If you’re craving a soft, sweet, and downright delightful treat, this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. These iconic cookies are famous for their pillowy texture and luscious frosting that melts in your mouth with every bite. Perfectly balanced between fluffy cookie and creamy frosting, they bring a nostalgic charm that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these cookies offer a magical burst of sweetness and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first exciting step toward creating these irresistible Lofthouse cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that soft, tender crumb and creamy frosting that defines this beloved treat.
- Powdered sugar: Provides a fine sweetness and smooth texture essential for both the cookie dough and frosting.
- Margarine and unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to produce a soft, tender cookie crumb.
- Large egg: Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the tender texture.
- Vanilla and almond extracts: Infuse delicate, warm flavors that give this recipe its classic taste.
- Cake flour: The secret to that light, soft texture you crave in every bite.
- Cornstarch: Enhances softness and helps keep the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to provide a gentle rise without making the cookies cakey.
- Cream of tartar and salt: Balance flavors and improve texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture for a smooth frosting consistency.
- Pink food coloring and rainbow sprinkles: Bring those iconic, cheerful visual pops that make these cookies so festive and fun.
How to Make Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Base Ingredients
Start by combining powdered sugar, margarine, and softened butter in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip them until smooth and fluffy—it’s this step that builds the creamy foundation for your cookies. Once fluffy, add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then mix until everything blends together harmoniously.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. This dry mix ensures the perfect tender texture and balanced rise. Slowly add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture while mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. The key is to keep the dough soft and a little sticky—avoid overmixing to maintain the tender crumb.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrapping the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least an hour is a crucial step in this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping your cookies hold their shape while baking without spreading too thin.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation prevents sticking and ensures even baking, setting the stage for perfectly golden cookies with soft centers.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them 2 inches apart on your baking sheets. Gently press each ball down slightly with your palm to create a flattened shape that will bake into the signature soft cookie.
Step 6: Bake Until Just Set
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye—they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center with lightly golden tops. Avoid overbaking to maintain that irresistible softness. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low, then stir in vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy. Add pink food coloring and mix until the hue is perfectly even—this frosting is as joyful as it is delicious.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the creamy frosting on each one, then sprinkle rainbow sprinkles on top. This final touch adds festive color and that classic Lofthouse look you’ll love showing off.
Step 9: Let the Frosting Set
Give the frosting a few minutes to set before serving so it doesn’t slip off when you pick up a cookie. Store any extras in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh, soft, and ready for enjoyment anytime.
How to Serve Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Rainbow sprinkles are the iconic garnish that makes Lofthouse cookies instantly recognizable, adding a fun pop of color and a subtle crunch. You can also get creative by using sanding sugar, edible glitter, or even small candy pearls to match the occasion or your mood.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot tea or coffee. Their sweet, soft texture balances wonderfully with the warmth and slight bitterness of your preferred beverage, making snack time a cozy delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cuties on a colorful platter with parchment paper for a festive touch. For parties, try stacking them with parchment sheets in between or packaging them individually with clear wraps tied with twine for an adorable homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Lofthouse cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delectable for several days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookies either plain or frosted, but it’s best to freeze them unfrosted for ease. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready, thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Reheating
Unlike many cookies, Lofthouse cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled to keep their signature softness. If you want a warm treat, gently microwave one cookie for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating to preserve the texture.
FAQs
What makes Lofthouse cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
Lofthouse cookies stand out thanks to their soft, cakey texture and rich, creamy frosting. The use of cake flour and cornstarch in the dough keeps them tender and less dense than typical sugar cookies, while their signature frosting adds a smooth, sweet finish.
Can I substitute butter for margarine in this recipe?
Yes, you can use all butter if you prefer. The recipe calls for both margarine and butter to balance flavor and texture, but using all butter will give a richer taste and equally soft results.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential to prevent spreading. Also, avoid flattening the dough balls too much before baking and baking at the recommended temperature helps cookies maintain their shape.
Can I make the frosting in different colors?
Absolutely! The frosting can be tinted any color you like using food coloring. Just add a few drops gradually and mix well until you reach your desired shade for endless festive possibilities.
How should I store frosted cookies?
Keep frosted cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking and smudging.
Final Thoughts
This Lofthouse Cookies Recipe is one of those sweet pleasures worth baking again and again. From the tender crumb to the fluffy frosting sprinkled with colorful joy, each cookie feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Share them with loved ones or savor one yourself—you won’t regret adding these classic treats to your baking repertoire!
Print
Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and fluffy Lofthouse Cookies are classic sugar cookies topped with a creamy vanilla frosting and colorful rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies evoke nostalgic bakery vibes and are ideal for celebrations or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup margarine (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon pink food coloring (or a few drops of red food coloring)
- 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the powdered sugar, margarine, and softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm it up. This step helps with easier handling and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are just set and tops are slightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Once combined, add vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Increase speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Mix in the pink food coloring evenly.
- Frost the Cookies: After cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on each. Top with rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Set and Store: Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Refrigerating the dough is important to prevent the cookies from spreading too thin while baking.
- Use room temperature egg and softened butter for better mixing and texture.
- The frosting can be tinted with any color food coloring you prefer.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
