Copycat Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies
Soft and fluffy sugar cookies topped with a smooth vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles, mimicking the classic bakery favorite. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, granulated sugar, large egg 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 180 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
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup sprinkles
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft.
- Step 3: Scoop dough by 2 tbsp portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
- Step 4: For frosting, beat 2 cups powdered sugar with 3 tbsp milk and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Add more milk if needed for consistency.
- Step 5: Spread frosting evenly over cooled cookies and immediately sprinkle 1/4 cup sprinkles on top. Let frosting set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Copycat Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 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 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 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 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.
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