I’ve always loved the classic taste of Lofthouse Cookies. There’s something irresistible about their soft, cake-like texture and that iconic red icing that makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or want to impress friends and family, making them at home is easier than you might think.
Recreating these beloved cookies in my own kitchen has been a game-changer. Not only can you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, but you can also tweak the icing to match your favorite flavors. Join me as I share my tried-and-true copycat recipe that brings the joy of Lofthouse right to your countertop.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Red Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
Tools and Equipment
To create the perfect Lofthouse Cookie copycat, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen:
- Mixing Bowls
I always start with a set of sturdy mixing bowls. You’ll need a large bowl for combining the dough ingredients and a separate one for the red icing.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
An electric hand mixer works great, but a stand mixer can save you time and effort, especially when creaming the butter and sugar to that light, fluffy consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is key in baking. Make sure you have both dry and liquid measuring cups, along with a complete set of measuring spoons to ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula
A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowls, ensuring every last bit of dough is incorporated.
- Cookie Baking Sheets
I prefer using heavy-duty baking sheets with a non-stick surface. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes for easy cleanup.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats
Lining your baking sheets prevents the cookies from sticking and promotes even baking without the need for extra grease.
- Cooling Racks
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack. This ensures they maintain their soft texture without becoming soggy from trapped steam.
- Piping Bag and Tips
For that signature Lofthouse red icing, a piping bag fitted with a small round tip gives you precise control, allowing you to create neat and beautiful designs.
- Offset Spatula
Essential for spreading the icing smoothly over each cookie, an offset spatula provides the right angle and control for a flawless finish.
- Storage Containers
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in airtight containers. I like using stackable tins that make it easy to layer the cookies without crushing them.
Directions
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Lofthouse Cookies at home. Each phase is crucial for achieving that perfect soft texture and vibrant red icing.
Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup (227g) of unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (360g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the racks in the center.
- Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two heavy-duty baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
- Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
- Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Color the Frosting
Add red food coloring, one drop at a time, until you achieve your desired shade of red. Mix thoroughly to ensure even coloring.
- Adjust Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Frost the Cookies
- Prepare to Frost
Transfer the red frosting to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, or use a sturdy plastic bag with a corner snipped off for piping.
- Apply the Frosting
Starting at the edge of each cooled cookie, pipe a generous swirl of frosting across the center, covering the surface entirely.
- Set the Frosting
Allow the frosting to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For quicker setting, place the frosted cookies in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Store Properly
Once the frosting is set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing your Lofthouse Cookie Copycat recipe ahead of time ensures fresh, delicious cookies whenever you want them. Here’s how to efficiently make and store both the dough and icing:
Preparing the Cookie Dough Ahead
- Mix the Dough: Follow the recipe to cream the butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then combine the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
- Freeze the Dough:
- Portion the Dough: Divide the dough into desired sizes and shape them into discs.
- Flash Freeze: Place the discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Store: Transfer the frozen dough discs to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date. The dough freezes well for up to 3 months.
Preparing the Red Icing Ahead
- Make the Icing: Prepare the red icing according to the recipe, ensuring it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Store the Icing:
- Airtight Container: Transfer the icing to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate or Freeze:
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir before use.
Baking and Decorating Later
- Thaw the Dough: Remove the dough from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to the required temperature.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll thawed dough into balls and place on the prepared sheets.
- Bake: Follow the baking time until cookies are lightly golden.
- Decorate with Icing:
- Cool Completely: Ensure cookies are fully cooled before icing to prevent melting.
- Apply Icing: Use a piping bag to decorate each cookie with the prepared red icing.
Storing Prepared Cookies
- Airtight Containers: Place decorated cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing Decorated Cookies:
- Layering: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw: Let cookies reach room temperature before serving.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy your homemade Lofthouse Cookies with minimal preparation on the day you want to indulge.
Conclusion
Baking these Lofthouse Cookies was such a fun journey for me. Seeing them turn out soft with that perfect red icing was incredibly satisfying.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing them with your loved ones. There’s something special about recreating a favorite treat right in your own kitchen. Happy baking!
