Quick Valentine's Day Lofthouse Cookies

Soft, bakery-style cookies topped with sweet frosting, perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 12

Total Time 32

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 120

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 cups All-purpose flour Use a standard, medium-protein flour; sift if lumpy.
1 teaspoon Baking soda Use fresh for best rise.
1 teaspoon Baking powder Helps cookies stay puffy.
1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted butter Soften before using; do not melt.
1 cup Granulated sugar Cream with butter for air and sweetness.
1 large Egg Use at room temperature.
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Use pure extract if possible.
1/4 teaspoon Almond extract Add sparingly for balance.

Frosting Ingredients

2 cups Powdered sugar Sift to avoid lumps.
2 tablespoons Milk Use whole or 2% to thin frosting.

Method

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Mixing

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl once.
Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth and well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Baking

Scoop dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers feel soft.

Cooling and Frosting

Cool completely on wire racks, then spread frosting on top and add sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Measure flour accurately and use room temperature ingredients for best results. Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.