I still remember the first time I tried Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies. It was nearly 20 years ago. At that time, finding dairy-free snacks was beyond difficult, and allergy awareness was practically unheard of. So I was excited, yet a little apprehensive, when I found a box of their classic Snickerdoodles at my local store. No dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts, or soy – how good could they really be? Little did I know it would be love at first bite. The warm taste and uniquely soft and chewy texture was instantly satisfying.
I urged my picky husband to try them, and he was quickly addicted. In fact, he suggested we serve them at a gathering, when I didn’t have time to bake. They were a huge hit, as evidenced by the demolished plate and several “where can I buy these” inquiries. Since that time, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies have become one of my go-to staples for snacking and dessert. And this weekend, I’m celebrating that two-decade long affair with a little flair.
This post is sponsored by Enjoy Life Foods, but all of the honest opinions and ideas are my own. And yes, I really have been buying their cookies for that long!
These Easy Allergy-Friendly Frosted Cookies are Better than Cupcakes!
As mentioned, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies are rewarding treats on their own. But they are also extremely versatile, and easy to “dress up” for special occasions. One of my favorite ways to “cheat” homemade is with Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies, frosting, and sprinkles.
Because of the tender texture, these simple desserts are actually a great cupcake alternative, too. (Hint: you can pack some along for parties when you need a “safe” dessert). To make them, simply pick up your favorite dairy-free frosting at the store (yes, there are many!) or quickly whip up your own.
Easy Homemade Allergy-Friendly Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 cup dairy-free buttery sticks or organic palm shortening with ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 1¾ to 2 cups powdered sugar (to taste) and beat on low until incorporated. Beat in ½ to 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk alternative, as needed, to reach your desired consistency.
Then, adorn the cookies with allergy-friendly sprinkles that fit the occasion. For Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, we keep red, white, and blue sprinkles on hand. For other events, like birthday parties, baby showers, or even watching the game, you can match the colors to the occasion.
Build Your Own Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches
Throughout the summer, we like to make dairy-free ice cream sandwiches! Simply pick your favorite dairy-free ice cream, or put out a selection. Once the frozen dessert is slightly softened, put a scoop on the bottom of one Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookie. Top it with a second cookie and gently press together, just a bit. You can devour the ice cream sandwiches as is, or set out bowls of allergy-friendly sprinkles, cacao nibs, and Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips to roll the exposed ice cream.
If the ice cream becomes too soft and messy, just pop those little dessert sandwiches in the freezer for 30 minutes or so. They also freeze well for longer keeping. Just individually wrap the sandwiches and place them in the freezer for up to two months (for freshest results).
I love contrasting chocolate and vanilla with ice cream sandwiches, so I usually pick the Double Chocolate Brownie or Chocolate Chip Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies. But the Snickerdoodle and Gingerbread Spice work well, too.
Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies are Snack-Worthy, too
Although I don’t typically classify cookies as a snack, Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies contain just 3 to 4 grams of added sugar per cookie, and are made with a brown rice, sorghum, and buckwheat flour blend. Yes, as mentioned, they’re naturally gluten-free. In fact, they’re made in Enjoy Life’s top allergen-free facility. Each morsel is free of dairy, eggs, gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, and soy. They’re also coconut-free, sesame-free, and vegan-friendly.
You can buy mini Enjoy Life Soft Cookies in snack packs. They come in Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate Brownie, and are great for lunches and on-the-go. I’ve even taken them on hikes! But for days at the beach, picnics, and backyard barbecues, we bring the full-size cookie boxes. Usually I pack a selection since they’re so popular.
Where to Buy Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies
These snackable sweets are well-distributed to stores throughout North America. I’ve found them in natural food stores, conventional grocers, and even drugstores. You can check the store locator for a store nearest you. They are also available on Amazon. But I do like to order them online, direct from the source.
You can purchase all varieties from enjoylifefoods.com. They offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49 in the continental U.S. and 15% off on subscription orders.