The Best Ever Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe (2024)

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If you're a fan of soft sugar cookies, then this recipe is for you! This copycat Lofthouse cookie recipe will give you the same delicious taste and texture. They are light and airy with the perfect amount of sweet sugar coating that has just enough crisp to it without being too hard or crunchy. These cookies are buttery, flaky, and just sweet enough. There's nothing like the smell of fresh-baked cookies in the oven to make your mouth water and stomach growl.

Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Everyone knows about the famous Lofthouse cookie, but what if I told you that there's a way to make them at home? These Lofthouse cookies are easy to make and taste just as delicious! It's time for you to get out your mixing bowl and start baking.

If you like cookies with a bit of frosting, then you might like some of our other cookie recipes. This glazed Christmas sugar cookie recipe is always popular, and you can even make these soft Italian Easter cookies that also have a little bit of icing. One of my favorites though has to be these lemon butter cookies with lemon glaze.

Why are They Called Lofthouse Cookies?

Many people know these cookies, but most do not know where they get their names. The Lofthouse cookies got their name from the Lofthouse Bakery in Bethesda, Maryland. The bakery was opened by a couple named Margaret and Duncan Hines on October 16th, 1948. Yes, the same as the popular cake mix brand!

What Makes Lofthouse Cookies So Soft?

One of the reasons these cookies are so loved is their soft texture. The secret to making the Lofthouse cookies so soft is in the fat used in the dough. Butter or shortening can be used. While shortening is traditional, this recipe uses butter for a bit richer flavor profile.

The other key to these soft and chewy Lofthouse Cookies is letting them cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before you serve them. This allows the outside edges which are cooked first to harden, but leave all that gooey goodness inside still nice and warm!

Do Lofthouse Cookies Have to Have Frosting?

While these cookies are normally known for being frosted, you can certainly enjoy them without frosting. If you want to skip the frosting, but still want some of that extra sweetness on top, you can dust them with powdered sugar or create a cream cheese and sugar mixture, not quite cream cheese frosting because you will skip the butter, and add a touch of it to the top of the cookies.

A simple cookie frosting recipe includes 1 cup unsalted butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract. Blend together until creamy, then spread or pipe on top of the cookies. I like adding sprinkles over the top.

Do I Have to Refrigerate Lofthouse Cookies Once Frosted?

The cookies, unfrosted, do not have to be refrigerated. If you use basic buttercream frosting, you do not have to refrigerate the cookies. Should you use cream cheese frosting, you will need to refrigerate them after frosting.

While not necessary, keeping the cookies in the refrigerator will help make them last longer. However, it does also take away some of the crispness that they have as you bite into them.

Are Lofthouse Cookies Vegan?

These cookies are not considered vegan. The recipe contains milk and eggs which are not vegan. While I have not made these vegan, you can attempt with an egg substitute, plant-based margarine or shortening, and dairy-free milk.

Can Lofthouse Cookies Be Frozen?

Yes! You can definitely freeze these cookies. It is a great way to make sure they do not go bad before you can eat them all or to always have your favorite homemade cookies on hand. The only problem when you freeze these cookies is that you will lose that slight crispiness to the outside of the cookies. The cookies still taste amazing but since that is what the cookies are known for, some people might have an issue with this.

If you are going to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing the cookies on a plate or baking sheet first. This keeps the frosting and cookies from sticking to each other and creating a mess. Freeze the cookies for about 2 to 3 hours and then check if they are frozen well. Once frozen, you can place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I Frost These with Ready-Made Frosting?

While cans of frosting from the bakery aisle of your grocery store will work fine for these cookies, they are a bit thinner. That means that it won't set up as solid as if you made your own homemade frosting.

Ingredients for Lofthouse Sugar Cookies

Unsalted butter
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Cake flour
Baking soda
Salt

Optional: Buttercream frosting and sprinkles

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Cookies

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.

In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar.

Beat until light and fluffy. Approximately 5 minutes using a mixer at medium speed.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until incorporated completely.

Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl.

Mix together until fully combined.

Scoop or spoon balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Repeat on multiple baking sheets if needed, until all dough has been used.

Loosely cover the cookie dough balls and chill for 30-minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator, and lightly roll the scoops into a ball and lightly mash down on the tops.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until just beginning to turn golden on the edges.

More Easy Cookie Recipes

If you want a few more great cookies to add to your menu, don't fret! We have tons of great options below that are sure to be a hit in your cookie jar. Make sure you print, bookmark, or pin to Pinterest to make soon!

Classic Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
The Best Ever Copycat DoubleTree Cookies
Crunchy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
German Chocolate Cookies with Coconut Pecan Frosting
Deliciously Chewy Almond Joy Cookies

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Yield: 24

The Best Ever Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe

Make a batch of the best copycat Lofthouse cookies as a tasty treat that everyone will devour in seconds!

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time14 minutes

Additional Time30 minutes

Total Time54 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 g)
3 oz cream cheese (80 g)
1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 ¼ cup cake flour (300 g)
2 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.
In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Approximately 5 minutes using a mixer at medium speed.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until incorporated completely.
Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl.
Mix together until fully combined.
Scoop or spoon balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Repeat on multiple baking sheets if needed, until all dough has been used.
Loosely cover the cookie dough balls and chill for 30-minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator, and lightly roll the scoops into a ball and lightly mash down on the tops.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until just beginning to turn golden on the edges.
Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
Completely cool before icing and topping with sprinkles.