Description
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies with Frosting are soft, chewy, delightfully fresh cookies filled with chopped strawberries and a tangy lemon twist. Topped with a creamy plant-based frosting, they offer a bright and refreshing flavor perfect for any occasion, made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed and chopped into small pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Optional: 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon bits
Frosting
- 1/2 cup plant-based butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (plant-based)
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing and chopping 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 even baking and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and natural gelling agent. This mixture provides structure and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a larger bowl, beat together plant-based butter and powdered sugar (plant-based) until light and fluffy. Add natural vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing just until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Gently fold in chopped strawberries and optional smoked turkey bacon bits to evenly distribute flavors.
- Shape and Bake: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are just set and tops spring back gently when touched.
- Prepare the Frosting: While cookies cool, whip together plant-based butter, powdered sugar (plant-based), lemon juice, and a natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost and Enjoy: Once cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the frosting generously on top. Garnish with thin strawberry slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flair. Serve and savor.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for maximum natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Fold dry ingredients gently to maintain soft, tender cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Adding lemon zest to both dough and frosting intensifies lemon flavor.
- Store cookies in airtight containers to keep them soft and fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry cookies, lemon cookies, plant-based frosting, soft cookies, gluten-free cookies, fruity cookies, vegan dessert, lemonade cookies
