Every time February rolls around, I can’t help but get lost in a sweet daydream of Valentine’s Day treats. There’s a certain magic in the air as I imagine the perfect cookie—a soft, pillowy Lofthouse cookie, lavishly frosted and adorned with pastel colors. This gentle giant of a cookie not only melts in your mouth but also brings smiles to everyone’s faces, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for the season of love.
I stumbled across this recipe when I was searching for the ideal sweet to brighten a chilly winter afternoon. It quickly stole my heart—and my taste buds! What truly sets these Lofthouse cookies apart is how incredibly easy they are to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. All you need are a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are ready to charm friends, family, or that special someone.
Let’s trade the fast food routine for a cozy kitchen moment, shall we? Join me as I guide you through making these delightful treats that are just waiting to be frosted and celebrated!
Why You'll Love This Lofthouse Cookies
- These Lofthouse Cookies are a breeze to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious treat in no time.
- Their fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures that every bite is a delightful experience.
- With endless options for frosting and color combinations, you can customize these cookies for any occasion or personal preference.
- These cookies are guaranteed to impress and please everyone, making them a perfect addition to any gathering or celebration.
Lofthouse Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake these delightful cookies!
For the Cookie Base
• All-purpose flour – Provides the foundation for a soft, fluffy Lofthouse cookie.
• Baking powder – Helps to create that pillowy texture everyone loves.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming to achieve a light and fluffy batter.
• Granulated sugar – Contributes to the cookie’s classic sweetness.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• Large eggs – Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing.
• Vanilla extract – Infuses a warm, comforting flavor into each cookie.
For the Frosting
• Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth and sweet base for your frosting.
• Milk – Adjust the consistency of the frosting to your liking; start with 2 tablespoons and add more if necessary.
• Food coloring – Optional, but perfect for adding a festive touch to your Lofthouse Cookies!
How to Make Lofthouse Cookies
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. This will ensure your cookies rise perfectly and have a balanced flavor.
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Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together ¾ cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup packed brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes—so keep an eye on it!
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Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; this adds a lovely depth of flavor to your cookies.
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Combine mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep those cookies soft and tender.
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Scoop dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. This will give them room to spread while baking.
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Bake cookies: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
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Cool and frost: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting them with your choice of icing in delightful pastel colors to match the occasion.
Optional: Top with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Lofthouse Cookies are perfect for meal prep lovers who want to save time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto your baking sheets, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and pop the chilling dough straight into the oven for just as delightful results. For the frosting, mix it up the day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight; just give it a quick stir before frosting the cookies. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, homemade Lofthouse Cookies with minimal effort!
Lofthouse Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize these soft, dreamy cookies to match your taste or dietary needs!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a delightful cookie that everyone can enjoy.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to replace the unsalted butter, ensuring delicious results without dairy.
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Chocolate Chip Twist: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a rich flavor contrast that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor that enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the batter for added crunch and a hint of earthiness.
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Seasonal Spices: Mix in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to create a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall or winter festivities.
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Frosting Fun: Experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or peppermint in your frosting for an exciting new taste dimension.
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Sprinkle Surprise: Top your frosted cookies with fun sprinkles or edible glitter to add a festive touch that makes every bite feel like a celebration!
What to Serve with Lofthouse Cookies?
Picture a cozy gathering filled with laughter and sweet treats, where these delightful cookies take center stage and leave everyone craving more.
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Milk:
A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness, making each bite even more satisfying. -
Coffee:
The rich, bold flavors of coffee brilliantly contrast the cookie’s sweetness, elevating your treat time to an indulgent experience. -
Vanilla Ice Cream:
Top these soft cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert that’s soft, creamy, and delightful. -
Fresh Berries:
Bright, juicy berries like strawberries or raspberries add a tart contrast that balances the sweet and creamy frosting perfectly. -
Sparkling Water:
A bubbly drink adds a refreshing twist to your meal, cleansing your palate between bites of these luscious cookies. -
Chocolate Drizzle:
For those who crave extra sweetness, a warm chocolate drizzle brings a deliciously decadent touch to your Lofthouse cookies. -
Cheesecake Dip:
Serve these cookies alongside a sweet and creamy cheesecake dip for an unexpected and delightful addition to your treat spread. -
Fruit Salad:
A colorful bowl of fruit salad introduces a refreshing, healthy element to balance the cookie indulgence, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Lofthouse Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Lofthouse cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer cookie, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and thaw at room temperature when ready to indulge.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, microwave individual Lofthouse cookies for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through; frost afterward for a fresh treat!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Lofthouse Cookies have the perfect texture, make sure your butter is softened at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars, as this helps incorporate air for a lighter cookie.
- One common mistake is overmixing the dough after combining wet and dry ingredients; mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- For even baking, scoop dough portions that are consistent in size and space them at least two inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Remember to check your cookies around the 10-minute mark, as ovens can vary and you want to catch them just as the edges turn lightly golden while keeping the centers soft.
Lofthouse Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right flour for Lofthouse Cookies?
Absolutely! For these Lofthouse cookies, stick with all-purpose flour. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness that results in that soft, pillowy texture we all love. Avoid using bread flour because it’ll create a denser cookie.
How should I store my Lofthouse Cookies?
To keep your Lofthouse cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain maximum softness, avoid refrigerating them. If you don’t finish them within that time, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—just let them come back to room temperature before devouring!
Can I freeze Lofthouse Cookies?
Yes, indeed! I often freeze them for later enjoyment. To freeze, simply place your cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature before frosting to ensure the icing sets beautifully.
How can I prevent Lofthouse Cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Very! A common issue when baking cookies is overmixing. After you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until everything is just blended. If you’re still experiencing spreading issues, check that your butter isn’t too warm. Room temperature butter is perfect—slightly soft but not melting. Another tip is chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
Are Lofthouse Cookies safe for pets?
No, Lofthouse cookies are not safe for pets. They contain sugars and fats that aren’t suitable for them. Always keep your treats out of reach, as the ingredients can lead to digestive issues for pets. If you’re looking to include your furry friends in the fun, consider making pet-friendly cookies with wholesome ingredients!
How can I adjust the frosting for different occasions?
Absolutely! Start with 2 cups of powdered sugar and 2-4 tbsp of milk to create a smooth frosting. Adjust the milk to reach your desired consistency. For festive colors, simply add food coloring until you achieve your desired shade. You can also mix in a drop of almond or lemon extract for added flavor—really customize it for birthdays, holidays, or simply because it’s Tuesday!
Lofthouse Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- In a large bowl, cream ¾ cup softened butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup brown sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers are soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
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