These Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are a sweet, soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat, just like the store-bought ones, but even better when made at home! The combination of buttery, vanilla-almond flavored cookies with that thick, creamy frosting is always a hit—perfect for holidays, parties, or just when you need a little something sweet. Plus, these cookies are so soft and tender, they practically melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, softened
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, cornstarch, and flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle when forming the cookies.
2. Shape the Cookies:
- Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. You can roll the dough into smooth balls or gently flatten them into discs.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to help them bake evenly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden. They should still be soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Frosting:
- While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the vanilla extract and milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. You may want it a little thicker or thinner, depending on your preference.
- If you want to color the frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until evenly colored.
4. Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, generously spread a thick layer of frosting on top of each cookie using a butter knife or an offset spatula.
- Optional: For a festive touch, you can decorate the frosting with colorful sprinkles or candy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the frosting to set a bit before serving. These cookies are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days (if they last that long!).
Tips & Variations:
- Chill the dough: If the dough gets too soft while working with it, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up. This will make rolling and shaping easier.
- Thicker Frosting: If you want your frosting extra thick and fluffy, you can add a little more powdered sugar until you get your desired texture.
- Flavor Options: Feel free to swap out the almond extract for other flavors like lemon extract or orange extract to give the cookies a fun twist!
- Mini or Large Cookies: You can adjust the size of your cookies. If you want mini Lofthouse cookies, just use a smaller scoop (1 tablespoon) and reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
- Decorations: Make these festive by using holiday sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair!
Q&A:
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
- A: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the dough balls, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake straight from frozen, just add 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Q: Can I make the cookies without almond extract?
- A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can substitute with extra vanilla extract, or even try a few drops of lemon or orange extract for a citrusy twist.
Q: Why do I need cornstarch in the cookies?
- A: The cornstarch helps create that super soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also makes the cookies thicker and less likely to spread too much while baking.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- Soft & Tender: These cookies have the classic Lofthouse softness, making them a perfect melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Customizable: You can change the flavor and color of the frosting to match any occasion or holiday.
- Perfect for Sharing: They’re so easy to make and even easier to share. They’re a huge hit at family gatherings, parties, or just a special weekend treat.
These Copycat Lofthouse Cookies are sure to become your new go-to dessert. Whether it’s your first batch or your 10th, they’ll never fail to impress. Enjoy the soft, fluffy texture and that sweet frosting! 🍪🎉