Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars

My kids love going to the grocery store with me for one reason and one reason only: the free samples. My go-to supermarket almost always has a few cheese samples near the deli counter and a store demonstration happening near the meat section, but my kids always flock to the bakery section first to see if there are any cookie samples available. Their faces light up with extra joy anytime sample-size pieces of frosted Lofthouse cookies are up for grabs. These copycat Lofthouse cookie bars are my attempt at recreating the magic at home.

Featuring an extra-tender cookie base flavored with almond and vanilla extract, and a thick layer of sweet and creamy pastel-pink frosting, these copycat Lofthouse cookie bars received two thumbs up from my household’s toughest pair of food critics.

The secret to making thick sugar cookie bars with the same taste and soft texture as the old-school cookie recipe is to incorporate extra fat and starch into the dough—in this case, that means egg yolks, sour cream and cornstarch. Together, these ingredients add and absorb moisture, yielding supremely tender cookie bars that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients for Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars

• Butter: Some baking recipes truly benefit from high-quality butter, and this copycat Lofthouse cookie bars recipe is one of them.
• Granulated sugar: This type of sugar helps provide structure and spread to the cookie bars.
• Eggs: Using an extra egg yolk along with two whole eggs adds just enough fat to soften and tenderize the cookies.
• Sour cream: A touch of sour cream enhances the soft texture and adds a subtle tang.
• Flavoring extracts: A duo of almond and vanilla extract gives the cookie base that signature Lofthouse cookie taste.
• Flour: When making cookies or bars, take care not to overmix the dough once you’ve added the flour. Mix it just until no dry patches remain to ensure the gluten doesn’t get overworked.
• Cornstarch: Cornstarch interferes with gluten development during mixing, which helps keep the cookies soft and pleasantly doughy in the center.
• Leavener: This recipe calls for both baking powder and baking soda to help give the cookies extra loft. These are Lofthouse cookie bars after all.
• Salt: Even in the sweetest treats, a bit of salt goes a long way toward enhancing and balancing flavors.
• Frosting: As important as the delicate cookie base is the sweet buttercream frosting that crowns the top. It’s made with butter, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, salt and a touch of heavy cream. You need only a few drops of red or pink food coloring to achieve the perfect pastel-pink hue.
• Rainbow sprinkles: Most Lofthouse cookies are finished with rainbow jimmies for a bit of whimsy. Feel free to omit or swap out for your favorite color and style of sprinkles.

How to Make Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, three to five minutes. Add the eggs and egg yolk, beating well until they’re incorporated. Beat in the sour cream and the vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients to the dough

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry patches remain.

Step 3: Spread into a baking pan and chill

Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 13×9-inch baking pan. Spread the dough into an even layer, then cover it with storage wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour (or overnight).

Editor’s Tip: Chilling the dough helps limit the spread of the bars, keeping them nice and thick while baking. Additionally, it improves the texture and taste of the bars by allowing the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Bake and cool the cookie bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the prepared baking pan from the fridge and bake the cookie bars for 17 to 20 minutes. The bars are done once the top of the dough no longer appears glossy and the edges appear set. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely.

Step 5: Make the frosting

Meanwhile, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and vanilla on medium speed until they’re light and fluffy, about one to two minutes. Slowly beat in the confectioners’ sugar and salt. Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, slowly beat in heavy cream until it’s light and fluffy, two to three minutes. Beat in food coloring, if desired.

Step 6: Spread the frosting and add sprinkles

Spread the frosting evenly over the cookie bars using an offset spatula. Decorate them with sprinkles (if desired), then cut them into squares.

Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars Variations

• Change the frosting color: Pastel pink is among the most common frosting colors you’ll see on Lofthouse cookies, but you can use any color that brings you joy.
• Play with other flavorings: While vanilla and almond extract give the bars a classic taste, you could play around with other extracts, zests or spices for a fun twist. Try caramel, coconut, lemon or orange extract, or add the zest of an orange, lemon or lime. For warmth, consider a pinch or two of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or cardamom. The possibilities are endless.
• Add mix-ins: If you’re into experimenting, you could try stirring up to 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter. Alternatively, consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts or dried chopped fruit (apricots, cherries, currants or raisins).
• Sprinkle on more toppings: Instead of sprinkles, drizzle the cookie bars with caramel or chocolate sauce. You could also opt for toasted coconut, mini M&M’s candies or the chopped candy bars of your choice.

How to Store Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars

Copycat Lofthouse cookie bars can be stored at room temperature. Store them in an airtight food storage container, or simply cover the baking pan tightly with plastic to preserve freshness. The cookie bars are best enjoyed within five to seven days.

Can you freeze sugar cookie bars?

Absolutely! Like many of our favorite cookie bar recipes, copycat Lofthouse cookie bars can be frozen for up to three months. Once decorated, cover the pan tightly with a layer of storage wrap followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Alternatively, cut the bars into squares and wrap each one individually in storage wrap. Transfer them to an airtight freezer container or a gallon-size zip-top bag, and freeze them. Thaw them completely at room temperature before enjoying them.

Copycat Lofthouse Sugar Cookie Bars Tips

Why did my copycat Lofthouse cookie bars crack while baking?

Cookie bars that cracked down the middle while baking were likely overbaked. For the best taste and texture, bake the bars just until the top is no longer shiny and the edges are lightly golden.

Why are my cookie bars crumbly and dry?

Dry and crumbly copycat Lofthouse cookie bars might be a result of overmixing the dough, or not chilling it for long enough. It’s more likely, however, that the flour was not measured correctly, and too much flour was added. Using a kitchen scale is the absolute best way to ensure your baking recipe turns out properly and is consistent from batch to batch.