Pin it
Making these Mardi Gras Lofthouse Cookies brings such joy to my kitchen. That pillowy soft texture and creamy frosting topped with festive sprinkles creates pure magic. I love watching people's faces light up when they bite into these cloud-like cookies it's like bringing a piece of the celebration right to their plate.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
The secret to these cookies' irresistible charm is their incredibly soft tender texture. Between that dreamy frosting and the colorful sprinkles they're impossible to resist. I love how versatile they are you can make them perfectly festive for any occasion just by changing up the colors.
Key Ingredients
- Cake Flour: Provides that signature soft texture.
- Sour Cream: Keeps cookies tender and adds a slight tang.
- Butter: Rich flavor for both cookies and frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Ensures smooth, creamy frosting.
- Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Add depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Sprinkles: Purple, green, and gold for festive Mardi Gras vibes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. Cream butter and sugar in another until fluffy. Add sour cream, eggs, and extracts, then combine with dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Chill and Shape:
- Divide dough in half, wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours. Roll to 1/2-inch thickness and cut out shapes.
- Bake:
- Place cookies on baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-9 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Whip frosting until fluffy, spread or pipe onto cookies, and top with sprinkles. Let frosting set before stacking.
Pin it
Tips for Perfect Lofthouse Cookies
After years of making these cookies I've learned that patience is key. Taking time to properly chill the dough makes such a difference in handling and texture. I always set out my ingredients ahead so everything's room temperature when I start that's my secret for that perfect soft cookie we all love.
Storage and Freezing
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container and I actually think they taste even better the next day. When I'm planning ahead I'll make a double batch and freeze some it's like having a little celebration waiting in the freezer for whenever we need it.
Customizing for Any Occasion
I love playing with different color combinations for various holidays. My kids get so excited helping choose sprinkle colors and decorating themes. We've made them for everything from birthday parties to holiday celebrations each batch feels special and unique.
Why They're Worth the Effort
Yes these cookies take some time but oh are they worth it. That moment when you bite into one and taste that perfect combination of soft cookie and creamy frosting it's pure bliss. The joy they bring to any celebration makes every minute of preparation worthwhile.
Perfect for Mardi Gras Celebrations
When Mardi Gras rolls around these cookies become the star of my dessert table. Those traditional purple green and gold sprinkles look so festive against the white frosting. They're the perfect sweet complement to all the other classic Mardi Gras treats.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use cake flour instead of all-purpose?
Cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, resulting in softer, more tender cookies that better mimic the signature Lofthouse texture.
- → Can I skip the chilling time?
The 3-hour chill time is crucial for the dough to firm up enough to roll and cut. Skipping this step will result in cookies that spread too much and lose their shape.
- → Why did my cookies get hard?
Overbaking is the main cause of hard cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just barely starting to turn golden. They'll continue cooking slightly on the hot baking sheet.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Unfrosted cookies can be stored airtight for 3 days or frozen for 2 months. Frosting is best made fresh, but frosted cookies keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- → Why add both vanilla and almond extract?
The combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates that distinctive Lofthouse cookie flavor. You can omit the almond extract if preferred, but the taste won't be quite the same.