Unlock the Secret: The Ultimate Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat Recipe for Pillowy Softness

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a professional bakery! Today, we’re sharing my renowned Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat recipe, so break out your parchment paper and sheet pans. Prepare to experience the sheer joy of homemade, perfectly pillowy soft sugar cookies that not only rival but often surpass the beloved store-bought originals in taste and texture.

There’s no need to run to the grocery store for a box of Lofthouse cookies when you have this recipe! I’ve noticed a multitude of talented bakers attempting to copy the original Lofthouse cookie recipe, and to be completely honest, who wouldn’t be tempted? These iconic, pillowy soft sugar cookies are a comfort food staple and a significant step above your typical sugar cookies or any standard Christmas treats. The persistent question for many years has been: what exactly is Lofthouse’s secret ingredient that gives them their unique charm? I dedicated my entire holiday season to extensive research and meticulous testing, determined to uncover Lofthouse’s secret weapon, and I’ve finally figured it all out. Prepare to bake the most authentic soft frosted sugar cookies you’ve ever tasted!

These homemade Lofthouse cookies are so exceptionally good, I confidently dare to say that they are the perfect copycat version—perhaps even better than the actual Lofthouse cookies you buy. So, make sure to follow along to the bottom of the post to get your hands on the ultimate Lofthouse Sugar Cookies Copycat Recipe card. I promise you, this recipe will not disappoint and will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

Craving more delightful frosted sugar cookie recipes? Explore these:

• Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookie With Frosting
• Frosted Coconut Lime Sugar Cookie
• Very Patriotic Frosted Sugar Cookies

Why This Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat Recipe is a Must-Try

I genuinely adore my Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat Recipe, and I’m confident you will too. It consistently delivers results that are not just comparable to, but often superior to the original store-bought Lofthouse cookies. To ensure your baking success and help you achieve that authentic Lofthouse taste and texture, I’ve highlighted some crucial ingredients you might not typically have on hand for your next grocery store run. For the complete list of ingredients with precise measurements, make sure to check out the comprehensive recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post!

• Unbeatable Fluffy Texture – For me, texture is everything when it comes to cookies, and these deliver spectacularly. From the smooth, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth to the incredibly soft, pillowy cookie base that practically dissolves on your tongue, these homemade Lofthouse sugar cookies are an absolute dream. I dare say they are the perfect way to kick off any holiday celebration or simply brighten an ordinary day with a taste of pure joy.
• Effortlessly Easy-to-Make – Despite their professional bakery look and taste, these iconic grocery store cookies are surprisingly simple to recreate at home. You can go from a collection of basic wet and dry ingredients to a batch of perfect, soft frosted sugar cookies in under an hour. It’s a truly rewarding baking experience that won’t consume your entire afternoon, making them ideal for busy schedules.
• Convenient Easy Storage – These copycat Lofthouse sugar cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re also incredibly easy to store, maintaining their freshness for up to a month! For optimal results, simply freeze the unfrosted cookies for 1-2 hours after they’ve cooled completely, wrapped individually in plastic wrap. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, arranging them in a single layer, and keep them in your freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful homemade Lofthouse cookies, just thaw and frost! This makes them perfect for meal prepping your treats or enjoying them whenever a craving strikes, ensuring you always have a soft, sweet indulgence on hand.

Essential Ingredients for Your Lofthouse Cookie Copycat

To truly capture that distinctive Lofthouse taste and texture, certain ingredients are non-negotiable. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need for your next trip to the grocery store, along with an explanation of their importance in this specific recipe. Remember, the full ingredient list with exact quantities is in the recipe card below!

• Crisco Shortening (The Secret Weapon) – This is, without a doubt, my secret weapon for achieving the perfect Lofthouse sugar cookie copycat recipe. Many recipes attempt to use sour cream or margarine as substitutes, but based on insider information from a food scientist friend, the original Lofthouse cookie actually uses Crisco, often subtly dyed yellow with food coloring to mimic butter. Crisco provides an unparalleled softness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality that butter alone simply can’t replicate in this particular cookie. Its unique fat structure creates a tender crumb that is key to the Lofthouse experience.
• Sugar (Granulated & Powdered) – You’ll need both types of sugar for this recipe, each playing a distinct role. Granulated sugar provides the foundational sweetness and helps with the initial creaming process, contributing to the cookie’s essential structure. Powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) is vital for both the cookie dough’s tenderness, giving it a softer bite, and, crucially, for creating the incredibly smooth, velvety texture of the cream cheese frosting.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature) – Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature before baking. This allows them to emulsify more effectively with the other ingredients, particularly the shortening, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. Room temperature eggs also help trap more air during the mixing process, which is absolutely crucial for achieving that light, airy, and pillowy Lofthouse cookie texture.
• Cake Flour – While you *could* use all-purpose flour in a pinch, for the absolute best results and that delicate, tender crumb characteristic of authentic Lofthouse cookies, cake flour is an indispensable ingredient. Cake flour has a lower protein content (typically 7-9%) compared to all-purpose flour (10-12%), which results in significantly less gluten development during mixing. This lack of strong gluten creates a much softer, more delicate cookie that truly melts in your mouth – it genuinely makes a noticeable difference.
• Corn Starch – This unassuming ingredient plays a surprisingly significant role in achieving that perfect soft texture. When added to the dough, corn starch helps to tenderize the cookie even further, contributing to the characteristic melt-in-your-mouth quality that defines a true Lofthouse sugar cookie. It effectively prevents the cookies from becoming tough, chewy, or dry, locking in moisture and softness.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – These two leavening agents work in harmony to give the cookies their signature lift, pillowy height, and slight chew. Baking powder provides an initial rise through a double-acting process, while baking soda reacts with any mild acidic ingredients present in the dough (like the cream cheese in the frosting, or residual acids) to create additional aeration and tenderizing bubbles, ensuring a light and airy result.
• Clear Vanilla Flavoring – While regular vanilla extract works, clear vanilla flavoring is preferred for this recipe. It helps maintain the pristine, bright white color of both the cookie dough and especially the cream cheese frosting, mimicking the original Lofthouse appearance without adding any brown tint that traditional vanilla might. It delivers that classic sweet vanilla aroma and taste that is so integral to these delightful cookies.

Expert Tips for Baking Your Perfect Lofthouse Copycat Cookies

Creating these incredibly soft and fluffy Lofthouse-style sugar cookies is simpler than you might think, especially when you have these insider tips for handling the cookie dough. Following these steps closely will ensure you achieve that coveted pillowy texture and authentic flavor every single time. For the full, detailed instructions, remember to consult the comprehensive recipe card further down!

• Prepare Your Workspace Thoughtfully: Always begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. A properly preheated oven ensures even baking, and parchment paper prevents sticking while promoting uniform browning (or lack thereof, in this case!). Getting your oven hot and ready means your cookies start baking immediately upon entering, leading to consistent results.
• Creaming is Absolutely Key: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the Crisco shortening, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is visibly light, fluffy, and noticeably pale in color. This step is utterly crucial! It effectively incorporates a significant amount of air into the fats and sugars, which directly creates the light, tender, and airy structure of the cookie. Don’t rush this process – properly creaming can take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes and is absolutely essential for the cookies’ signature softness and melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Incorporate Wet Ingredients Thoroughly: Once your fats and sugars are creamed, add your room temperature large egg and the clear vanilla flavoring to the mixture. Continue to beat until these ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture appears smooth and cohesive. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed. The egg acts as a vital binder and contributes moisture, while the clear vanilla adds that classic Lofthouse flavor without altering the cookie’s bright, un-browned appearance.
• Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately for Uniformity: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, meticulously whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisking ensures that all the leavening agents and the tenderizing cornstarch are perfectly and evenly distributed throughout the flour. This critical step prevents any pockets of unmixed ingredients and promotes a consistent, even rise in your cookies.
• Combine Gently, Avoid Overmixing at All Costs: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed *just* until everything is combined. Be exceedingly careful not to overmix the dough, as even a little too much agitation can rapidly develop the gluten in the cake flour, leading to tougher, chewier cookies – the exact opposite of the desired Lofthouse texture. The goal here is barely combined – a few tiny streaks of flour are far better than an overmixed, dense dough.
• Consistent Scooping for Even Baking: Utilize a two-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out your cookie dough. This tool is a game-changer for consistency, guaranteeing that each cookie is uniform in size and shape. Uniformity is absolutely vital for even baking, ensuring all your cookies are perfectly cooked at the same time and achieve that professional, bakery-fresh appearance. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie for them to spread slightly during baking.
• Bake to Perfection (No Color, Please!): Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for precisely 8-10 minutes. This is a critical point: you do *not* want any golden color on these cookies. They should remain strikingly pale and appear soft and slightly underdone or puffy when you gently remove them from the oven. This is exactly what you want for that signature pillowy Lofthouse texture. The residual heat from the baking sheet will continue to cook them gently as they cool. Overbaking, even by a minute or two, will result in dry, crumbly cookies, losing that quintessential Lofthouse softness.
• Strategic Cooling Protocol: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets briefly – just about 5 minutes – before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This initial cooling period on the warm sheet helps them firm up enough to be moved without breaking apart, as they are quite delicate when warm. Once on the wire rack, let them cool completely and thoroughly before you even consider frosting them. Attempting to frost warm cookies will cause your beautiful cream cheese frosting to melt and slide right off!

Recommended Equipment for Making This Recipe

Having the right tools can significantly enhance your baking experience and contribute to the successful outcome of your Lofthouse copycat cookies. Here’s a list of essential equipment that will help you achieve that professional, bakery-quality perfection:

• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll ideally need at least two large mixing bowls – one dedicated to your wet ingredients and another for your dry ingredients. This setup ensures that everything can be combined effectively and efficiently without spills or cross-contamination of textures.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Either a powerful electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is absolutely indispensable for creaming the shortening and sugars until they are wonderfully light and fluffy. This crucial step builds the vital air into your dough that contributes directly to the cookies’ signature soft and tender texture.
• Whisk: A good old-fashioned whisk is perfect for thoroughly combining your dry ingredients like flour, cornstarch, and leavening agents. Proper whisking ensures that they are evenly distributed, preventing any pockets of unmixed ingredients and promoting a consistent rise throughout your cookies.
• Accurate Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is paramount in baking, especially when aiming for a specific texture! Ensure you have both dry measuring cups and liquid measuring cups, along with a complete set of measuring spoons, to accurately portion all your ingredients. This attention to detail will help guarantee consistent results every time.
• Two-Tablespoon Cookie Scoop: This tool is a complete game-changer for achieving uniformity. Using a cookie scoop guarantees that each cookie is precisely the same size, which is vital for even baking and contributes significantly to a professional and appealing presentation.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two good-quality baking sheets (often referred to as sheet pans). Lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats is essential for preventing the cookies from sticking, ensuring easy cleanup, and promoting even heat distribution.
• Wire Rack: A sturdy wire cooling rack is an absolute must for allowing your baked cookies to cool completely and evenly after they come out of the oven. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom and helps them maintain their delicate, pillowy texture.
• Separate Bowls for Frosting (Optional but Recommended): If you plan to tint your cream cheese frosting with different food colors, having several smaller bowls will be incredibly helpful for mixing and separating the various colors without muddying them.

Frequently Asked Questions – Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat Edition

Can I substitute butter for Crisco shortening in this Lofthouse copycat recipe?

Technically, you can typically substitute butter for Crisco shortening in a 1:1 ratio in many baking recipes. However, for this specific Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat recipe, I strongly advise against it if you are aiming to achieve that signature pillowy soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines the original. Crisco is a key, almost secret, ingredient for replicating the original Lofthouse cookies, providing a unique tenderness and crumb that butter alone simply cannot fully replicate. While butter will still yield a delicious cookie, it will fundamentally alter the texture and flavor profile, resulting in a more traditional sugar cookie rather than the distinct, ultra-soft Lofthouse experience we are striving for.

Is it possible to use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for these soft frosted sugar cookies?

While cake flour is highly recommended and truly superior for achieving the lightest, most tender crumb characteristic of these Lofthouse-style cookies, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute in a pinch. If you must use all-purpose flour, you can try reducing the amount by one to two tablespoons per cup to compensate for its higher protein content, which can lead to a tougher texture. However, please be aware that the final texture of your cookies will be slightly denser and less delicate compared to those made with cake flour. For that authentic melt-in-your-mouth softness and a truly pillowy result, cake flour is genuinely worth seeking out.

Can I make the cookies smaller or larger than the suggested two tablespoons?

Absolutely! You have the flexibility to adjust the size of your homemade Lofthouse sugar cookies to your personal preference. However, it’s very important to remember that you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly to prevent overbaking. Smaller cookies will typically require less baking time (start checking around 6-7 minutes), while larger ones will need more time in the oven (possibly 10-12 minutes or more). Always keep a very close eye on them to ensure they remain perfectly pale and soft, avoiding any browning which is a tell-tale sign of overbaking and will compromise their signature texture.

How can I prepare these Lofthouse copycat cookies ahead of time for an event?

These soft frosted sugar cookies are excellent for making ahead, which makes them perfect for parties and events! You can bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and then frost them a day in advance. Once the frosting has fully set (this might take a few hours at room temperature, or you can speed it up by chilling them briefly in the refrigerator), store them in an airtight container at cool room temperature. For longer storage options, you can freeze the unfrosted cookie dough balls or fully baked unfrosted cookies as detailed in the “Storing and Freezing” section below. Thaw and frost closer to your event for the freshest taste and appearance.

What’s the best way to get that perfectly smooth and vibrant frosting?

For a silky-smooth cream cheese frosting with a vibrant color, ensure both your cream cheese and unsalted butter are properly softened to room temperature. This crucial step allows them to cream together beautifully, preventing any lumps. When adding the powdered sugar, do so gradually and beat on low speed initially to avoid a “sugar cloud” explosion in your kitchen! Once fully incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is truly light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. For vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid drops; gel colors are highly concentrated and won’t thin out your frosting. Add just a tiny amount at a time, mixing well between additions, until you achieve your desired pastel shade.

Storing and Freezing Your Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycats

Proper storage is absolutely essential to keep your homemade Copycat Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies tasting as fresh, soft, and delicious as the day they were baked. Once the creamy cream cheese frosting has fully set — which usually takes a few hours at cool room temperature — carefully arrange and store the cookies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to 3-4 days for optimal enjoyment. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between layers of cookies to prevent the frosting from sticking, smudging, or getting damaged. Always ensure the cookies are completely cooled before applying any frosting and before storing to maintain their signature soft texture and irresistible flavor.

How to Freeze Your Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycats

Freezing is an excellent option for extending the life of your Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookies, whether you want to save baked cookies or prepare dough ahead of time. For baked, unfrosted cookies, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1-2 hours until they are solid. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper in between each cookie to prevent sticking and damage. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the unfrosted cookies at room temperature before applying your fresh cream cheese frosting and serving. You can also freeze the raw cookie dough balls: scoop them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When baking from frozen, you may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

We’d absolutely love to hear from you! Remember to LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW AND A COMMENT below if you adore this recipe or have any questions about making these incredible Lofthouse copycat cookies. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for more fun baking inspiration, behind-the-scenes content, and delicious treats posted regularly across all platforms!

Recipe Card

Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat Recipe

Molly Murphy

This famous Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Copycat recipe will help you make perfectly soft, pillowy, and frosted sugar cookies right in your own kitchen! Achieve that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture with our secret ingredient.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Servings 12 Cookies

Ingredients

 

 

For the Cookies

• 1 cup Crisco shortening (not margarine)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
• 3 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• Pink or red food gel (for classic Lofthouse color)
• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
• Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)

Instructions

 

For the Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper for easy release and consistent, even baking results.
• In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the Crisco shortening, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is very light, fluffy, and pale in color. This crucial creaming process typically takes 3-5 minutes and is essential for incorporating air and ensuring soft, tender cookies.
• Add the room temperature large egg and the clear vanilla flavoring. Continue to beat until these ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
• In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda. Thoroughly whisking these dry ingredients ensures they are well combined and evenly distributed, which is important for the cookie’s texture and rise.
• Gradually add the whisked dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until *just* combined. Be very careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tougher, less desirable cookie texture. Mix only until no dry streaks of flour remain.
• Using a two-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough evenly. Place the scooped dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there is ample space (about 2 inches) between each cookie to allow for proper spreading during baking. This recipe yields approximately 12 perfectly sized cookies.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Crucially, these cookies should remain perfectly pale with absolutely no browning on the edges. They will look soft and slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven, which is exactly what you want for that signature pillowy Lofthouse texture. Do not overbake!
• Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are delicate when warm, so handle with care. Ensure they are fully cooled before proceeding to the frosting stage; warm cookies will melt your frosting!

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• While your delicious cookies are cooling on the wire racks, begin preparing your rich and creamy cream cheese frosting.
• In a clean mixing bowl, using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy, with absolutely no lumps.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed mixture, beating on low speed until it is fully incorporated to prevent a sugar dust cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 1-2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
• To achieve the classic Lofthouse look, add a small amount of pink or red food gel to the frosting. Remember, gel food coloring is highly concentrated, so start with just a tiny drop and gradually add more until you reach your desired pastel shade.
• Continue beating the frosting until the color is evenly distributed and you have achieved your desired pastel shade. Once your cookies are completely cool, generously frost each sugar cookie with your homemade cream cheese frosting, spreading it smoothly to the edges.
• Optionally, immediately after frosting, you can decorate the frosted cookies with your favorite sprinkles or other festive decorations to make them even more visually appealing and fun!
• Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for a few hours (or briefly in the refrigerator if you’re in a hurry) before storing the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent any smudging of your beautiful frosting.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!