Lofthouse Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, cake-like cookies with a rich, creamy frosting. These cookies are as indulgent as they come, making them ideal for any celebration or as an everyday treat. The frosting adds a touch of sweetness, while the sprinkles give them a fun pop of color!
These cookies are light and airy, yet packed with flavor, making them a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re perfect for gifting or just enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Plus, with minimal ingredients and simple instructions, they’re an easy treat to whip up for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
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1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp almond extract (optional)
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup sour cream
Frosting:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1-2 tbsp milk (to adjust consistency)
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Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, until the dough comes together.
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Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the center is still soft. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the frosting, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
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Once the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of frosting on each cookie and top with sprinkles, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Introduction to Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse Cookies are a beloved treat, known for their soft, pillowy texture and sweet, thick frosting. These cookies have become a staple in the cookie world, offering a delightful bite that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The delicate combination of the cookies’ cake-like texture and the rich, creamy frosting makes them irresistible to cookie lovers everywhere. Though they are often associated with holidays and special occasions, Lofthouse Cookies are perfect for any time of the year, offering a nostalgic taste that many can’t resist.
The History of Lofthouse Cookies
While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of Lofthouse Cookies, their rise to fame is generally attributed to a brand called Lofthouse, which made these cookies popular across the United States. The brand’s signature soft, frosted cookies became available in supermarkets, and they quickly became a fan favorite. Over the years, they have been adapted by many home bakers, who have added their own flair to the classic recipe.
Lofthouse Cookies became especially famous for their frosted sugar cookie version, which was often found in grocery store bakeries and offered in a variety of colors and sprinkles, especially around the holiday season. Today, the term “Lofthouse Cookie” is used to describe any soft, frosted sugar cookie, regardless of the brand. These cookies are characterized by their cake-like texture, which is quite different from the crispier, traditional sugar cookies many are accustomed to.
The Appeal of Lofthouse Cookies
What makes Lofthouse Cookies stand out from other sugar cookies is their soft texture. Unlike the crunchy, crisp cookies we may be used to, Lofthouse Cookies have a cake-like consistency that feels light and airy in your mouth. This texture is achieved through the use of ingredients like sour cream or buttermilk, which give the dough a slight tanginess and help the cookies maintain their moisture.
The thick frosting that tops each cookie is another key feature. It’s rich and creamy, typically made with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. This decadent layer of frosting not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies their signature look. It’s often decorated with colorful sprinkles or even themed designs for holidays, making them not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Variations of Lofthouse Cookies
While the classic Lofthouse Cookie is a simple sugar cookie topped with a thick layer of frosting and sprinkles, many variations have emerged over the years. Home bakers and pastry chefs alike have experimented with different flavors, colors, and toppings, making the Lofthouse Cookie a versatile treat that can be enjoyed year-round.
One popular variation is the addition of flavored extracts to the frosting, such as almond or lemon, to give the cookie a unique twist. Another variation includes using different types of sprinkles to suit various occasions, such as red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel-colored sprinkles for Easter. Some bakers even incorporate colored frosting into the mix, creating a festive look for their Lofthouse Cookies.
Additionally, some people like to swap out the traditional frosting for a buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a slightly tangier taste. Others have added fun mix-ins like chocolate chips, crushed candy, or even edible glitter to make these cookies even more decadent.
Tips for Baking Perfect Lofthouse Cookies
Baking Lofthouse Cookies may seem like an easy task, but there are a few tips to ensure your cookies turn out soft and delicious every time. The key to achieving the signature texture lies in the dough’s moisture content and the baking time.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure the cookies bake evenly, it’s important to use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can result in a dough that’s too firm, making it difficult to achieve that soft, pillowy texture.
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Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, which will be far from the light, airy texture you’re aiming for.
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Chill the Dough: While not always necessary, chilling the dough before baking can help it maintain its shape. It also makes the dough easier to work with if you plan to roll it into balls or cut it into shapes.
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Bake Until Just Set: Lofthouse Cookies should be soft and slightly underbaked in the center. This ensures they stay moist and fluffy. Bake them until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown, but the center should still look a little underdone.
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Allow Cooling Time: Let the cookies cool completely before frosting. If the cookies are still warm, the frosting can melt and lose its consistency.
Serving Suggestions for Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse Cookies are not only a treat on their own but can also be a fun and interactive dessert at parties or gatherings. They can be served on a cookie platter at holiday parties, school events, or family gatherings. The bright frosting and sprinkles make them visually appealing, and their soft texture is sure to delight guests of all ages.
For a fun twist, you can create a DIY cookie decorating station. Provide different colored frostings, sprinkles, and toppings like chocolate chips, coconut flakes, and candies. Guests can decorate their own cookies, making the treat even more personalized and fun.
Lofthouse Cookies also make a great gift for special occasions. Package them in a cute tin or box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can even experiment with different frosting colors to match the theme of the holiday or event.
Conclusion
Lofthouse Cookies are a nostalgic and delightful treat that continues to capture the hearts and taste buds of cookie lovers everywhere. With their soft, cake-like texture and thick, creamy frosting, they offer a unique twist on traditional sugar cookies. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who tries them.
The versatility of Lofthouse Cookies makes them a favorite among home bakers, allowing for endless variations and customizations. Whether you add different flavors to the frosting, swap in colorful sprinkles, or try a new twist on the cookie base, there’s always room for creativity. By following a few key tips, you can bake the perfect batch every time, ensuring your Lofthouse Cookies will always be soft, flavorful, and visually stunning.
In conclusion, Lofthouse Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a fun, festive treat that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With their rich history, endless possibilities for customization, and universal appeal, these cookies are a must-try for any cookie enthusiast.