The Softest Sugar Cookie Dream: Copycat Lofthouse Cookies
I remember being a kid and the excitement of seeing those pastel-frosted sugar cookies in the grocery store bakery. They were always a special occasion treat, impossibly soft and pillowy, with a frosting that melted in your mouth. I always dreamed of recreating those cookies at home.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yields: Approximately 24 cookies
- Dietary Type: Not specified (contains eggs and dairy)
Ingredients
- 1 (19 ounce) package Pillsbury French Vanilla Cake Mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (Crisco)
- 2 eggs
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Cookie Stamp or Glass
- Cooling Rack
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs.
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Blend the ingredients together until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. A small cookie scoop can help ensure uniform size.
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Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper can prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Flatten each cookie with a glass or cookie stamp. If using a glass, lightly grease the bottom with cooking spray or dip it in sugar to prevent sticking. Press down gently but firmly to create a flat, even surface.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes. Watch the cookies carefully; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
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Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 1 minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set slightly and prevents them from breaking.
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While the cookies are still a little warm, spread on some buttercream frosting. This helps the frosting adhere better and creates a smoother finish.
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Allow the frosting to set up completely before storing the cookies.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Cake Mix Magic: Using cake mix is the secret to the incredibly soft texture of these cookies. Don’t be tempted to substitute all-purpose flour.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten, leading to a tougher cookie. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill for Control: If your dough is too sticky to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls.
- Even Baking is Key: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and that the rack is in the center position. This will promote even baking and prevent burning.
- Soft Frosting: For a truly authentic Lofthouse experience, use a very soft, creamy buttercream frosting. You can even thin it slightly with a little milk or cream for a smoother spread.
- Decorative Touches: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your frosting and sprinkles! Use different colors of frosting, add edible glitter, or create fun designs with sprinkles.
- Freezing Option: These cookies freeze well, both before and after frosting. Freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time. Or, freeze the frosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These cookies are best served at room temperature. They are perfect with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of ice cream.
Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If freezing, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This will prevent them from sticking together.
To reheat frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Information
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (estimated) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal | 7% |
| Total Fat | 6g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 75mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugars | 10g | N/A |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Lemon Lofthouse: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Chip Lofthouse: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey surprise.
- Almond Extract: Substitute ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Different Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with other cake mix flavors, such as chocolate, strawberry, or funfetti, to create unique variations.
- Gluten-Free Option: While this recipe specifically calls for cake mix, gluten-free cake mix versions will work as well.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: The dough may be too warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your oven is properly preheated.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: While vegetable oil is recommended, you can use canola oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute. However, the texture may vary slightly.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the glass or cookie stamp?
A: Lightly grease the bottom of the glass or cookie stamp with cooking spray or dip it in sugar before pressing down on the dough.
Q: My frosting is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: Add a small amount of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature slightly before rolling into balls.
Final Thoughts
These copycat Lofthouse sugar cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. The combination of the soft, cakey cookie and the sweet, creamy frosting is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your frosting and sprinkles to make them your own. So go ahead, bake up a batch of these cookies and share them with your loved ones. I’d love to hear how they turn out!