Making vegan sugar cookies is a delightful way to enjoy this classic treat without using any animal products. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for vegan sugar cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened (such as Earth Balance)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce (acts as an egg replacer)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Glaze (for decorating):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until well combined and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Applesauce:
- Add the vanilla extract and unsweetened applesauce to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until smooth and combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a teaspoon of non-dairy milk at a time until it comes together.
- Roll and Cut Cookies:
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze:
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle or spread the glaze over the cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving or storing.
Tips:
- Chilling Dough: If the dough is too soft to roll out, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
These vegan sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be decorated with sprinkles, icing, or enjoyed as-is. They’re sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike!