Hand-cut Vegan Sugar Cookies
These themed vegan sugar cookies are versatile and easy to make. They will please even the harshest baked good critics!
Sugar cookies are always a crowd favorite and are, by far, the easiest of the single-serve baked goods. It’s hard to go wrong when baking vegan cookies, and has a broad range of alterations and replacements that you can find in the pantry or cabinet. I often suggest new vegan bakers start with this simple recipe. You’ll get the instant satisfaction of baking something pretty without spending your day covered in flour.
If you think being vegan means giving up on delicious treats, think again! Vegan sugar cookies prove you can satisfy your sweet cravings while adhering to plant-based baking ethics. These delightful cookies are free from animal products and pack a punch of flavor that will leave you wanting more. In this blog post, we will dive into vegan sugar cookies, exploring their ingredients, baking tips, and mouthwatering variations that will make them a staple in your recipe collection.
Reasons You’ll LOVE Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Guilt-free indulgence – Vegan sugar cookies allow you to enjoy a delicious treat without compromising your ethical values, as they are free from animal products.
- Health-conscious choice – Vegan sugar cookies often use healthier ingredients, such as whole-grain flour and natural sweeteners, making them a healthy option for those mindful of their well-being.
- Surpassing expectations – Despite the misconception that vegan desserts lack flavor, vegan sugar cookies are just as delicious, offering a range of delightful flavor variations that exceed traditional options.
- Inclusivity – Vegan sugar cookies are inclusive treats that can be enjoyed by individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies, ensuring everyone can partake in the joy of freshly baked cookies.
- Environmental sustainability – By opting for vegan sugar cookies, you are making a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint and minimizing the ecological strain associated with animal agriculture
Hand-Cut Vegan Sugar Cookies Ingredients and Equipment
Only five staple ingredients!
- Vegan butter or margarine: Use a high-quality non-dairy butter substitute that is solid at room temperature. It provides the necessary fat for texture and flavor.
- Plant-based milk – Choose from a variety of options like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk. These alternatives provide moisture and enhance the cookie’s richness.
- Pure vanilla extract – Use a pure, vegan-friendly version for that classic sugar cookie taste.
- All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough, all-purpose flour ensures the perfect texture.
- Baking powder – For that light and Opt for vegan baking powder for cookie texture, opt for vegan bakar: Choose an organic, vegan-friendly option for sweetness.
How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookies
So delicious and so easy!
- In a large mixing bowl – cream the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until light and fluffy.
- Add the plant-based milk and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of plant-based milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake the cookies in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as the cookies can become crispy.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, you can decorate the cookies with icing sugar, vegan-friendly frosting, or any other decorations you choose.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled and decorated, they are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Vegan Sugar Cookie Variations
Vegan sugar cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing for various delicious flavor combinations. Here are a few exciting variations to consider:
- Lemon-Glazed Sugar Cookies – Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and top the cooled cookies with a tangy lemon glaze for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies – Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips for a delightful fusion of classic chocolate chip and sugar cookies.
- Matcha Sugar Cookies – Infuse your cookies with matcha powder’s earthy and vibrant flavors. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Almond Butter Sugar Cookies – Swap some of the butter with creamy almond butter for a nutty and indulgent twist.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies – Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough for a cozy, aromatic experience.
- Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies – Create a thumbprint indentation in each cookie and fill it with raspberry jam for a burst of fruity
How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookies
Fresh is always best!
- Freshly Baked – Serve the vegan sugar cookies fresh out of the oven when they are still warm and slightly soft. This is when they are at their most irresistible state.
- Cooling Rack Display – Once the cookies have cooled completely, arrange them on a cooling rack to showcase their beautiful shapes and colors. This makes them visually appealing and easily accessible for guests to grab and enjoy.
- Decorative Platter – Arrange the vegan sugar cookies on a decorative platter or a serving tray. You can add a few garnishes like fresh berries, sprigs of mint, or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
- Pair with Beverages – Serve the cookies alongside a hot beverage like vegan hot chocolate, herbal tea, or coffee. Combining sweet cookies with a warm drink creates a comforting and satisfying experience.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches – Get creative by making vegan ice cream sandwiches with sugar cookies. Place a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream flavor between two cookies and press gently. This adds a fun and indulgent twist to your cookie experience.
- Gift Boxes or Party Favors – Package the vegan sugar cookies in attractive gift boxes or small individual bags for special occasions or as party favors. They make delightful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or as a token of appreciation for your loved ones.
- Cookie Decorating Stations – Set up a cookie decorating station at parties or gatherings, where guests can personalize their vegan sugar cookies with different icings, sprinkles, and toppings. This interactive activity adds a fun and festive element to your cookie serving.
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Vegan sugar cookies can be enjoyed independently or paired with other desserts, making them a versatile treat suitable for various occasions.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Loaf Bread
Bread complements anything. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Baby Beet Green Salad – Our vegan loaf bread complements any salad beautifully. We especially like it with our baby beet green salad.
- Vegan Pesto Pasta – Our vegan pesto pasta pairs wonderfully with our vegan loaf bread. It also works with many of our other pasta dishes.
- Vegan Stuffed Shells – Vegan loaf bread is excellent with our cultured vegan butter.
- Chickpea Sandwich with Avocado, Fresh Dill, and Lemon & Garlic Tahini – Our five-ingredient vegan loaf bread is perfect for sandwiches.
- On toast – This bread is made for toasting! Give it a try!
If you want to try our vegan loaf bread recipe, leave a comment. I’d love to hear how it works out. Enjoy!
Five Ingredient Vegan Loaf Bread
Equipment
- stand mixer
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups flour, sifted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 1/4 (1 packet) tsp yeast, instant or active
- 1/8-1/4 cup neutral oil (refined vegetable oil or light olive oil)
- 1 1/4-1 1/2 cup warm water
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°
- Mix all dry ingredients in stand mixer
- Add warm water and oil
- Mix on low allowing the dough to form (if too sticky add more flour)
- Oil a seperate bowl
- Place dough in bowl, cover with wrap or damp towel.
- Allow to rise until double the size. Up to one hour.
- Punch down dough.
- Oil bread pan.
- Transfer dough to oiled bread pan. Allow to rise another 10 minutes.
- Brush on dairy-free milk wash.
- Bake for 40 minutes
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