Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Craving a little taste of summer in every bite? Imagine the classic charm of strawberry shortcake, but in the form of a perfectly soft and chewy cookie. Sound too good to be true? It’s not! These Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are not only incredibly delicious and easy to make, they’re also guaranteed to impress. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie!

Why You’ll Love It

• Bursting with sweet, fresh strawberry flavor.
• The cookies have a delightfully soft and chewy texture, reminiscent of shortcake.
• Quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend baking project.
• Completely vegan, so everyone can enjoy them.
• They make a wonderful treat for picnics, parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe perfectly marries the flavors of a classic strawberry shortcake with the convenience and fun of a cookie. Unlike traditional shortcakes, these cookies incorporate freeze-dried strawberries for an intense, vibrant strawberry flavor that doesn’t make the dough soggy. The addition of vegan cream cheese gives the cookies a tender, almost cake-like texture that truly sets them apart. It’s a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s irresistible.

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Vegan Butter, softened
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¼ cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 4 oz Vegan Cream Cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Freeze-dried Strawberries, crushed
• ½ cup Fresh Strawberries, diced (for topping)
• ¼ cup Vegan Whipped Cream (for topping, optional)
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the softened vegan cream cheese and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, top with diced fresh strawberries and a dollop of vegan whipped cream if desired. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

While these cookies are delicious as is, feel free to add some extra flair with these options:

• A drizzle of vegan white chocolate.
• A sprinkle of chopped nuts.
• A dollop of your favorite vegan jam.

Expert Tips

• Ensure your vegan butter and cream cheese are softened for a smoother dough.
• Don’t overmix the dough; this will result in tough cookies.
• Use freeze-dried strawberries for the best flavor and to avoid soggy dough.
• Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding toppings to prevent melting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute other types of fruit for the strawberries? While strawberries provide the classic shortcake flavor, you could experiment with other freeze-dried berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.
• How long do these cookies stay fresh? These cookies are best consumed within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be sure to let the dough come to room temperature slightly before baking.
• Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberries? If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can try using a bit of strawberry extract, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and try these variations:

• Lemon Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Dip the cooled cookies in melted vegan chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
• Mini Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Use a teaspoon to drop smaller portions of dough for bite-sized treats.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are delightful on their own, but they’re also wonderful with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a sweet afternoon snack.

Conclusion

These Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake in a convenient, cookie form. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and boasting a perfectly chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations and tag us in your photos. Happy baking!

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Vegan Chocolate Mint Cookies
• Vegan Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Cookies

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