Vegan Sugar Cookies

Vegan Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that bring warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. These cookies are soft and buttery, yet completely plant-based, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is not only simple to follow but also allows for creative expression through decorating. They’re sure to bring a smile to your face as you enjoy their sweet, sugary essence, while the aroma of fresh-baked cookies fills your kitchen. This Vegan Sugar Cookies recipe comes with easy, step-by-step directions, so you can whip up a batch in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to reduce animal products in your diet, these Vegan Sugar Cookies are a must-try. The recipe requires minimal ingredients that you likely already have at home, making it an accessible choice for beginners. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create an impressive batch of cookies that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. The buttery texture and sweet almond and vanilla flavor make these cookies a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, they can be easily customized for any occasion with different shapes and colorful icing!

Ingredients

To make these Vegan Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing a soft, tender base.
1 Tbsp. cornstarch: Adds a delightful crispness while helping to bind the ingredients.
1 tsp. baking powder: Ensures your cookies rise and achieve that perfect puff.
3/4 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
1 cup vegan butter: Rich and creamy, providing a luscious texture.
1 cup vegan granulated sugar: Sweetens your cookies to sugary perfection.
2 Tbsp. non-dairy milk: Ensures your dough achieves its desired moisture level.
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract: The aromatic essence that elevates your cookies.
1 tsp. almond extract: Adds a nutty undertone, perfectly complementing the vanilla.
3 cups vegan powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet icing.
3 Tbsp. non-dairy milk (or more): Adjust the icing consistency.
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup (optional): Adds a lovely gloss to your icing.
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the icing.

With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most addictive Vegan Sugar Cookies ever!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well mixed, setting the foundation for your cookie dough.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the granulated sugar and softened vegan butter on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 2 to 4 minutes. This creamy blend is critical for attaining that light texture. Next, add the non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in the stand mixer. Mix on low speed until everything has just come together. Be careful not to overmix, as you want your cookies to remain tender!

4. Chill the Dough

Divide the cookie dough in half and form it into two discs. Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

5. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

6. Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, take one disc of dough and roll it out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use cookie cutters to create your desired shapes, and place them onto the lined baking sheets.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of your cookies. The cookies should be slightly puffed and set. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Icing

For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, corn syrup (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Adjust the consistency with extra milk or powdered sugar as needed for your desired texture.

9. Decorate Your Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to frost and decorate them as you wish! Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.

Tips & Tricks

Chill Your Dough: Never skip the chilling step; it’s essential for maintaining the shape of your cookies while baking.
Use a Variety of Cutters: Spice things up with a variety of cookie cutter shapes for different occasions!
Adjust the Icing: If you prefer a thicker icing for decoration, simply add more powdered sugar. For a drizzle, thin it out with more non-dairy milk.
Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Vegan Sugar Cookies are perfect on their own but can be paired with various drinks. Enjoy them with a glass of almond milk, a cup of herbal tea, or even a steaming mug of coffee. They’re also great for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as sweet treats for special occasions. Imagine these cookies lined up alongside your favorite desserts, offering a delightful vegan option for guests.

Nutritional Information

Each Vegan Sugar Cookie contains roughly 90 calories, with 4 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates, and less than 1 gram of protein. These cookies are indeed a delightful indulgence! Remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store your Vegan Sugar Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator, then roll and cut as usual.

Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, to the dough for a unique twist!

Conclusion

Don’t wait to indulge in these delicious Vegan Sugar Cookies! With their delightful texture and sweet, comforting flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Try making a batch today and share your experience or any photos on social media. There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking cookies from scratch, and they make lovely homemade gifts, too!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best result.

2. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sweetness helps the texture and flavor of the cookies.

3. Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Absolutely! Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to three months.

4. What other flavors can I use in the icing?
Experiment with different extracts or add a dash of lemon or orange zest to the icing for a refreshing twist!

5. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator or frozen, and the baked cookies can stay fresh for up to a week!