Description
These remarkably soft vegan sugar cookies feature a tender crumb and a sophisticated aroma of vanilla and almond. Designed to hold their shape perfectly, they serve as an ideal canvas for intricate icing and creative holiday decorating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan butter sticks, slightly softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons plant milk (soy, almond, or oat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus up to 1/4 cup more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)
- 2-3 tablespoons plant milk (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter for one minute, then add granulated sugar and beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the plant milk, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating for one minute until the aromatic base is fully combined.
- Add 1 cup of flour, the baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and mix on low speed; gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
- Roll the dough between sheets of parchment paper to 1/4 inch thickness and refrigerate for at least one hour to ensure structural integrity.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cut the chilled dough into shapes, and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes; the cookies should look set but still pale. Allow them to cool completely on the pan to firm up.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, plant milk, vanilla, and corn syrup until smooth, then dip or drizzle the cooled cookies with the glossy icing.
Notes
Always use vegan butter sticks rather than tub margarine to ensure the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven. For the most accurate texture, use the spoon-and-level method when measuring your flour, as packing it too tightly can result in a dry, crumbly cookie. If you want a more intense flavor, try rubbing fresh citrus zest into the sugar before you begin the creaming process.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American