Copycat Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies
Soft, pillowy sugar cookies topped with a silky vanilla glaze and sprinkles, perfect for celebrations. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Alternately add flour mixture and 1/4 cup buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5: Scoop dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 7: For glaze, whisk 2 cups powdered sugar with 3 tbsp milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles on top. Let glaze set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Copycat Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Copycat Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Copycat Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Copycat Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Copycat Lofthouse-Style Soft Sugar Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
