vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies! Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, folks. These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible hugs, little bites of pure joy. My grandma used to make these every Christmas, and the smell alone could cure the grumpiest Grinch. We’re taking that classic sugar cookie recipe and giving it a modern, compassionate twist: veganizing it! These vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, topped with a dreamy, tangy frosting that’ll have you licking the bowl clean. Trust me, you won’t miss the dairy one bit.
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These vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies also represent an invitation to explore different meal-types, adding a touch of sweetness and celebration to every occasion.
Why You Will Love This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
What’s not to love? These vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies are pure comfort food, plain and simple. They’re easy to make, even for baking newbies, and require minimal ingredients. The melt in your mouth texture combined with that tangy sweet cream cheese frosting is seriously irresistible. Plus, they’re completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy a taste of holiday cheer! They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
I especially love how these cookies can be customized. Use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes for holidays or birthdays. Add a dash of sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Most importantly, they’re a guaranteed crowd pleaser, whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or just keeping them all to yourself (no judgement here!). I think they are a perfect fit in your array of delicious meal-types.
Ingredients Needed for This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful vegan sugar cookies:
For the Cookies:- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) vegan butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3 tablespoons plant milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 4 tablespoons plant milk (to adjust consistency)
How to Make This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create these delicious cookies:
- 1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 2. Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- 3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 4. Add Plant Milk: If the dough seems too dry, add the plant milk one tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
- 5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- 6. Preheat and Roll: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- 7. Cut into shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- 9. Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. Make the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
- 11. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- 12. Adjust Consistency: Add plant milk one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- 13. Frost and Decorate: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the vegan cream cheese frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or any other toppings you like.
How to Serve This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
These cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet treat, but they also shine when paired with:
- A tall glass of ice cold plant milk.
- A warm mug of coffee or tea.
- A scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
- Arrange them on a festive platter for parties and gatherings.
How to Store This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Unfrosted cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before frosting.
- Reheating: No reheating needed! These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
Tips to Make This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
- Vegan Butter: Use a high quality vegan butter stick for best results. The texture and flavor will make a big difference.
- Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting to avoid lumps.
- Consistency of Frosting: Adjust the amount of plant milk in the frosting to achieve your desired consistency.
Helpful Notes for This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
- Vegan Cream Cheese: Make sure your vegan cream cheese is softened to room temperature before making the frosting to prevent lumps.
- Plant Milk: Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other unsweetened plant milk will work in this recipe.
- For a lighter treat, try exploring vegan recipes to lose belly fat instead.
- And to start your day off right, check out vegan breakfast for weight loss options.
Variation of This vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies Recipe
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the cookie dough and frosting for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version.
- Peppermint Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the frosting and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
- For a quick and convenient meal solution, consider vegan meal prep for weight loss.
What makes these sugar cookies vegan?
This recipe replaces traditional dairy products with plant-based alternatives like vegan cream cheese and vegan butter, ensuring the cookies are completely dairy-free and suitable for a vegan diet. The taste and texture remain delicious!
How do I store vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure the frosting is set before storing to prevent smudging.
Can I freeze vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! For best results, freeze them unfrosted. Wrap the cooled cookies individually or in small stacks, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
What is a good substitute for cream cheese in vegan frosting?
You can use softened vegan butter (such as Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter) as an equal substitute. If you want more tang, add a tablespoon of lemon juice. Another option is using a base of blended cashews for ultimate creaminess.
Conclusion
These vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of compassionate baking and delicious flavor! Baking these cookies connects me to fond memories, so, go gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create something magical together. Don’t be shy; let me know in the comments how your vegan frosted cream cheese sugar cookies turned out!
