Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

Lofthouse cookies are a delightful treat that captures the festive spirit of Christmas. With their soft texture topped with creamy frosting, they are sure to brighten up any holiday gathering. These cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a unique flavor that stands out. Whether enjoyed on their own or decorated with colorful sprinkles, Christmas Lofthouse cookies are a charming addition to your holiday cookie tray.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Christmas Lofthouse cookies is a lovely way to spread holiday cheer. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season. The simple process of baking and decorating can bring everyone together, creating wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Additionally, these cookies are very versatile. You can customize them with different colors and sprinkles to match your holiday theme. This makes them not just delicious, but also fun to decorate, especially with kids!

Equipment Needed for Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

To make Christmas Lofthouse cookies, you will need a few basic pieces of equipment:

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
Sifter
Cookie cutter (optional for shapes)

What You Need to Make Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

To get started on your Christmas Lofthouse cookies, gather the following ingredients:

2 ¾ cups (350 grams) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (33 grams) cornstarch
¾ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
⅓ cup (75 grams) sour cream, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract, optional but highly recommended
2 cups + 2 tablespoons (266 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, at a cool room temperature
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons (30 grams) heavy or whipping cream
Gel food coloring, if desired
Sprinkles, if desired

How to Cook Christmas Lofthouse Cookies Step by Step

To make your Christmas Lofthouse cookies, the first step is to prepare the cookie dough. Start by mixing the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This dry mixture lays the foundation for your cookies.

In another large mixing bowl, cream together the cool room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the dough, resulting in soft cookies. Now add the large egg and mix until fully combined, ensuring that the egg is entirely incorporated.

Next, add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix these ingredients well until they form a smooth blend. Gradually, begin to incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Do this in batches to create a uniform dough, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies.

Once your cookie dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow for spreading during baking. Flatten each ball slightly for even baking.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes. You want them to be just set and lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to firm up while still warm.

After the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to make the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, cool room temperature unsalted butter, fine sea salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.

If you want to add color to your frosting, separate it into different bowls and mix in your chosen gel food coloring. This will allow you to create a variety of festive shades. Use a spatula or knife to spread the frosting generously onto each cookie. For added fun, top with sprinkles to make them extra festive.

How to Serve Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

Christmas Lofthouse cookies can be served in a variety of ways. You can present them on a decorative platter as part of your holiday dessert table. This visually appealing display will certainly entice guests to indulge in these delicious treats.

Consider pairing them with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a cozy snack. These cookies also make great gifts when packaged in festive boxes or tins. Just wrap them up nicely, and you have a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate.

What to Serve with Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

When serving Christmas Lofthouse cookies, you can enhance the experience with a few tasty accompaniments. Hot beverages like coffee, tea, or cocoa complement the sweetness of the cookies well. You might also consider serving them alongside cakes, brownies, or other holiday treats to create a diverse dessert spread.

Fruits such as orange slices or berries can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the cookies. Additionally, a scoop of ice cream can transform a few cookies into an indulgent dessert. Simply sandwich some cookies around a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.

How to Store Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

Storing your Christmas Lofthouse cookies is easy. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can typically last for about one week at room temperature.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They should stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Tips to Make Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

Here are a few tips to ensure your Christmas Lofthouse cookies turn out perfectly. Make sure that your butter is at the right temperature; it should be cool but soft enough to cream well with the sugar. This balance is crucial for achieving that soft cookie texture.

Don’t skip the chilling step for the dough. This not only helps maintain the cookie shape but also enhances the flavor. If you want a softer cookie, slightly underbake them. They will continue to cook after you take them out, so keeping a close eye on them is important.

If you’re feeling creative, experiment with different flavorings for the frosting. Instead of vanilla or almond, consider peppermint extract for a refreshing twist. You can also mix in festive flavors like eggnog or pumpkin spice.

Variation

While the classic Christmas Lofthouse cookie flavor is delightful, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. For a chocolate version, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder. This will give you a rich chocolate cookie base.

You can also try using different frosting flavors or toppings, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache. Adding crushed candy canes or holiday-themed sprinkles can bring extra holiday flair to the cookies.

Best Time to Make Christmas Lofthouse Cookies

There’s no wrong time to make Christmas Lofthouse cookies, but they shine brightest during the holiday season. Many families enjoy baking them as part of their holiday traditions, often making them ahead of Christmas for parties and get-togethers.

Baking in early December can also be beneficial for those who want to fill their freezers with cookies to share during the holiday rush. Preparing them ahead of time makes it easy to have festive treats on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Christmas Lofthouse cookies, a few common mistakes can be easily avoided. One of the most common errors is not properly measuring the flour. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can make them too soft and spread out too much.

Another mistake is overmixing the cookie dough, which can result in denser cookies that don’t have that light, fluffy texture. Always mix just until combined. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step before frosting them; frosting warm cookies can lead to a melty mess.

Nutritional Notes

Each Christmas Lofthouse cookie can be considered a treat, but it’s important to be mindful of the nutrition in each serving. Depending on the serving size, the cookie may have around 150-200 calories. They are high in sugar and fat due to the frosting, so consider enjoying them in moderation.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can experiment with alternatives, such as using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour or substituting some sugar with natural sweeteners.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just ensure it is well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.

Can these cookies be frozen?

Absolutely! Once the cookies are fully cooled, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without frosting or with it.

What types of sprinkles should I use?

You can use any type of sprinkles you like! Holiday-themed sprinkles are perfect for Christmas, while classic rainbow sprinkles can work all year round.

Conclusion

Christmas Lofthouse cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a festive symbol of holiday joy. Their soft texture, delightful frosting, and customizable decorations make them a favorite for celebrations. The simple process of making these cookies invites creativity and is a fun activity to share with loved ones.

Baking these cookies not only fills your home with delicious aromas but also provides a great opportunity to create cherished memories. Gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing Christmas Lofthouse cookies with friends and family.