Lofthouse cookies are a delightful treat that has earned their place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere. With their soft, cake-like texture, these cookies are often topped with a generous layer of sweet frosting and colorful sprinkles. Originating from the Lofthouse brand, these delectable cookies are now a favorite homemade treat for families. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Lofthouse cookies are the perfect choice.
Why We Love This Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
What makes Lofthouse cookies so special? It’s their soft, pillowy texture combined with a buttery taste that melts in your mouth. The creamy frosting enhances the sweetness, making them a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. Plus, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and can be customized to fit any theme or celebration. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients for Lofthouse Cookies
To make Lofthouse cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for frosting)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring and/or sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Lofthouse Cookies
Making Lofthouse cookies is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen filled with delicious aromas. Follow these step-by-step directions to whip up your own batch.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
- In a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes of mixing.
- Add in the sour cream, egg, and both vanilla and almond extracts. Mix until just combined. The mixture should be light and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to over-mix; you want your cookies to stay soft.
- Roll the dough into 2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand to form thick discs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes. The cookies should be set and just starting to look slightly firm; they should not brown.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. This cooling process is essential for the cookies to maintain their fluffy texture.
- For the frosting, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing well until you’ve reached a fluffy consistency. Finally, drizzle in the milk until the frosting is light and spreadable.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top and feel free to decorate with sprinkles for that extra touch of fun!
How to Serve Lofthouse Cookies
When it comes to serving Lofthouse cookies, the options are endless. You can present them on a decorative plate during a gathering, place them in a cellophane bag tied with a colorful ribbon for a sweet gift, or simply enjoy them at home with a glass of cold milk. To make them even more appealing, consider varying the decorations according to the season—pastel sprinkles for spring celebrations, vibrant colors for birthday parties, or festive designs for the holidays.
These cookies also make great party favors or treats for bake sales, as they are both appealing and easy to transport. You might even want to set up a cookie decorating station for kids or guests, allowing everyone to personalize their own cookies with their choice of frosting and toppings.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lofthouse Cookies
- Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature. This helps create a creamier texture when combined with sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: Remember that these cookies should not brown. Taking them out when they are just set ensures the signature soft texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg and sour cream to room temperature will help them blend better into the mix, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Customize Frosting: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of extracts in your frosting. You might try incorporating mint or lemon for an added twist to the classic frosting.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re making the dough ahead of time, consider chilling it for 30 minutes. This can help improve the texture and prevent spreading during baking.
How to Store Lofthouse Cookies
To enjoy your Lofthouse cookies for a longer period, it’s essential to store them correctly. Once cooled and frosted, place the cookies in an airtight container. You can layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, especially if you’re making a large batch. Stored this way at room temperature, they can last for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the unfrosted cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag and thaw them when you’re ready to enjoy them again. Frosting can be done right before serving for a fresh taste.
Variations of Lofthouse Cookies
One of the best aspects of baking your Lofthouse cookies is the ability to customize them. Here are some variations that you may want to try:
- Flavored Extracts: Instead of just vanilla and almond, try peppermint, lemon, or orange extracts for a unique flavor profile.
- Add-Ins: Consider mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits into the dough for additional texture and flavor.
- Different Frosting: Swap out the buttercream for cream cheese frosting or even a chocolate ganache for a different indulgence altogether.
- Food Coloring: Use food coloring in your frosting to match your theme. Bright colors can add a festive touch to birthdays or holidays.
- Experimental Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, experiment with crushed candies, coconut flakes, or shredded chocolate for extra flair.
FAQ About Lofthouse Cookies
What are Lofthouse cookies? Lofthouse cookies are soft, cake-like cookies typically topped with a sweet frosting and sprinkles. They are easy to make and very popular for various occasions.
How do I achieve the best texture for my Lofthouse cookies? To achieve the characteristic soft texture, do not overmix the dough and avoid baking them until they’re brown. They should be just set when pulled from the oven.
Can I freeze Lofthouse cookies? Yes, you can freeze Lofthouse cookies! Store the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container and freeze for later use. Frost them just before serving to maintain freshness.
Can I customize the frosting for these cookies? Absolutely! You can use different flavored extracts or colors to personalize your frosting. This adds a fun twist to the classic recipe.
How long do Lofthouse cookies last? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Lofthouse cookies can stay fresh for about a week. If frozen, they can last for up to three months.
Lofthouse Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened For the cookies
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream Bring to room temperature
- 1 unit egg Bring to room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla For frosting
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional) For frosting
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- to taste unit food coloring and/or sprinkles Optional for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add in the sour cream, egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, mixing until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Roll the dough into 2-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 7 minutes, until set but not browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Frosting
- Cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing until fluffy.
- Drizzle in the milk until the frosting is light and spreadable.
Assembly
- Spread frosting generously on the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if desired.
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