Indulge in a childhood favorite with this homemade version of the classic Lofthouse cookie. These soft, buttery cookies are topped with a layer of sweet, creamy frosting for a treat that is both delicious and nostalgic. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply a sweet after-dinner dessert.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs. However, one ingredient you might not always have on hand is sour cream. This is essential for achieving the characteristic soft texture of Lofthouse cookies. Also, ensure you have heavy whipping cream for the frosting and food coloring if you want to add a fun, colorful twist.
List of Essential Ingredients for Lofthouse Cookies
Butter: Used for both the cookie and frosting to give a rich taste.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookie dough and the frosting.
Eggs: Acts as a binding agent in the cookie mixture.
Vanilla: Adds flavor to both the cookies and frosting.
Sour cream: Gives the cookies their distinctive soft, moist texture.
Flour: The base of the cookies, providing structure.
Baking powder and Baking soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness in the cookies.
Powdered sugar: Used in the frosting to give it a smooth, sweet taste.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
Food coloring: Optional, for adding color to your frosting.
One reader, Adella Fajardo says:
I recently tried the lofthouse cookies recipe and it was a game-changer! The cookies turned out soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. The frosting was the perfect touch, and the cookies were a hit with my family. I'll definitely be making these again!
Techniques Required for Making Lofthouse Cookies
How to cream butter and sugar: Creaming butter and sugar together involves beating the two ingredients until they are light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture for the cookies.
How to roll out cookie dough: Rolling out the cookie dough involves placing it on a floured surface and using a rolling pin to flatten it to the desired thickness. This step is important for achieving uniform cookies.
How to frost cookies: Frosting the cookies involves spreading the prepared frosting over the cooled cookies using a spatula or piping bag. This step adds a sweet and decorative touch to the cookies.
How To Make Lofthouse Cookies
Bring back the flavors of your childhood with these lofthouse cookies. These sweet sugar cookies are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cookie:
- 1cupbutter,softened
- 2cupssugar
- 3eggs
- 2tspvanilla
- 1½cupssour cream
- 6cupsflour
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspbaking soda
- ¼tspsalt
For Frosting:
- 1cupbutter,softened
- 1tspvanilla
- 4cupspowdered sugar
- 6tbspheavy whipping cream
- food coloring
Instructions
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In a mixer, cream sugar and butter until fluffy.
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Add each egg, one at a time, beating after each egg until well combined.
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Add sour cream and vanilla and beat well.
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Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined. The dough will be sticky.
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Divide your dough into two pieces. Flour a cutting board and flatten dough into 1½- inch thick rectangles.
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Wrap dough in plastic wrap and put in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
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Remove, from fridge, one rectangle at a time. Put dough back on the floured surface and roll out to ¼ inch thick.
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Using a 2 to 3-inch cookie cutter, cut out cookies and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Work in small batches, so dough stays cold
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Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 minutes, until cookies are a tiny bit brown around the edges.
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Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting them.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Cookies can be stored in freezer, if they are not frosted.
Frosting:
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In a mixer, cream the vanilla and butter. Beat in powdered sugar until creamy.
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One tablespoon at a time, mix in the heavy whipping cream until desired consistency. Add food color for a little fun.
Nutrition
- Calories: 441.66kcal
- Fat: 20.38g
- Saturated Fat: 12.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.62g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.33g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.98g
- Carbohydrates: 61.15g
- Fiber: 0.84g
- Sugar: 36.90g
- Protein: 4.44g
- Cholesterol: 73.28mg
- Sodium: 110.93mg
- Calcium: 45.04mg
- Potassium: 70.00mg
- Iron: 0.53mg
- Vitamin A: 178.70µg
- Vitamin C: 0.15mg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Lofthouse Cookies
When working with the dough for your Lofthouse cookies, it's crucial to keep it cold. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much. If your dough starts to warm up while you're rolling it out or cutting out your cookies, don't hesitate to pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to chill. This will ensure that your cookies come out perfectly every time.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Lofthouse Cookies
Preparation: Gather all ingredients and equipment before starting. This will help you work efficiently and prevent any last-minute trips to the store.
Chill the dough: After mixing the cookie dough, chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This will make it easier to handle and roll out.
Batch baking: Work in small batches when cutting out the cookies to keep the dough cold and ensure even baking.
Frosting efficiency: Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for frosting to achieve a uniform and efficient application.
Freezing: Consider freezing unfrosted cookies for later use, saving time when you need a quick treat.
Substitute Ingredients For Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, providing a similar fat content and texture to the cookies.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the cookies.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar in the frosting, although the texture of the frosting may be slightly different.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a substitute for heavy whipping cream in the frosting, providing a rich and creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.
Best Way to Present These Soft Sugar Cookies
Elevate the cookie size: Instead of traditional small cookies, create larger, more indulgent cookies that make a statement on the plate. This will give the impression of a more luxurious and decadent treat.
Artful frosting application: Use a piping bag to apply the frosting in a decorative and precise manner, showcasing the skill and attention to detail in the presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the plate with delicate and colorful edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize a variety of textures: Consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar or finely chopped nuts to create a contrast in textures, adding visual interest to the cookies.
Play with color contrast: Experiment with different food coloring to create visually stunning and vibrant frosting that complements the overall presentation of the cookies.
Present on a bed of powdered sugar: Dust the serving plate with a light layer of powdered sugar to create a clean and visually appealing base for the cookies.
Accompany with a flavored sauce: Drizzle a complementary flavored sauce, such as raspberry or caramel, on the plate to add a touch of sophistication and elevate the overall dessert experience.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the cookies, adding a shimmering and opulent element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Lofthouse Cookies
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
Cookie cutter: A cookie cutter is used to cut out the cookie shapes before baking.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to place the cut-out cookie dough for baking in the oven.
Mixer: A mixer is used to cream the butter and sugar, beat the eggs, and prepare the frosting for the cookies.
Cutting board: A cutting board is used to roll out the cookie dough before cutting it into shapes.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to mix the cookie dough ingredients and make the process more efficient.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to wrap the cookie dough before chilling it in the fridge.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheet and prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cookie sheet: A cookie sheet is used to bake the cookies in the oven.
Spatula: A spatula is used to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack after baking.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is used to cool the cookies before frosting them.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the cookie dough and frosting.
How to Store and Freeze Lofthouse Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and fresh, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Once they have thawed, you can frost them as desired.
If you have already frosted the cookies, you can still freeze them. Place the frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, or until the frosting is solid. Then, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw the frozen frosted cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. The frosting may become slightly soft, but it will firm up as the cookies come to room temperature.
Random Fact About Lofthouse Cookies
Lofthouse cookies are named after the Lofthouse family, who founded the Lofthouse Foods company in 1994. They are known for their soft, cake-like texture and sweet frosting, making them a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.
Is Making Lofthouse Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
The Lofthouse cookies recipe is cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making it budget-friendly. The versatility of the recipe allows for variations, adding value to the overall cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the availability of ingredients. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.
Are Lofthouse Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Lofthouse cookies recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with 2 cups of sugar in the cookies and 4 cups of powdered sugar in the frosting. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter (1 cup in the cookies and 1 cup in the frosting), which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- The recipe calls for 6 cups of flour, which is a refined carbohydrate. Consuming too many refined carbs can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain.
- The recipe also includes heavy whipping cream in the frosting, adding more saturated fat and calories to the cookies.
To make the Lofthouse cookies healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar in both the cookies and the frosting. You can experiment with using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, or even sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol.
- Replace some of the butter with healthier alternatives, such as Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or coconut oil. These substitutions can help reduce the amount of saturated fat in the recipe.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value of the cookies. You can start by replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and gradually increase the proportion as you get used to the taste and texture.
- Reduce the amount of heavy whipping cream in the frosting or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as low-fat milk or coconut milk.
- Consider adding some healthy ingredients to the cookie dough, such as finely grated zucchini, carrots, or nuts. These additions can boost the nutritional value of the cookies without compromising their taste.
Editor's Thoughts on This Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe
The Lofthouse cookies recipe is a classic and delightful treat. The combination of sour cream and butter creates a soft and tender cookie, while the creamy frosting adds a sweet and indulgent touch. The recipe's detailed instructions ensure that the cookies turn out perfectly every time. It's a versatile recipe that allows for personalization with different food colors for the frosting, making it a fun and festive treat for any occasion. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a delicious, homemade cookie.
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Why trust this Lofthouse Cookies Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and tested classic, perfected by a seasoned chef. The use of butter and sour cream ensures a rich and moist texture, while vanilla adds a delightful aroma. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a foolproof result. The frosting made with butter and powdered sugar creates a luscious topping, and the addition of food coloring allows for personalization. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and indulge in the heavenly lofthouse cookies that will surely impress your taste buds.
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