Description

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies are tender, sweet, and irresistible cookies topped with smooth, sweet plant-based frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a moist and soft texture paired with a flavorful, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Easy to bake and customizable with various natural flavors and colors, they make delightful treats for snacks or celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted plant-based butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup plant-based milk

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup plant-based cream cheese (plant-based), softened
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This ensures proper leavening and balanced flavor throughout the cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted plant-based butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a lighter texture and dissolves the sugars for sweetness and moisture retention.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract (natural), apple cider vinegar, and plant-based milk into the butter and sugar mixture. These ingredients add flavor, acidity for lift, and moisture for tenderness.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Shape and Bake the Cookies: Divide the dough into equal portions, roll each into a ball, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are just set and lightly golden, preserving their soft texture.
Make the Frosting: In a bowl, beat the plant-based cream cheese (plant-based) with confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice (natural), and natural gelling agent until smooth and spreadable. The tang from the cream cheese and lemon juice balances the sweetness perfectly.
Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies have completely cooled, generously spread the frosting on each cookie. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles, natural food coloring, or citrus zest for a festive touch.

Notes

Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
Mix dough only until ingredients are just combined to keep cookies tender.
Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure neat presentation.
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth dough and frosting textures.
Adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar or plant-based cream cheese to customize frosting thickness for ideal spreadability.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: soft sugar cookies, plant-based frosting, vegan cookies, sweet treat, holiday cookies, tender cookies