Oh, dear friends! I am absolutely bubbling with excitement to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you – my delightful Pastel Lofthouse Cookies! Picture this: soft, fluffy cookies adorned with dreamy pastel frosting, perfectly sweetened and just waiting to be devoured. They remind me of the joys of childhood and always put a smile on my face (and often on my friends’ faces too!).
I first stumbled upon Lofthouse cookies during a holiday party when I was just a kid. The colorful icing and sprinkles caught my eye and before I knew it, I was on my third (okay, maybe fourth) cookie. It was a glorious moment of sweetness that still brings warmth to my heart! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to brighten your day, these cookies are a winner in every scenario.
What’s in Pastel Lofthouse Cookies?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these cookies oh-so-special:
All-purpose flour: The foundation for our cookies! I use good ol’ all-purpose flour, as it strikes the perfect balance for texture.
Baking powder & Baking soda: These leavening agents give our cookies that soft, fluffy texture we crave. Together, they lift and lighten these little treats!
Salt: Don’t skip this gem! A pinch of salt enhances all those sweet flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Softened and creamy, this is the star of both our cookie and frosting. Make sure to let it warm up before mixing!
Granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential! I love how this melts into the butter for that super soft cookie.
Egg: One large egg binds everything together, adding moisture and richness.
Vanilla extract: The classic flavor booster that brings warmth and depth to our cookies.
Almond extract: This is my little secret! It gives these cookies a lovely hint of flavor that will have everyone guessing.
Powdered sugar: The magic dust for our frosting! It creates that smooth and silky icing that we can’t resist.
Heavy cream or milk: This is what we use to achieve our desired frosting consistency. You can add a splash or two until it looks just right!
Food coloring: We’re all about those pastel hues! Feel free to get creative with your color choices.
Sprinkles: Because, let’s be honest, what’s a cookie without some colorful sprinkles to bring it all together?
Is Pastel Lofthouse Cookies Good for You?
Now, I’m not going to pretend that these cookies are health food because, let’s face it – they’re cookies! However, they do provide a sweet moment of joy and indulgence, which is a treat for the soul.
Butter: It might not be the healthiest fat, but it brings the amazing flavor and texture we seek. Just remember, moderation is key!
Sugar: It’s best enjoyed in small quantities, especially if you’re watching your intake. A little sweetness goes a long way in our lives!
The right balance between ingredients makes these cookies a delightful treat, but like any indulgence, savor them responsibly. Enjoying a cookie or two in good company can be just as beneficial for your spirit as any green smoothie.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these fabulous cookies (makes about 2 dozen):
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp almond extract
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for desired consistency)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
– Food coloring (various pastel colors)
– Sprinkles for garnish (optional)
How to Make Pastel Lofthouse Cookies?
Now, here’s the exciting part—let’s get baking!
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. It’s about to get delicious in here!
2. **Make the Cookie Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream that softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well.
3. **Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients**: Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Here’s a pro tip: Don’t overmix! Just combine until it’s all together.
4. **Shape the Cookies**: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets with a bit of space (about 2 inches apart), and flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
5. **Bake**: Stick those beauties in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to just start turning golden, but the tops should remain soft. Remove them from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Prepare the Frosting**: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add in the heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract until it’s a smooth, spreadable consistency. Feel free to separate the frosting into smaller bowls and use different pastel food colorings to mix!
7. **Frost the Cookies**: Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe that fabulous colored frosting on top.
8. **Decorate**: Don’t forget the sprinkles! Add them on top of the frosting for that extra touch of fun, and let the frosting set before serving.
9. **Enjoy**: Serve these delightful pastel cookies at parties, gatherings, or just treat yourself. They’re perfect for any occasion!
A Sweet Finale to a Happy Bake
As you dig into these dreamy pastel Lofthouse Cookies, I hope you find the same joy I do each time I bake them. They make the perfect sweet treat to share with friends or enjoy solo with a lovely cup of tea. So, put on your apron, turn up your favorite tunes, and let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Don’t forget to share your cookie creations with me – I can’t wait to hear how they turn out! Happy baking, my friends!
