Vegan Sugar Cookies: You Won't BELIEVE What Happens When I Ditched the Butter (My Family HATED Me!)

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The BEST Vegan Sugar Cookies: Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Sweet!

Are you craving a classic treat but want to keep it plant-based? Look no further! This recipe for the best vegan sugar cookies will become your new go-to. These cookies are perfectly soft, chewy, and incredibly delicious, even without any animal products. They’re fantastic for holidays, parties, or just a sweet afternoon snack. This recipe provides all the details you need to bake delicious, vegan-friendly sugar cookies that everyone will enjoy. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these melt-in-your-mouth delights! We’ll cover everything from the essential ingredients to the baking process, ensuring your vegan sugar cookies turn out perfectly every single time.

Yields: About 24 cookies Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended) Cook time: 8-10 minutes

Ingredients You'll Need:

To create these fantastic vegan sugar cookies, you'll need the following ingredients. Precise measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and taste.

• Vegan Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened (Use a high-quality vegan butter for the best results. Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter or Earth Balance are excellent choices.)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, plus more for rolling (for the beautiful sugar coating)
• Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar): 1 cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor.)
• Almond Extract: 1/2 teaspoon (This adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Omit if you prefer.)
• Unsweetened Applesauce: 1/4 cup (acts as an egg replacement and adds moisture)
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 3/4 cups, plus more for dusting
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (provides the perfect rise)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (balances the sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Vegan Masterpiece

Follow these detailed instructions to bake the most incredible vegan sugar cookies you've ever tasted. Don’t worry, it's easier than you think!

1. Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for a light and airy cookie. Use a whisk attachment or a hand mixer for the best results. The mixture should be pale and creamy.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and applesauce into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. The applesauce acts as a binding agent and replaces the traditional eggs in a vegan recipe.

3. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is vital for even rising.

4. Gradually Add the Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten and result in tougher cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears and a dough forms.

5. Chill the Dough (Optional, but Recommended): Place the vegan sugar cookie dough in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This step is crucial for maintaining the desired cookie shape.

6. Prepare for Rolling and Cutting: Lightly flour a clean work surface. If the dough is very cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.

7. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough in half. On your floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust the top with flour as well.

8. Cut Out the Cookies: Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gather the scraps and re-roll the dough to cut out more cookies.

9. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the vegan sugar cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cooking time might vary depending on your oven. Be sure to keep an eye on them.

10. Cooling and Decorating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate them with your favorite vegan frosting, sprinkles, or sanding sugar.

Helpful Tips and Variations for Your Vegan Sugar Cookies:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use High-Quality Vegan Butter: The taste of the vegan butter will significantly impact the final flavor of your cookies. Use a reputable brand.
• Storage: Store your baked vegan sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Recipe Variations:

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough.
• Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
• Decorating Ideas: Get creative with your decorations! Vegan frosting, sprinkles, sanding sugar, or even vegan chocolate chips are all great options.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan sugar cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or your favorite tea.
• Serve at Parties: These are perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or any celebration. Decorate them according to the theme!
• Gift Giving: Wrap these delicious cookies in cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift.
• Cookie and Milk: You can't go wrong with the classic combination. Pour yourself some almond, soy, or oat milk to complement the flavors.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! A simple yet satisfying recipe for the best vegan sugar cookies that are sure to become a favorite. They are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a delicious cookie recipe, these will not disappoint. We hope this blog post has inspired you to bake a batch of these vegan sugar cookies. Don't hesitate to experiment with different flavors and decorations to make them your own. We are confident you'll be delighted with the results. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Share your photos and experiences with us; we can't wait to see your creations. Happy baking!