The secret to perfectly soft lofthouse cookies, those iconic pillowy sugar cookies, lies in the precise balance of ingredients and a gentle hand. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, Lofthouse cookies are known for their tender, cake-like texture and generously applied frosting. This lofthouse cookies recipe guides you through creating that signature softness and bright, fresh flavor, making them a family favorite for any occasion. They are ideal for bakers looking to replicate a nostalgic treat with simple steps.

⏱ Time: 60 min
👥 Servings: 20-24
📊 Level: Medium
🥗 10 ingredients
"Soft & Fluffy Lofthouse Cookies!" - Lofthouse cookies: bake these perfectly soft, cakey sugar cookies with a creamy buttercream frosting. Easy to make, tastes

“Soft & Fluffy Lofthouse Cookies!”

Lofthouse cookies: bake these perfectly soft, cakey sugar cookies with a creamy buttercream frosting. Easy to make, tastes like the bakery classic.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (222g) softened margarine
  • 1 1/4 cup (137g) powdered sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp butter extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (295g) cake flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup (55g) softened margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (222g) softened margarine and 1 1/4 cup (137g) powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and butter extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies.
  7. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes, or until edges are very lightly golden.
  8. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, cream together 1/4 cup (55g) softened margarine and 1 1/2 cups (165g) powdered sugar until smooth. Add a splash of milk or water if needed to reach desired consistency. Beat in a touch more vanilla extract if desired. Frost the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Notes

– Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
– Do not overbake: For that signature soft texture, pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are barely set and the centers still look pale and slightly underdone. The first time I made these, I left them in too long and lost that pillowy softness.
– Proper chilling is key: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they hold their shape and stay thick and soft.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Do not overbake: For that signature soft texture, pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are barely set and the centers still look pale and slightly underdone. The first time I made these, I left them in too long and lost that pillowy softness.
  • Proper chilling is key: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they hold their shape and stay thick and soft.

Mastering these Lofthouse-style cookies brings a touch of bakery magic home. Experiment with different food colorings and sprinkles to customize them for any holiday or celebration. Enjoy your delicious, soft creations!

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