Irresistible Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting Recipe

If you have a craving for something sweet, zesty, and utterly delightful, these Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting are the perfect answer. These soft cookies burst with fresh fruit flavor, balanced by a tangy lemon twist and topped with a luscious, plant-based frosting that makes each bite feel like a mini celebration. Perfect for brightening up your day or sharing with friends, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a refreshingly irresistible treat that’s sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Fruity: Using real strawberries and lemon juice gives these cookies an authentic, vibrant flavor.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect balance of softness and slight chew, making them addictive to nibble on.
• Plant-Based Goodness: The frosting and ingredients are all plant-based, appealing to anyone seeking a wholesome treat.
• Bright and Refreshing: The lemon adds a zing that refreshes your palate with every bite.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll have these cookies on your plate in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple while packing a flavorful punch. Every ingredient contributes to the overall experience from the juicy strawberries to the zest of lemon and creamy frosting made with plant-based goodness.

• Fresh Strawberries: Essential for that sweet and tangy burst of real fruit flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds the bright, refreshing zest that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating that soft, chewy cookie texture.
• Smoked Turkey Bacon Bits: Optional, but adds a touch of smoky depth without overpowering the fruity taste.
• Plant-Based Butter: Provides richness and moisture for tender cookies.
• Natural Gelling Agent: Helps stabilize the cookie dough and frosting with a perfect texture.
• Powdered Sugar (plant-based): Sweetens and smooths the frosting for a creamy finish.
• Vanilla Extract (natural): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Baking Soda: Works to leaven the cookies, giving them lightness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.

Variations for Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, inviting you to adapt it for your own taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a twist or keep it classic, it’s easy to personalize these cookies.

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Extra Citrusy: Add some lemon zest directly into the dough for an even brighter lemon flavor.
• Without Smoked Turkey Bacon: Omit the smoked turkey bacon bits for a fully fruity experience that’s perfect for kids.
• Berry Mix-Up: Swap some strawberries for fresh raspberries or blueberries to add color and flavor complexity.
• Vegan Variation: Use plant-based butter and adjust the frosting with additional natural sweeteners to keep it fully plant-based.

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing and chopping your fresh strawberries into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and natural gelling agent. This blend will give your cookies structure and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, beat together the plant-based butter and powdered sugar (plant-based) until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract (natural) and lemon juice for a zesty twist, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Then gently fold in the chopped strawberries and optional smoked turkey bacon bits to distribute their lovely flavors evenly.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just set and the cookie tops bounce back gently when touched.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip together plant-based butter, powdered sugar (plant-based), lemon juice, and a touch of natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by gradually adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread or pipe the creamy frosting on top. For an extra pop, garnish with small strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest, then serve and savor your masterpiece.

Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting

• Use Ripe Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries maximize natural sweetness and juiciness in every bite.
• Don’t Overmix: Folding the dry ingredients gently keeps cookies soft and tender rather than dense.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off your cookies.
• Add Lemon Zest: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding zest to both cookie dough and frosting.
• Store in Airtight Containers: Keeps your cookies fresh and soft for several days without drying out.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting

Garnishes

Delight your guests by topping each frosted cookie with thin sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flair and aroma. A tiny mint leaf or edible flower blossom also makes a pretty, refreshing accent.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cool glass of freshly brewed herbal tea or chilled grape juice to complement the zesty sweetness. For brunch or dessert tables, they shine alongside fresh fruit salad or plant-based yogurt parfaits.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in a bright white or pastel-colored serving tray to highlight their sunny colors. Stack them in a tiered dessert stand for parties or wrap a few in decorative parchment tied with twine for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and freshness. Avoid the refrigerator as it can dry out the cookies and frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookies by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warmth similar to fresh-baked, briefly microwave an unfrosted cookie for 10-15 seconds before frosting. If already frosted, let them come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries are preferred for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

Is the frosting dairy-free?

Yes, the frosting is made from plant-based butter and powdered sugar, making it a delicious dairy-free option.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they remain fresh for about 3 days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten.

What’s the best way to slice strawberries for these cookies?

Chop strawberries into small, bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly and prevent large chunks that cause sogginess.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting are truly a joyful treat that bring together fresh fruit, light lemon zest, and creamy goodness in an irresistible way. Whip up a batch today and bless your snack time with a burst of refreshing sweetness that your taste buds will thank you for. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to be a go-to for any occasion!

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