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    Home » Desserts

    Lower Fat Lofthouse Cookies

    Published: Jun 16, 2012 · Modified: Oct 23, 2023 by burntapple · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Lofthouse cookies, with their soft, cake-like texture and colorful frosting, are a beloved treat for my children. However, they tend to be quite high in fat and sugar, making them a guilty pleasure for those who are health-conscious. But what if you could enjoy these delectable cookies with less guilt? In this article, we'll explore the world of lower fat Lofthouse cookies, their benefits, and how to make them at home.

    low fat lofthouse cookies are sugar cookies topped with pink frosting and sprinkles.

    Benefits of Lower Fat Lofthouse Cookies

    Healthier Indulgence

    Traditional Lofthouse cookies are loaded with calories, saturated fats, and sugar, which can wreak havoc on your waistline and overall health. Lower fat versions offer a more wholesome option, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your well-being.

    Reduced Calorie Intake

    One of the main benefits of lower fat Lofthouse cookies is a significant reduction in calorie content. By trimming down the fat content, you can enjoy these treats without consuming excessive calories, making them a viable option for those trying to manage their weight.

    Heart-Friendly

    High levels of saturated fat in traditional Lofthouse cookies can lead to heart issues over time. Opting for a lower fat version can help lower your saturated fat intake, contributing to a healthier heart.

    Customizable

    Creating lower fat Lofthouse cookies at home allows you to customize them to your liking. You can experiment with different flavors, frosting colors, and cookie shapes, making your treats even more enjoyable.

    Making Your Cookies

    Ingredients

    The ingredient list is so simple for this recipe! You'll need:

    • Flour
    • Baking powder
    • Baking soda
    • Salt
    • Butter
    • Sugar
    • Egg whites
    • Vanilla
    • Sour cream or greek yogurt

    For the frosting you'll need:

    • Butter
    • Powdered sugar
    • Milk
    • Salt
    • Vanilla

    Instructions

    1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients then set aside.
    3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and reduced-fat butter until smooth and fluffy.
    4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the wet ingredients until well combined.
    5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
    6. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
    7. Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes.
    8. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 7-9 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
    9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before frosting.
    10. Frost and Decorate: Mix up your lower fat frosting then frost the cookies. Decorate with sprinkles.
    11. Enjoy: Once the frosting sets, enjoy your homemade cookies

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

    Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that it might result in slightly denser cookies. Start by replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and adjust based on your preference.

    Can I use a sugar substitute?

    Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to reduce the sugar content. Just be aware that the texture and taste may differ slightly from traditional Lofthouse cookies.

    Are there any other ways to reduce the fat content?

    You can experiment with different lower-fat substitutes, such as Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce, to further reduce the fat content. However, keep in mind that these substitutions can affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.

    How long do these cookies stay fresh?

    Store your lower fat Lofthouse cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

    Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

    Yes, you can make gluten-free lower fat Lofthouse cookies by using a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free.

    Can the cookies be made vegan and dairy free?

    Yes! Substitute any milk products in the recipe for dairy free butter or dairy free milk. You can also substitute the egg with an egg replacer. The sour cream can be substituted with dairy free sour cream or dairy free yogurt.

    Cookies!

    Lofthouse cookies are delicious and I know you'll love this lower fat version! If you just can't get enough cookies (let's be honest, who can't get enough cookies in their life?) than it's time to look into some more delicious cookie recipes!

    In winter, try some of our five ingredient hot cocoa cookies. Or try some irresistible pumpkin caramel cookies in the fall! In the summer, you'll want to try our white chocolate cherry limeade cookies! You'll want to try one of the recipes below to go with them!

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    low fat lofthouse cookies are sugar cookies topped with pink frosting and sprinkles.

    Lower Fat Lofthouse Cookies

    Traci Wennerholm
    Lower fat Lofthouse cookies offer a delightful compromise between indulgence and health. By following a simple recipe and making smart ingredient choices, you can enjoy these iconic cookies without feeling guilty about your dietary choices. So go ahead, whip up a batch of lower fat Lofthouse cookies, and savor the guilt-free sweetness!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 18 minutes mins
    20 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 cookies
    Calories 249 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cookie sheet
    • mixer

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups unbleached all purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup butter softened
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 egg whites
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • ¾ cup reduced fat sour cream or greek yogurt

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt Set aside for later use.
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy Add the eggs (or egg substitute) and continue mixing until smooth. Turn the mixer off, and scrape the sides of the bowl if necessary. Turn the mixer back on to low and beat in the sour cream (or substitute) and vanilla until combined.
    • With the mixer still on low, slowly add the flour mixture, beating until mixture is fully incorporated and combined. The dough will be sticky. Turn off mixer and remove dough from the bowl. Flatten the dough into a 1 inch thick rectangle. Wrap with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.
    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly flour countertops or rolling surface. Remove the dough from the plastic wrap, and lightly flour the top of the dough. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters (I used ice cream cones from JoAnn's) and place each cookie on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Continue rolling dough and cutting cookies and placing on cookie sheets. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned on the edges. Remove from oven and immediately remove cookies from the cookie sheet and onto a cooling rack. Cool cookies completely before frosting.

    Notes

    For the frosting:
    ½ cup butter, softened
    2 cups powdered sugar
    Pinch of salt
    3 tablespoons milk
    ½ teaspoon vanilla
    In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, cream the butter until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla, then increase speed to medium to continue whipping. Slowly add the coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time until mixture combines.
    Use vegetable dyes to tint frosting if desired. You can also use sprinkles to decorate your cookies.
    Variations: For vegan in place of regular butter use dairy free butter and an egg replacer. Flax eggs are not recommended for this recipe. Use dairy free milk in place of regular milk. For the sour cream, you can use a dairy free sour cream or yogurt. 
    For gluten free, use gluten free flour blend. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 182mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 237IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword easy lofthouse cookies recipe, healthy lofthouse cookies, lofthouse cookies frosting recipe, lofthouse cookies recipe, lofthouse cookies without butter, lower fat lofthouse cookies, soft lofthouse cookies recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Geraldine

      June 16, 2012 at 6:16 pm

      I love these cookies too!! Thanks for posting the lighter version, I'm so excited to try them!! 🙂

      Reply
    2. Morgan Lindner

      April 27, 2013 at 8:45 am

      For some reason my icing didn't come out so well, but over all they were so fun to make!

      Reply
    3. Jackie

      November 18, 2020 at 5:30 pm

      How many calories in each cookie?

      Reply
      • burntapple

        November 19, 2020 at 7:09 am

        Hi, each cookie has 150 calories (if your recipe makes 24 small cookies) and 348 calories for a large cookie (if you make 12 cookies). Thanks! Traci

        Reply

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