Easy soft vanilla cookies with white icing and sprinkles.
introduction
These cookies taste soft and sweet. You get a soft cake-like bite and a smooth white icing. Kids love the sprinkles. If you like soft sugar cookie ideas, see this chewy sugar cookies for more tips on soft cookie texture.
why make this recipe
You make this to get soft, thick, and bright cookies at home. You can make them for a party, for gifts, or for a sweet snack. They look bright and fun with sprinkles. They work well for holidays, like these Christmas sugar cookies that also use bright icing.
how to make The Best Ever Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
You mix soft butter and cream cheese until light. You add eggs and vanilla. You add sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt. You chill the dough, shape, and bake until the edge turns light gold. For a note on creaming and air in the dough, you can read mixing tips like in this best brownies post.
Ingredients :
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 g)
- 3 oz cream cheese (80 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 ¼ cup cake flour (300 g)
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For full meal plans and simple lists, look at other easy recipes like simple family recipes.
Directions :
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Approximately 5 minutes using a mixer at medium speed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until incorporated completely.
- Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl.
- Mix together until fully combined.
- Scoop or spoon balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Repeat on multiple baking sheets if needed, until all dough has been used.
- Loosely cover the cookie dough balls and chill for 30-minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator, and lightly roll the scoops into a ball and lightly mash down on the tops.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until just beginning to turn golden on the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
- Completely cool before icing and topping with sprinkles.
how to serve The Best Ever Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
Serve them on a plate or in a box for gifts. Add a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. These cookies also go well with simple fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
how to store The Best Ever Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
Keep them in an airtight box at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can put a sheet of parchment between layers to protect the icing. For longer storage, freeze the plain cookies in a tight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before icing.
tips to make The Best Ever Copycat Lofthouse Cookies Recipe
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Do not over mix once you add the flour. Mix just until you see no dry flour.
- Chill the dough to keep the cookies thick while they bake.
- Let the cookies cool fully before you ice them so the icing stays bright.
- For more simple kitchen tips and one-pot ideas, try this easy comfort recipe for dinner and sweets.
variation (if any)
- Add a few drops of almond extract for a nutty hint.
- Add food color to the dough for colored cookies.
- Use mini chocolate chips in the dough for extra bits.
FAQs
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
A: You can, but the cookies may be a bit denser. Use 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour and expect a small change in texture.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes. Chill the dough up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze dough balls and bake later.
Q: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A: Do not over bake. Store in an airtight box with a small piece of bread to help keep them soft.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes. Omit the added salt or use less to balance the taste.
Q: How long does the icing stay fresh?
A: Icing stays good at room temp for 1-2 days. Keep cookies in a cool spot.
Conclusion
For help with other soft cake-like cookie ideas, visit this guide on Lofthouse Cookies – Preppy Kitchen.
Print
Easy Soft Vanilla Cookies with White Icing and Sprinkles
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft cake-like cookies topped with smooth white icing and colorful sprinkles, perfect for gifting or holidays.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113 g)
- 3 oz cream cheese (80 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups cake flour (300 g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes using a mixer at medium speed.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until combined.
- Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl.
- Mix together until fully combined.
- Scoop or spoon balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Repeat with multiple baking sheets if needed until all dough is used.
- Loosely cover the cookie dough balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator, lightly roll the scoops into balls, and slightly flatten the tops.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until just beginning to turn golden on the edges.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Fully cool before icing and topping with sprinkles.
Notes
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for best results. Chill the dough to keep cookies thick while baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
