Description
Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are irresistibly tender with a delicate crumb and topped with creamy plant-based frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies balance simple, wholesome ingredients with rich flavor and customizable options to delight every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), softened
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 2 cups plant-based powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Optional: natural food coloring
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles (natural)
- Colored sugar (natural)
- Finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios
- Fresh berry puree (for fruit-infused frosting)
- Dark plant-based chocolate for drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream the plant-based butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Slowly mix in vanilla extract (natural) and apple cider vinegar. Alternate adding the flour and non-dairy milk, blending gently to form a soft dough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and ensure a tender crumb.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden while the centers remain soft and moist.
- Cool Before Frosting: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent frosting from melting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, blend plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), plant-based butter, and plant-based powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the natural gelling agent and vanilla extract (natural). Add natural food coloring if desired.
- Frost the Cookies: Spread the creamy frosting on each cooled cookie using a knife or piping bag. Add sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch before the frosting sets.
Notes
- Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to ensure the dough is not too dry or sticky.
- Remove cookies from the oven as soon as edges start to brown to keep them soft.
- Chilling the dough improves flavor, texture, and makes shaping easier.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth blending and uniform dough.
- Only frost cookies once they are completely cool to prevent frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Soft sugar cookies, plant-based frosting, vegan cookies, tender crumb cookies, sugar cookie recipe, dairy-free cookies
