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Bakery-style Soft Sugar Cookies that melt in your mouth! 🎉 Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration. Frost, sprinkle, and enjoy! 🍪✨ Change the frosting color and sprinkles for any holiday or season. 🎊
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Pin ItCopycat Lofthouse Cookies
If you love bakery-style frosted cookies, this soft sugar cookies recipe will be your new favorite. They’re fluffy, sweet, and topped with creamy frosting and sprinkles.
Often compared to Lofthouse cookies, these are a homemade version that is just as soft and delicious. Save money and skip the store-bought packs – this frosted sugar cookies recipe is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any time you need a treat.
Many people look for the perfect recipe for Lofthouse cookies, and this one comes very close. With a light, tender texture and smooth frosting, these cookies are simple to make but feel special for any occasion.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, school parties, or just because, this recipe for Lofthouse cookies is one to keep on repeat.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, bakery-style cookies that taste just like Lofthouse cookies.
- Easy to frost and decorate for any season or event.
- A frosted sugar cookies recipe made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Freezer-friendly so you can always have cookies on hand.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
Cookies
- butter – use salted or unsalted depending on preference. You canalso use margarine, but the flavor and texture will not be as rich as when using real butter.
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
Frosting
- powdered sugar
- melted butter
- vanilla extract
- milk – adjust for consistency
- food coloring – optional
- sprinkles – optional
✨ Variations
- Change the frosting color and sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration.
- Add a touch of almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Try tinted dough for a fun twist at birthdays or themed parties.
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🔥 Tips
- Do not overbake – these frosted cookies should be set but not browned.
- Chill the dough before baking to help cookies hold their shape.
- For extra softness, store with a slice of bread in the container.
❓ FAQs
No, this soft sugar cookies recipe isn’t ideal for cut-outs because the dough won’t hold its shape well.
Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Frost and decorate after thawing.
Yes, this frosted sugar cookies recipe makes cookies very similar to Lofthouse cookies in both taste and texture.
Yes, but store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before spreading.
Yes, chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading in the oven.
Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough. This ensures uniform baking and a consistent look.
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.
Don’t overbake, and be sure to store with a slice of bread in the container to keep moisture locked in. The bread acts as a natural humidifier, and once it hardens, you should replace it with a fresh slice to continue the process.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Soft Sugar Cookies
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Equipment
- mixing bowl (large and medium)
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- parchment paper (optional)
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1½ cups butter, (3 sticks)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
For the frosting:
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup melted butter, (5⅓ tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 7-8 tablespoons milk
- food coloring, optional
- sprinkles, optional
Instructions
For the cookies:
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.1½ cups butter, 1½ cups granulated sugar
- Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.3 large eggs, 5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.4½ cups all-purpose flour, 4½ teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoon salt
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper if desired.
- Scoop scant ¼-cup portions of dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly. Place 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges just begin to brown. Do not overbake.
- Cool on the pan for 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting:
- Place the powdered sugar in a medium bowl.5 cups powdered sugar
- Add the melted butter, vanilla, and 7 tablespoons of milk. Stir until well combined.⅓ cup melted butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 7-8 tablespoons milk
- Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, only if needed for desired consistency.
- Tint with food coloring if desired. Frost cooled cookies and top with sprinkles.food coloring, sprinkles
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Place waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking.
♨️ REHEATING
- These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.
- If chilled, allow them to sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze baked, unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate as desired.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Do not skip the chilling step – it helps the cookies keep their shape.
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions and consistent baking.
- Bake until just set for the softest texture.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Air fryer: Bake small batches at 325°F for 6-8 minutes.
- Toaster oven: Use parchment-lined tray, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Store frosted cookies in a single layer for best appearance.
- If stacking, use waxed paper between layers to protect frosting and sprinkles.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Do you use salted or unsalted butter?
I prefer to use unsalted. You can use salted butter – Just note some brands of butter are saltier, so your cookies may end up saltier if you use salted butter.
Has anybody made these with almod extract? TIA
Almond extract should be ok to use.
I will try this recipe.