Lofthouse Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Recipe for Soft and Chewy Treats

Lofthouse Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic Lofthouse cookies that many of us grew up loving. These soft, cake-like bars are not only easy to make but also bring a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Originating from the beloved Lofthouse cookie brand, these bars capture the essence of those frosted treats we enjoyed at birthday parties and family gatherings. The combination of a tender, buttery base topped with a rich layer of frosting makes them irresistible.

What I adore about Lofthouse Cookie Bars is their incredible taste and texture. They are soft and chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of the original Lofthouse cookies or trying them for the first time, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and create a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Preparing the Batter

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bars bake evenly. 2. **Prepare the Baking Pan**: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. I prefer parchment paper as it makes cleanup a breeze! 3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour. 4. **Cream Butter and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better your cookie bars will be! 5. **Add Egg and Extracts**: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. The extracts add a lovely flavor that makes these cookie bars reminiscent of the classic Lofthouse cookies. 6. **Incorporate Sour Cream**: Mix in the sour cream until the batter is smooth. This ingredient is key to achieving that soft, cake-like texture that we love in Lofthouse cookies. 7. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookie bars to be tender!

Cooking Process

8. **Pour Batter into Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be thick, so take your time to ensure it’s level. 9. **Bake**: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should spring back when touched. 10. **Cool the Bars**: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because frosting warm bars can lead to a melty mess!

Preparing the Frosting

11. **Make the Frosting**: In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. 12. **Frost the Cookie Bars**: Once the cookie bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Don’t be shy with the frosting; it’s what makes these bars so delicious! 13. **Add Sprinkles**: While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle your favorite colorful sprinkles over the top. This adds a fun touch and makes the bars look festive!

Assembling and Serving

14. **Cut the Bars**: After the frosting has set for about 15-20 minutes, use a sharp knife to cut the cookie bars into squares or rectangles. I usually aim for about 24 pieces, but you can cut them larger or smaller depending on your preference. 15. **Serve and Enjoy**: Place the cookie bars on a serving platter or store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Trust me, they won’t last long! 16. **Optional Variations**: If you want to switch things up, consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a layer of jam before frosting. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to customize these

Conclusion:

In summary, these Lofthouse Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a soft, chewy treat that brings a smile to your face. With their delightful vanilla flavor and creamy frosting, they capture the essence of the classic Lofthouse cookie in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to impress. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can top them with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch, or even experiment with different flavored frostings like chocolate or lemon to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or crushed nuts to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. I encourage you to give this Lofthouse Cookie Bars recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how they turn out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together. Happy baking!

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