Introduction to Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Ah, Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies! These delightful treats remind me of childhood celebrations, where every bite felt like a hug. If you’re a busy mom or professional, you know how precious time is. This recipe is a quick solution for those hectic days when you want to whip up something special without the fuss. Soft, fluffy, and topped with sweet frosting, these cookies are perfect for impressing loved ones or simply indulging yourself. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen, bringing joy to every occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
These Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies are a dream come true for busy lives. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat. The soft, fluffy texture melts in your mouth, while the sweet frosting adds a delightful touch. Plus, they’re versatile! You can customize the frosting colors and toppings to match any occasion. Who wouldn’t love a cookie that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious?
Ingredients for Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, providing structure and texture.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure your cookies are light and airy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
- White sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their soft texture.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture for a tender cookie.
- Vanilla extract: A must-have for that classic cookie flavor; it brings warmth and sweetness.
- Almond extract: Optional, but it adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the vanilla.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the frosting, giving it that smooth, sweet finish.
- Milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency; you can use any milk you prefer.
- Food coloring: Optional, but it’s a fun way to customize your frosting for any occasion!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. If you skip this step, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is important because it helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour. A good mix here means a fluffy cookie later!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air into the butter, which is key for achieving that light, airy texture in your Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The egg acts as a binder, holding everything together, while the extracts add that delightful flavor we all love. Don’t rush this step; mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Now, gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft dough that’s slightly sticky but holds its shape.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. If you want uniform cookies, you can use a cookie scoop for even portions!
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop the cookie sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. A good trick is to take them out when they look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Once baked, let the cookies cool on wire racks. This cooling step is essential; it allows the cookies to set properly. While they cool, prepare your frosting by mixing powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if you’re feeling creative! Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously and enjoy your delicious Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Experiment with different extracts for unique flavors.
- For a fun twist, add sprinkles to the frosting!
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A set of various sizes is handy; you can use any large bowl you have.
- Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients; a fork works in a pinch!
- Cookie sheets: Use ungreased sheets or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cooling racks: Essential for cooling cookies; a plate can work if you don’t have racks.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key; use any standard measuring tools you have.
Variations of Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add a cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey surprise.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Seasonal Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor, perfect for the holidays.
Serving Suggestions for Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
- Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Present them on a colorful platter, topped with sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Include them in a dessert table for parties or celebrations.
FAQs about Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Can I make Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw and frost when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond extract or have allergies, feel free to substitute it with an extra splash of vanilla extract. You can also try other flavorings like coconut or hazelnut for a unique twist on your Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use different types of frosting?
Of course! While the classic powdered sugar frosting is delightful, you can experiment with cream cheese frosting or even chocolate ganache for a richer flavor. Just remember to let the cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting!
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best results. Also, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
Final Thoughts
Making Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating sweet memories in your kitchen. The joy of watching your loved ones savor these soft, fluffy cookies is truly priceless. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weekday treat, these cookies bring smiles and warmth to any gathering. Plus, the customization options make them a canvas for your creativity! So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the delightful aroma fill your home. Trust me, once you share these cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your family!
Print
Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Treat Recipe!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies are soft, fluffy, and topped with a sweet frosting, making them the ultimate treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Let cool on wire racks.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then add food coloring if desired.
- Frost the cooled cookies and enjoy!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to customize the frosting with different colors and sprinkles.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies, sugar cookies, dessert recipe, baking