I’ve found that vegan iced sugar cookies with aquafaba royal icing strike the perfect balance between indulgence and inclusivity. Using aquafaba as an egg substitute, these cookies offer a delightful chewiness that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences. The icing adds a vibrant touch, making them perfect for any occasion. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore what makes these cookies truly special and how you can enhance your baking experience.
What kind of recipe is it?
The Vegan Iced Sugar Cookie is a delightful treat that merges the classic flavors of sugar cookies with a cruelty-free twist, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking to indulge without animal products.
With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are adorned with a luscious, colorful icing that adds both sweetness and visual appeal.
They’re ideal for celebrations, gatherings, or simply for satisfying a sweet tooth.
This recipe is aimed at those seeking delicious, plant-based desserts that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Preparation Time
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of the Recipe | Easy |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes (plus additional time for cooling and icing) |
| Number of Servings | Approximately 12 cookies |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Vegan butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Non-dairy milk | 4 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar (for icing) | 2 cups |
| Non-dairy milk (for icing) | 2-4 tablespoons |
| Food coloring (optional) | As desired |
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls (large and medium) | Used for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately before combining. | A large pot or any deep container can work. |
| Measuring Cups (dry and liquid) | Ensures accurate measurements of ingredients, crucial for baking success. | Use standard household cups or a scale for weight measurement. |
| Measuring Spoons | Used for precise measurements of small quantities of ingredients, such as baking powder and vanilla extract. | You can use common spoons if you know their volume (e.g., tablespoon is approx. 15ml). |
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | Mixes ingredients quickly and thoroughly, especially when creaming the butter and sugar. | Mixing by hand with a wooden spoon (though it may take longer). |
| Rubber Spatula | Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring even mixing. | A sturdy spoon can also work, though not as efficient for scraping. |
| Wooden Spoon | Useful for mixing ingredients manually and combining thick doughs. | Any strong kitchen spoon can suffice. |
| Baking Sheets (2-3) | Provides a flat surface for baking cookies, ensuring even heat distribution. | Use an inverted cake pan or large flat tray if baking sheets are unavailable. |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats | Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and aids in easy cleanup. | Lightly greasing the baking sheets can be a substitute, though it may not be as effective. |
| Cookie Scoop or Spoon | Helps to portion out cookie dough evenly for uniform baking. | Use two spoons to scoop and shape the dough. |
| Cooling Rack | Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess. | A colander or inverted baking sheet can serve the same purpose for cooling. |
| Oven Thermometer | Helps to check the accuracy of the oven’s temperature for consistent baking. | If you don’t have one, you may need to rely on your oven’s built-in settings, adjusting baking time as necessary. |
Cooking Steps
6. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of vanilla extract and 60 ml (1/4 cup) of unsweetened almond milk to the creamed butter mixture. Beat on low speed until fully combined.
7. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
8. Portion Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out approximately 30 g of dough for each cookie. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
9. Bake Cookies: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are slightly golden around the edges and remain soft in the center. The cookies should spring back lightly when touched.
10. Cool Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Leave the cookies to cool completely on the rack for about 20 minutes.
11. Prepare Icing (optional): In a medium bowl, mix 120 g (1 cup) of powdered sugar with 15 ml (1 tablespoon) of almond milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust with more milk or sugar as needed for desired thickness.
12. Decorate Cookies (optional): Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle or spread the icing over the top of each cookie using a rubber spatula or piping bag. Allow the icing to set fully, about 30 minutes, before serving.
13. Store Cookies: Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage, ensuring they’re tightly wrapped.
Variations
- Pumpkin Spice Variation: Replace 60 ml (1/4 cup) of almond milk with 60 g (1/4 cup) of pure pumpkin puree and add 5 g (1 teaspoon) of pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat.
- Coconut Macaroon Twist: Incorporate 50 g (1/2 cup) of unsweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical flair.
- Air Fryer Cookies: Cook the cookie dough at 160°C (320°F) for 8-10 minutes in an air fryer for a quicker alternative that yields crispy edges.
Tips on plating and presentation
After exploring the fun variations you can create with vegan iced sugar cookies, it’s time to think about how to present them beautifully.
Use simple plating techniques, like arranging cookies on a colorful plate or adding layers of texture with different heights.
For garnishing ideas, consider fresh fruits, edible flowers, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter to make your cookies shine!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
When thinking about what to pair with my vegan iced sugar cookies, I often consider light beverages and fresh fruit to complement their sweetness.
A tangy berry salad or a small serving of sorbet can enhance the flavor profiles while creating delightful dessert pairings. The fruit’s acidity cuts through the cookie’s sweetness, making every bite even more enjoyable and balanced.
What drinks can I pair it with?
How can I elevate my vegan iced sugar cookies with the perfect drink pairing?
I love serving them with a rich cup of coffee; the sweetness complements the cookies beautifully.
For lighter moments, I opt for refreshing tea options like chamomile or hibiscus.
Each sip enhances the delicate flavors of the icing, making my treat even more delightful.
Give it a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Aquafaba With Other Egg Replacers?
Yes, you can substitute aquafaba with other egg replacer options like flaxseed or applesauce, but you’ll notice distinct baking texture differences. Each option brings its own character, affecting the final product’s consistency and taste. Experiment!
How Long Do the Cookies Stay Fresh?
Your cookies stay fresh for about five to seven days when stored in an airtight container. I recommend keeping them in a cool, dry place to maintain their deliciousness. Freshness tips are key for yummy cookies!
Can I Freeze the Cookies With Icing?
Yes, I can freeze the cookies with icing using proper freezing techniques. I wrap them individually to preserve the icing, ensuring they stay fresh. Just remember to thaw them slowly for the best results!
Are These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, these cookies aren’t gluten-free unless I use gluten-free alternatives. I’ve experimented with various flours, but it can alter the cookie texture. If you adjust the recipe, you might still achieve delicious results!
What Brand of Aquafaba Works Best?
I’ve found that the best brands for aquafaba are regularly chickpea liquids from organic varieties. You’ll notice a difference with types like “BPA-free” packaging; they whip up beautifully for any recipe needing aquafaba!