Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies

It's Day 3 of "12 Days of Vegan Christmas Cookies!" There is nothing that screams Christmas quite like sugar cookies. These Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies are absolute perfection. The dough is sturdy enough to easily roll out, cut with cookie cutters and transfer. Let's learn how to make it!

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Ingredients in Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (1 cup): Vegan butter serves as a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy butter. It provides the necessary fat content for the cookies, contributing to their texture and flavor. Make sure the vegan butter is softened for easy creaming with sugar.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sugar sweetens the cookies, providing the characteristic sweetness associated with sugar cookies. It also plays a role in the cookie's structure and texture by helping to create a tender and slightly crisp result.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the cookies, adding a rich and aromatic note. It's a classic ingredient in sugar cookie recipes, contributing to the overall deliciousness of the finished product.
• Almond Extract (¼ tsp): Almond extract complements the vanilla flavor, giving the cookies a subtle nutty and sweet taste. This extract adds depth to the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

Dry Ingredients

• Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Cornstarch is a common ingredient in vegan baking as it helps to tenderize the cookies and create a softer texture. It acts as a thickening agent, enhancing the cookie's crumb and preventing it from becoming too dense.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp): Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the acid from other ingredients, such as the nondairy milk, to produce carbon dioxide gas, which expands the dough.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Salt is a crucial element in balancing the sweetness of the cookies. It enhances the overall flavor by reducing perceived bitterness and boosting other taste sensations. Additionally, it plays a role in strengthening the cookie structure.
• Nondairy Milk (2 tbsp): Nondairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, adds moisture to the cookie dough. It also helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the tender texture of the finished cookies. Choose an unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of the recipe.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups): Flour is the main structure-building ingredient. It provides the necessary bulk and thickness to the cookies. All-purpose flour is versatile and creates a balanced texture, making it suitable for cut-out cookies.

Frosting Ingredients

Pipe-able Cookie Icing

• Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups): Powdered sugar is the main sweetening agent in the icing. Its fine texture ensures a smooth and creamy consistency, perfect for piping. It also contributes to the sweetness and thickness of the icing.
• Nondairy Milk (1 tbsp): Nondairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, serves as the liquid component to create a smooth and pipe-able consistency. Adjust the amount as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
• Agave Nectar (1 tbsp): Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that also adds a hint of viscosity to the icing. It helps to achieve the desired thickness and provides a subtle glossiness.
• Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the icing, giving it a rich and aromatic taste.
• Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the icing, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It can also help to cut through the richness, preventing the icing from becoming overly sweet and one-dimensional.
• Vegan Food Coloring (Optional): Vegan food coloring allows you to add vibrant and visually appealing colors to your icing. It's optional, but it can be used to create festive and eye-catching designs on your cookies. Ensure the food coloring is labeled as vegan to adhere to the plant-based nature of the recipe.

For Spreadable Royal Icing

• Vegan Butter, Softened (½ cup): Vegan butter is the base of the icing, providing a rich and creamy texture. Softened vegan butter is easier to incorporate into the icing, creating a smooth and spreadable consistency.
• Powdered Sugar (2 ½ cups): Powdered sugar is the primary sweetening agent in the icing. Its fine texture ensures a smooth consistency and contributes to the sweetness and thickness of the icing. The quantity can be adjusted based on your desired level of sweetness and thickness.
• Nondairy Milk (1 tbsp): Nondairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, is added to thin out the icing and achieve a spreadable consistency. Adjust the amount based on the desired thickness of the icing.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the icing, providing a rich and aromatic taste.
• Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt is added to balance the sweetness of the icing, preventing it from becoming overly sugary.
• Vegan Food Coloring (Optional): Vegan food coloring can be added to introduce vibrant colors to your icing. It's optional but can be used to make your cookies visually appealing. Ensure the food coloring is labeled as vegan to maintain the plant-based nature of the recipe.

Steps for Making Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Make the Dough: Cream together vegan butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, almond extract, cornstarch, baking soda, salt and nondairy milk to the bowl. Beat again until all ingredients are well distributed. Add in the flour and beat until a very thick cookie dough comes together.
2. Chill: Shape the cookie dough into a large disk and wrap tightly in a sheet of plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll Out: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin until it is about ¼ inch thick. Cut out your cookies with your cookie cutters of choice, placing them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 
5. Make Icing: Make the icing while the cookies cool. For the pipe-able icing - In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, nondairy milk, agave nectar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Add food coloring if desired. For the spreadable icing - whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
6. Decorate: You can begin icing the cookies once they are completely cool. Decorate as desired.

Tips for Making Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Vegan Butter: Choose a high-quality vegan butter for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it's at room temperature so that it can cream well with the sugar and create a smooth dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough is crucial for easier handling and maintaining the shape of the cut-out cookies. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or as specified in the recipe.
3. Use Parchment Paper: Roll out the cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to transfer the cut-out shapes to the baking sheet without distortion.
4. Freeze Cookies Before Baking: Place the baking sheet with cut out, unbaked cookies into the freezer to chill for 10 minutes before baking. This will help your cookies maintain their sharp shape.
5. Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature. This helps the cookies bake evenly and retain their shape.
6. Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. Vegan cookies can sometimes bake faster than their non-vegan counterparts. Start checking cookies after 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-baking.
7. Cool Completely Before Icing: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before icing. If the cookies are warm, the icing may melt, resulting in a less defined and messy appearance.
8. Decorate with Vegan-Friendly Ingredients: When decorating, use vegan-friendly ingredients like vegan sprinkles or natural food colorings. Check the labels to ensure they are free from animal-derived products.

How to Stop Sugar Cookie From Spreading

If your sugar cookies are spreading too much during baking, there are several factors you can consider and adjustments you can make to help prevent excessive spreading. Here are some tips:

1. Chill the Dough: One of the most effective ways to prevent cookie spreading is to chill the cookie dough thoroughly before baking. This helps solidify the fat in the dough (butter or vegan butter) and reduces the chance of cookies spreading too much. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour as directed in recipe.
2. Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your ingredients, especially the fat (butter), are cold when mixing the dough. This can help maintain the structure of the cookies.
3. Check the Butter Consistency: If the recipe calls for softened butter, make sure it's softened to the right consistency, not too soft or melted. If the butter is too warm, it can lead to excessive spreading.
4. Reduce Sugar Content: Excessive sugar can cause cookies to spread. Consider slightly reducing the sugar in your recipe, but be cautious not to compromise the taste and texture too much.
5. Adjust Flour Amount: Experiment with adjusting the amount of flour in the recipe. Adding a little extra flour can help absorb more moisture and reduce spreading. However, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the cookies too dry.
6. Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder: Check if your recipe uses baking soda or baking powder. Baking soda tends to spread cookies more, so you might want to reduce the amount or use baking powder instead.
7. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to help regulate the temperature and reduce sticking. Avoid greasing the pan as this can contribute to spreading.
8. Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cookies inside. This helps the cookies set quickly and reduces spreading.
9. Space Cookies Properly: Ensure that you are leaving enough space between the cookies on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to spreading as the cookies bake.
10. Try Different Flour: Experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour or adding a bit of cornstarch, to see if it affects the cookie structure.
11. Avoid Over-mixing: Over-mixing the dough can lead to excessive spreading. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to prevent overworking the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter when making vegan cut-out sugar cookies?

Yes, you can use coconut oil as a substitute for vegan butter. Ensure that the coconut oil is in a solid state (not melted) and use it in the same quantity as specified for vegan butter in the recipe. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the taste and texture.

My vegan cookie dough is too sticky to roll out. What should I do?

If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and roll out. You can also lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze vegan cut-out sugar cookie dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator before using.

How do I prevent my vegan cookies from becoming too hard?

Over-baking or rolling the cookie dough too thin can make vegan cookies hard. Watch the baking time closely, and remove the cookies from the oven when they are just set and slightly golden around the edges. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

FAQ's Continued

Are there any specific vegan-friendly food colors for decorating the cookies?

Yes, there are vegan-friendly food coloring options available. Look for plant-based or natural food colorings that do not contain animal-derived ingredients. Check the product labels to ensure they are vegan.

Can I use almond flour or other alternative flours in my vegan sugar cookie recipe?

You can experiment with alternative flours, such as almond flour or other gluten-free blends, but it may affect the texture of the cookies. Adjust the quantities and be aware that different flours absorb moisture differently.

What is the purpose of cornstarch in vegan sugar cookies?

Cornstarch is often used in vegan baking to create a softer texture in cookies. It acts as a thickening agent and contributes to the tenderness of the cookies.

How do I make sure my vegan icing sets well on the cookies?

To ensure your vegan icing sets well, allow the cookies to cool completely before icing. You can also add a bit more powdered sugar to the icing for a thicker consistency. If piping, make sure the icing is firm enough to hold its shape.

How to Serve Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Serving vegan cut-out sugar cookies is festive as heck and there are various ways to present and enjoy them. Here are some creative ideas for serving vegan cut-out sugar cookies:

1. Classic Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or a tiered serving tray. You can dust them with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
2. Icing and Decorating: Decorate the cookies with vibrant vegan icing and sprinkles. Arrange them on a dessert table for guests to admire and enjoy. Consider using different shapes and colors for a visually appealing display.
3. Gift Bags or Boxes: Package individual or a selection of cookies in cute gift bags or boxes. This is a great way to share your delicious creations with friends and family during holidays or special occasions.
4. Cookie Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by spreading vegan frosting or dairy-free cream between two sugar cookies. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a fun twist to the traditional cookie.
5. Dipping Station: Set up a dipping station with bowls of vegan chocolate ganache, fruit sauces, or plant-based caramel. Allow guests to dip their cookies for an added flavor experience.
6. Serve with Vegan Ice Cream: Pair your vegan cut-out sugar cookies with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream. Create cookie ice cream sandwiches for a delightful and indulgent treat.
7. Hot Beverage Pairing: Serve the cookies with hot beverages such as vegan hot chocolate, herbal tea, or coffee. The sweetness of the cookies pairs well with warm drinks.

How to Store Vegan Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your vegan sugar cookies fresh and maintain their texture. Here's how to store them:

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. If you store them while they're still warm, condensation can form, making the cookies soggy.
2. Layering and Separation: When stacking or storing multiple layers of cookies, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking together and maintains their shapes and decorations.
3. Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container. Choose a container with a tight-sealing lid to keep air and moisture out. A cookie tin or plastic container with a good seal works well.
4. Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cookies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is generally sufficient. Make sure the storage area is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight.
5. Freezing: To store cookies for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers.When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature. If desired, you can refresh them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
6. Avoid Odor Absorption: Be cautious about storing cookies near strongly flavored foods in the refrigerator or freezer, as cookies can absorb odors.
7. Maintain Decorations: If your cookies are decorated with icing or frosting, be aware that moisture can affect the decorations. Layering with parchment paper can help, or consider using a thin layer of additional icing as a protective barrier.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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