Name: Lofthouse-Style Soft Peanut Butter Chip Sugar Cookies with Peanut Butter Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1 cup unsalted butter ((1 stick), softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar ((packed)); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup cake flour ((no substitutions; I used Swans Down)); 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 pinch salt ((optional and to taste)); 1 bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips ((10-ounce)); 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter ((use Jif, Skippy, etc.; avoid homemade or natural PB)); 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((half of 1 stick), softened); 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar; 1 pinch salt ((optional and to taste)); 1 1/2 tablespoons cream or milk ((if needed to achieve proper consistency)); to taste chocolate sprinkles ((optional for garnishing))

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If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a Lofthouse cookie, you know the delight of a soft, pillowy treat that practically melts in your mouth. Now imagine that divine experience infused with creamy peanut butter and studded with rich peanut butter chips. Welcome to the world of Lofthouse-Style Soft Peanut Butter Chip Sugar Cookies with Peanut Butter Frosting. These cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings together the classic essence of sugar cookies with a nutty twist.

The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion—whether you’re treating yourself, entertaining guests, or just want to brighten someone’s day. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the combination of cake flour and cornstarch creates a uniquely soft texture that is reminiscent of your favorite bakery-style cookies. The addition of peanut butter chips not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a perfect balance of soft and chewy. Finally, the creamy peanut butter frosting on top elevates these cookies to a new level of indulgence. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!

Shopping List

1 large egg
1 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup cake flour (no substitutions; I used Swans Down)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt (optional and to taste)
1 (10-ounce) bag Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (use Jif, Skippy, etc.; avoid homemade or natural PB)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (half of 1 stick), softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
Pinch of salt (optional and to taste)
Splash of cream or milk (if needed to achieve proper consistency; about 1 1/2 tablespoons cream)
Chocolate sprinkles (optional for garnishing)

Gear Checklist

Mixing bowls: For creaming the butter and sugars.
Electric mixer: Makes beating the ingredients easier and more effective.
Baking sheet: To bake your cookies on; line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cookie scoop: For uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
Spatula: For frosting your cookies smoothly.

Make Lofthouse-Style Soft Peanut Butter Chip Sugar Cookies with Peanut Butter Frosting: A Simple Method

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft cookie texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Peanut Butter Chips

Gently fold in the bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for that soft texture.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, generously frost each cookie with the peanut butter frosting. For an extra touch, sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also delightful to share with friends and family. Get ready for compliments!

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

For egg-free: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
For dairy-free: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free milk alternative.
For gluten-free: Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
For nut allergies: Replace peanut butter with sun butter or soy nut butter.

Watch Outs & How to Fix

Here are a few things to keep in mind while baking these cookies:

Overbaking: To keep your cookies soft, remove them from the oven when they look slightly underbaked.
Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too runny, add more confectioners sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little cream or milk.
Cookie spread: If your cookies spread too much, your butter may have been too warm. Make sure it’s softened but not melted.
Peanut butter chip distribution: Be sure to fold the chips in gently to avoid breaking them apart.

Storage & Reheat Guide

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies without frosting. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a delightful texture contrast.

Quick Questions

Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?

It’s best to avoid natural peanut butter as it can separate and affect the consistency of your frosting. Stick to traditional brands like Jif or Skippy for the best results.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

This recipe specifically requires cake flour for its light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch (for every cup of cake flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch).

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips along with the peanut butter chips for a double-chocolate experience.

What to Make After This

Final Bite

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Lofthouse-Style Soft Peanut Butter Chip Sugar Cookies with Peanut Butter Frosting. They capture the essence of childhood treats while delivering a sophisticated flavor profile that pleases both young and old alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to deliver joy with every bite. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that will bring smiles all around!