sticky.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Lofthouse Cookie Dough after being refrigerated April Preisler for Taste of Home

Divide the dough into two sections and flatten into rectangles about 1-1/2 inches thick, then wrap with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator overnight or at least two hours until firm. Don’t skip this step—it’s important to chill cookie dough.

Step 5: Prepare the baking sheets

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 6: Roll out the cookie dough

cookie dough rolled out on the counter and cut out into circles using a cookie cutter April Preisler for Taste of Home

Flour the countertop and the top of the dough. With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles and transfer to a baking sheet.

Alternatively, divide the dough into equal parts, around the size of golf balls. Place the dough balls onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.

Bake for 7 minutes, until pale golden. Immediately transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Cool cookies completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and vanilla. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt.

Once smooth and creamy, add in heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring and beat until combined.

Step 8: Frost the cookies

frosting loft house cookies with pink frosting April Preisler for Taste of Home

Once cookies are completely cooled, frost and add sprinkles. You can also try different edible decorations!

How to Store Lofthouse Cookies

lofthouse cookie recipe April Preisler for Taste of Home

Allow the frosting to set before storing. In an airtight container, gently place the cookies and divide layers with waxed paper. You can also store cookies in a single layer in a zip-close bag. Cookies will last for 1 week if stored properly. You can also freeze the cookies, thawing them in the refrigerator when needed.

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