Oh my gosh, there’s just something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The way the smell fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm, sugary hug while you wait for those little delights to come out of the oven! These Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are one of my absolute favorites. They’re soft, chewy, and topped with that sweet, dreamy frosting that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; everyone went crazy for them! Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re such a hit. They’re perfect for sharing, and they always bring smiles!
Ingredients for Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delicious cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies that will leave everyone asking for more!
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them that perfect soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This will help your cookies rise and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A little extra lift for your cookies, ensuring they’re light and airy!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and that rich flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that chewy texture we all love.
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that classic cookie flavor that everyone adores.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: This gives a lovely depth of flavor that makes these cookies extra special.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Essential for making that sweet, smooth frosting!
- 2 tablespoons milk: This will help thin out your frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Food coloring (optional): If you want to get festive or creative, add some color to your frosting!
How to Prepare Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Let’s get baking! I promise this process is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly!
- While the oven is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. This dry mixture is the foundation of your cookies, so make sure it’s well combined.
- In another large bowl, you’ll want to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of white sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Trust me, you’ll love the texture!
- Next, add in 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The aroma is going to be heavenly!
- Gradually blend in your dry ingredients from the first bowl. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it!
- Now, here’s the fun part! Roll the dough into balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them, as they’ll spread a bit while baking.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven!
- Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just right.
- While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting! In a clean bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want to get creative, add a few drops of food coloring!
- Finally, once your cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with your sweet frosting. Go wild—this is where you can really let your personality shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft, making them an absolute delight with every bite!
- Sweet Dreamy Frosting: Each cookie is topped with a luscious frosting that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Easy to Prepare: The steps are simple and straightforward, so even novice bakers can whip these up with confidence!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just because, these cookies are a hit every time!
- Customizable and Fun: You can play around with different extracts and food coloring, making each batch uniquely yours!
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Trust me, they’ll disappear fast at any gathering—everyone loves a good frosted sugar cookie!
Tips for Success with Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
Getting these Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies just right is all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. Here are my top tips for success!
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping straight from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour into your measurement, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be just set and slightly golden around the edges—don’t wait for them to brown too much!
- Cool Before Frosting: Make sure your cookies are completely cool before frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting can melt and slide right off. We want that beautiful, thick layer of frosting to stay put!
- Experiment with Flavor: Don’t be afraid to play around with different extracts! A little lemon or coconut extract can add a fun twist to your cookies.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only helps with easy clean-up but also ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the most scrumptious Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies! Happy baking!
Variations of Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
One of the best things about Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies is how versatile they are! You can easily put your own spin on this classic recipe. Here are some fun variations to try out!
- Flavorful Extracts: Instead of just vanilla and almond, why not experiment with other extracts? Try adding a teaspoon of lemon extract for a bright citrus flavor or coconut extract for a tropical twist—yum!
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolatey version. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet frosting!
- Seasonal Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dough for a warm, cozy flavor—perfect for fall gatherings or holiday festivities!
- Different Toppings: Switch up the frosting by adding sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even drizzling with chocolate ganache for extra flair!
- Fun Colors: Get creative with food coloring! You can make these cookies festive for any occasion—pastels for spring, red and green for Christmas, or even vibrant colors for a birthday bash!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free while keeping that delicious taste and texture intact!
These variations are a great way to make your Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies unique and even more delightful. So don’t be afraid to try something new and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store them properly and enjoy them later.
- Storing Leftovers: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days—if they last that long! I often layer them with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months!
- Thawing Frozen Cookies: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you’re craving them warm and soft. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might get a bit too chewy.
With these storage tips, you can savor your Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies even longer! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the following information is just an estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 150 per cookie
- Fat: About 6g
- Saturated Fat: Around 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 25mg
- Sodium: About 50mg
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: Approximately 10g
- Protein: About 1g
Enjoy these delightful cookies as part of a balanced diet, and remember, happiness is the best ingredient! Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While I always recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Just keep in mind that the taste might differ slightly!
What should I do if my dough is too sticky? If your dough feels sticky and hard to handle, don’t panic! Just chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls without sticking to your hands.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking? You’ll want to keep an eye on them! They’re done when the edges are just lightly golden. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if they look slightly underbaked in the center.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, chill it, and then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze baked cookies, as mentioned earlier, for a quick treat later on!
What’s the best way to frost my cookies? I like to use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookies. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also pipe the frosting on for a beautiful finish!
Print
Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies: 7 Sweet Memories Await
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are soft, chewy cookies topped with a sweet frosting.
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 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar and milk to make frosting.
- Frost cooled cookies and add food coloring if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different food coloring for various occasions.
- Adjust baking time for different oven types.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: loftouse frosted sugar cookies, sugar cookies, frosted cookies, dessert
