Vanilla Bean Passionfruit Sugar Cookies

These Vanilla Bean Passionfruit Sugar Cookies are a tropical twist on a classic treat. Soft, chewy vanilla bean cookies are adorned with a smooth vanilla cream frosting and finished with a bright spoonful of fresh passionfruit pulp. With their rich vanilla base and tangy topping, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings elegance and excitement to everyday baking. The chewy vanilla sugar cookies are infused with aromatic vanilla bean paste, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luscious, tangy layer of richness. The real star, however, is the fresh passionfruit pulp — vibrant, tart, and exotic — creating a beautifully balanced and eye-catching cookie. Whether served at a garden party, bridal shower, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookies
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
powdered sugar
egg yolk
egg white
vanilla bean paste
all-purpose flour
baking soda
cinnamon
table salt

Vanilla Cream Frosting
cream cheese, softened
unsalted butter, softened
vanilla extract
powdered sugar

Topping
ripe passionfruits (scoop out the pulp)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk, egg white, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll the dough into small balls and place on the baking sheet, gently flattening each one.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
9. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy and spreadable.
10. Once cookies are cool, pipe or spread the frosting on each one.
11. Top each frosted cookie with a spoonful of fresh passionfruit pulp.

Servings and timing

Servings: 14 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Calories per serving: 180 kcal

Variations

• Citrus Swap: Replace passionfruit with lemon or lime curd for a citrus-forward flavor.
• Berry Topping: Use fresh raspberries or strawberries instead of passionfruit for a different fruity twist.
• Spiced Base: Increase cinnamon or add cardamom for a warmer, more aromatic cookie.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter to make the frosting suitable for vegan diets.

storage/reheating

Store the frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These cookies are best served chilled or slightly brought to room temperature. They are not suitable for freezing once frosted, but the cookies themselves can be frozen and frosted later.

FAQs

How long do these cookies last?

They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them unfrosted for up to 2 days. Frost and top with passionfruit just before serving.

Is there a substitute for vanilla bean paste?

You can use vanilla extract, though the flavor will be less intense. Use 1 teaspoon of extract for every 1/2 teaspoon of paste.

Can I freeze the cookies?

The unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to one month. Thaw before frosting and topping with passionfruit.

Can I use canned passionfruit pulp?

Yes, canned pulp can be used if fresh passionfruit is unavailable, but fresh offers better texture and flavor.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They strike a balanced sweetness thanks to the tartness of the passionfruit and the mild tang of the cream cheese frosting.

Can I use a different fruit topping?

Absolutely. Kiwi, pineapple, or even mango would complement the vanilla and cream beautifully.

What texture should I expect?

These cookies are soft and slightly chewy with a creamy frosting and juicy topping for contrast.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required for this recipe, making it quick and convenient to prepare.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

Vanilla Bean Passionfruit Sugar Cookies are a fresh, flavorful take on the classic sugar cookie. The tropical brightness of passionfruit, paired with soft vanilla bean cookies and creamy frosting, creates a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Ideal for spring and summer occasions or simply brightening your baking routine, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Vanilla Bean Passionfruit Sugar Cookies

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These Vanilla Bean Passionfruit Sugar Cookies are a dreamy combo of soft vanilla bean-infused cookies, whipped vanilla cream frosting, and a burst of fresh passionfruit pulp. They’re sweet, tart, tropical, and perfect for warm weather bakes or a vibrant dessert spread.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 14 cookies
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tropical-Inspired, American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 113g unsalted butter, softened

• 65g granulated sugar

• 42g powdered sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 10g egg white

• 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

• 150g all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp table salt

Vanilla Cream Frosting:

• 100g cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup powdered sugar

Topping:

• 2-3 ripe passionfruits (scoop out the pulp)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until pale and fluffy.

3. Add egg yolk, egg white, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until fully combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and blend until a dough forms.

5. Roll dough into small balls, place on baking sheet, and slightly flatten each.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Allow cookies to cool completely.

7. To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar; mix until light and fluffy.

8. Frost each cookie with the cream and top with a spoonful of passionfruit pulp.

9. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

• Use vanilla bean paste for best flavor and those signature flecks.

• For an extra tropical flair, add a touch of lime zest to the frosting.

• Cookies can be baked ahead and frosted just before serving.