Few things in life can top the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies, especially when it’s the warm, cinnamon-spiced scent of snickerdoodles wafting from the oven. And guess what? You can enjoy this classic treat while staying true to your vegan lifestyle with this easy-to-follow recipe. These vegan snickerdoodles are soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, and guaranteed to disappear quickly!
What Makes These Vegan Snickerdoodles So Special?
This recipe isn’t just any Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe; it’s the result of meticulous experimentation to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. We’re talking about a crispy, crackled exterior that gives way to a soft, chewy center, all infused with the perfect amount of cinnamon and vanilla.
Gathering Your Vegan Snickerdoodle Ingredients
Before we embark on this baking adventure, let’s gather our plant-based ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Guide to Vegan Snickerdoodle Perfection
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a hand mixer will do the trick too!
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Flax Egg Magic: In a small bowl, whisk together the flaxseed meal and water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken; this mixture acts as our egg replacer, binding the dough beautifully.
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Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stir in the flax egg and vanilla extract. Don’t overmix!
Vegan snickerdoodle cookie dough in a mixing bowl
- Roll and Coat: Scoop out rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a generous coating.
Vegan snickerdoodle cookie dough balls rolled in cinnamon sugar
- Bake to Perfection: Place the coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are slightly cracked.
Freshly baked vegan snickerdoodle cookies on a cooling rack
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Snickerdoodles
From the kitchen of Chef Mia Green, renowned vegan pastry chef:
“For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them. They’ll continue to cook as they cool.”
“Experiment with different vegan butter brands to find your favorite. Each brand can yield slightly different textures in the final product.”
FAQs About Vegan Snickerdoodles
Can I use a different sweetener?
While granulated and brown sugar create the classic snickerdoodle flavor, you can experiment with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this might alter the texture and sweetness of the cookies.
How do I store vegan snickerdoodles?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. Simply fold them into the dough after mixing in the flax egg and vanilla.
My cookies turned out flat. What happened?
Overmixing the dough or using melted (instead of softened) vegan butter can lead to flat cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature and mix the dough just until combined.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling and baking.
Enjoy Your Vegan Snickerdoodle Masterpiece!
These vegan snickerdoodles are the perfect treat to enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or to share with friends and family. The combination of chewy texture, warm spices, and slight tanginess is simply irresistible. So go ahead, whip up a batch and savor the deliciousness of homemade, plant-based baking. You won’t be disappointed!
