Delicious Vegan Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
These Delightful Vegan Cut-Out Sugar Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, proving that you don't need butter or shortening to achieve a mouthwatering cookie. Inspired by a classic recipe from VegWeb, this easy-to-make dough allows for endless creative decorating possibilities, making them perfect for holidays, birthday parties, or simply an indulgent snack. With the warm hint of cinnamon and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are both satisfying to eat and fun to decorate. Pair your cookies with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of plant-based milk to make every bite irresistible. Whether you're crafting holiday shapes or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat pastry flour or white flour
2 cups (measured)
white sugar, preferably vegan
3/4 cup (measured)
white flour for dusting
1/2 cup (measured)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
applesauce
1/4 cup (pureed)
canola or safflower oil
1/2 cup (measured)
vanilla extract
3-4 teaspoons (measured)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300-350°F (150-175°C), adjusting based on your oven's heat intensity.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour (or white flour), sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
3
In another bowl, combine the applesauce, canola oil (or safflower oil), and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.
4
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it's manageable but not overly dry.
5
On a clean, floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes.
6
Place the cut-out cookies onto nonstick or lightly greased baking sheets, ensuring they have enough space between them.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in crunchy cookies.
8
Once cooled, decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired. Enjoy your homemade vegan sugar cookies!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Vegan Cut-Out Sugar Cookies?
They are a plant-based version of classic sugar cookies made without butter or shortening, perfect for using cookie cutters to create various shapes.
Are these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, these cookies are completely dairy-free as they use oil and applesauce instead of butter or milk.
What can I use instead of whole wheat pastry flour?
You can use standard white flour as a direct substitute for whole wheat pastry flour in this recipe.
Why is applesauce used in this cookie recipe?
Applesauce acts as a moisture binder and a healthy fat replacement, helping to give the cookies a soft and chewy texture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your oven's specific heat intensity.
How long do these vegan cookies need to bake?
The cookies typically bake for about 10 minutes or until the bottoms are just barely golden brown.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
For the best results, roll the dough out to a thickness of approximately 1/4 inch before using cookie cutters.
Can I use safflower oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, either canola or safflower oil works well for this recipe to provide the necessary fat content.
How much vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3 to 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic flavor.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
Are these cookies crunchy or soft?
These cookies are designed to have a soft and chewy texture; overbaking will make them crunchy.
How do I prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use nonstick baking sheets or lightly grease your sheets before placing the cut-out dough on them.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes, once cooled, you can decorate them with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and plant-based milk, plus sprinkles.
What gives these cookies a warm flavor profile?
The addition of 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon provides a subtle, warm hint that complements the sugar and vanilla.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is calculated to produce approximately 10 servings.
Is the sugar used in this recipe vegan?
The recipe recommends using white sugar that is preferably labeled as vegan to ensure no animal products were used in its processing.
Do I need to chill the dough before rolling it?
The instructions do not specify chilling, implying the dough can be rolled out immediately after mixing.
Can I use these for holiday baking?
Yes, these are ideal for holiday baking because the dough holds its shape well when cut into festive designs.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another, then gradually combine the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
What kind of flour is needed for dusting?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of white flour specifically for dusting the rolling surface.
Is baking powder necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of baking powder is used to provide a slight lift and improve the cookie texture.
Can children help make these cookies?
Absolutely, using cookie cutters and decorating the finished cookies are fun activities for kids.
Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, they are 100% plant-based and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Can I make these cookies without cinnamon?
Yes, you can omit the cinnamon if you prefer a more traditional, plain sugar cookie flavor.
What is the primary fat source in this recipe?
The primary fat source is 1/2 cup of canola or safflower oil.
How do I know the cookies are done?
They are done when the bottoms are just barely golden. They may still look soft on top but will firm up as they cool.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe with simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
Does this recipe use shortening?
No, this recipe specifically avoids the use of shortening or butter.
Can I use any shape of cookie cutter?
Yes, the dough is versatile enough to be used with any style of cookie cutter.