Lofthouse sugar cookies are a delightful treat known for their soft, cake-like texture and sweet frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies melt in your mouth and offer a burst of sweetness that’s hard to resist. Their pillowy softness, combined with the colorful frosting, makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing, especially at parties, gatherings, or as a little treat for yourself.
Why We Love This Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Lofthouse sugar cookies hold a special place in many hearts, thanks to their unique softness and sweet flavor. They evoke a sense of nostalgia for many, reminding people of their childhood days filled with baked goodies. The generous frosting on top provides a wonderful sweetness that elevates each bite. They’re versatile too, as you can decorate them for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration. This makes them a perfect choice for any festive occasion. Additionally, they are simple enough to make at home yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Many enjoy customizing the toppings to suit their preferences, offering endless opportunities for creativity in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them well and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop round balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth and creamy. If desired, add food coloring to achieve your preferred shade.
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread the frosting on top of each cookie. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.
How to Serve Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Serving Lofthouse sugar cookies can be a fun and creative experience. These cookies shine at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as an afternoon snack with a warm beverage. You can arrange them on a decorative platter, making sure to display their colorful frosting prominently. For a festive touch, consider stacking them in a tiered dessert stand, which not only saves space but also adds a charming aspect to your table setup.
If you’re hosting a gathering or a party, think about providing a variety of flavors of frosting or even different cookie shapes. This could enhance the visual appeal and cater to different taste preferences. Pair your Lofthouse sugar cookies with a glass of cold milk, herbal tea, or a steaming cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For an extra-special treat, refrigerate them for a short while before serving; this enhances their delightful texture and flavor. You may also offer your homemade cookies in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon as thoughtful gifts for guests to take home, creating a lasting memory of your event.
Expert Tips for Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Making the perfect Lofthouse sugar cookies is easier with a few expert tips. Start with quality ingredients. Use fresh butter, and make sure your baking powder and soda are not expired, as this can affect the cookies’ rise and texture. When creaming butter and sugar, ensure the butter is at room temperature for a fluffier texture and better incorporation.
When mixing in the flour, do so at a low speed. This method prevents flour from flying and helps achieve a delicate cookie without overworking the ingredients. For even size, consider using a cookie scoop. The dough should be slightly sticky; if it’s too dry, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water until you reach the right consistency.
After baking, don’t skip the cooling step before frosting. Allowing the cookies to cool completely keeps the frosting from melting, ensuring your final product looks appealing. Store your frosted cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to separate the layers, preserving their softness and freshness. Adjust the thickness of the frosting according to your preference, and feel free to get creative with different colors and flavors.
How to Store Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Storing Lofthouse sugar cookies properly ensures that they remain fresh and delicious for longer. Once your cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. If you have decorated them with frosting, adhere to a few steps to keep them looking their best. Line the bottom of the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and layer the cookies carefully.
For enhanced freshness, you may want to place a piece of bread in the container. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft. Store the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the cookies within a week. If you want to keep your cookies longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature, and if you’d like, you can give them a fresh frosting touch before serving.
Variations of Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
While classic Lofthouse sugar cookies are delicious on their own, there are many exciting variations you can try to please different palates. For a citrus twist, add some lemon or orange zest to the dough, giving the cookies a refreshing flavor that brightens up every bite. You may also experiment with different extracts besides vanilla and almond; coconut extract adds an exotic hint.
Dare to play with textures by incorporating white chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the dough before baking. These additions can enhance the cookie’s flavor profile while providing delightful bites. If you enjoy fruity flavors, consider folding in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. You could even layer in some mini chocolate chips for an added treat alongside the frosting.
When it comes to frosting, you can mix things up by preparing buttercream with different flavors. Consider using chocolate, mint, or peanut butter for an exciting contrast to the sweet cookie base. For an extra decorative touch, use various types of sprinkles according to the occasion—such as fall-themed sprinkles for autumn celebrations or red and green for holiday gatherings. You can even create themed shapes or colors to make your cookies standout for events or parties.
FAQ about Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
One of the most common questions about Lofthouse sugar cookies is, "What makes them different from regular sugar cookies?" The primary difference lies in their soft texture, which resembles a cake rather than a traditional crunch. They also often feature a fluffy frosting that sets them apart visually and in taste.
Another frequently asked question pertains to how to keep these cookies soft. To maintain their texture, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread, or freeze them if you want to keep them longer. This method prevents them from drying out and keeps them fresh.
You might wonder if you can make these cookies gluten-free. Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can work, though keep an eye on the texture and moisture levels. One last query could be about the liquid in the frosting. You can adjust the milk quantity based on how thick or thin you prefer your frosting.
Overall, Lofthouse sugar cookies are a beloved treat, and with a bit of creativity and care, you can customize them to your tastes while enjoying the delightful process of baking and sharing them.
Lofthouse Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it is at room temperature.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.
- Food coloring (optional) For decorating.
- Sprinkles (optional) For additional decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract; beat until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop round balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
Baking
- Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around edges but soft in center.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Frosting and Serving
- Prepare frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk until smooth and creamy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles.
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