Vegan sugar cookies? You bet! These delightful treats are just as delicious and easy to make as their traditional counterparts. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through every step to create perfectly sweet and subtly crispy cookies that are sure to impress.
Gathering Your Vegan Baking Essentials
Before we begin our cookie-making adventure, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll be pleased to know that this recipe calls for simple pantry staples, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk, for brushing (optional)
Vegan sugar cookie ingredients laid out on a marble countertop.
Mixing Up the Vegan Sugar Cookie Dough
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a cookie that is both crispy and tender.
- Incorporate the wet ingredients: Add the applesauce and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well. The applesauce acts as a wonderful egg replacement, providing moisture and binding the ingredients together.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Vegan sugar cookie dough in a bowl, ready to be chilled.
Chilling and Shaping the Dough
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Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling the dough helps to prevent spreading during baking and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
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Cut out shapes: Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheets.
“When rolling out the dough, try to work quickly and avoid over-handling it. This will help keep the cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.” – Chef Amelia Green
Rolled out vegan sugar cookie dough with various cookie cutter shapes.
Baking and Decorating Your Vegan Masterpieces
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Baking time: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Did you know? Letting the cookies cool completely on a wire rack ensures even airflow, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Freshly baked vegan sugar cookies cooling on a wire rack.
Decorating Your Vegan Sugar Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled, it’s time to unleash your creativity and decorate them to your heart’s content! You can use vegan frosting, sprinkles, melted vegan chocolate, or even edible food coloring to create festive and delicious designs.
Want to try a different flavor? Check out our vegan double chocolate cookies recipe!
Vegan Sugar Cookie FAQs
Can I make gluten-free vegan sugar cookies?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.
How should I store the baked cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of granulated sugar?
While granulated sugar is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Looking for a simpler cookie recipe? Try our vegan shortbread cookie recipe.
Can I omit the chilling time for the dough?
Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading during baking. If you’re short on time, try freezing the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling and baking.
Final Thoughts on Our Vegan Sugar Cookies
These classic vegan sugar cookies are a testament to the fact that you can enjoy your favorite treats without compromising your dietary choices. With their simple preparation, delightful flavor, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that will satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you feeling good about your baking.
