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Vibrant Tie-Dye Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Cream Cheese Frosting for Summer

tie-dye sugar cookies - featured image
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These vibrant tie-dye sugar cookies feature a soft, buttery base with colorful swirls and a tangy cream cheese frosting, perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Food coloring gel (red, blue, yellow, green or preferred colors)
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Whisk together dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 2 ¾ cups sifted flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in 1 large room temperature egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide and color dough: Split the dough into 4 equal portions. Add a few drops of different gel food coloring to each portion and gently fold with a spatula to create swirls.
  7. Create the tie-dye effect: Take small spoonfuls of each colored dough and layer them loosely into a ball. Gently roll the ball between your palms to blend colors without fully combining them. Repeat for all cookies.
  8. Shape and bake: Place dough balls about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly soft.
  9. Cool: Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.
  10. Make the frosting: Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Frost the cookies: Once cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Optionally, add sprinkles or edible glitter.

Notes

Use gel food coloring to avoid making the dough too sticky. Gently fold colored dough to maintain distinct swirls. Chill dough for 15-20 minutes if too sticky. Bake until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for a tender bite. Room temperature ingredients for frosting prevent lumps. Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: tie-dye sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, summer cookies, colorful cookies, easy sugar cookies, vibrant cookies, baking, dessert

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/vibrant-tie-dye-sugar-cookies-recipe-with-easy-cream-cheese-frosting-for-summer/