Introduction
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to spread a little love, and what better way to do that than with homemade sugar cookies? These adorable treats are not only delightful to the eye but also bursting with sweet flavor and a touch of almond essence. Topped with elegant royal icing, they make fantastic gifts or an irresistible addition to any festive gathering. These vegan sugar cookies will charm everyone with their buttery richness and beautiful designs, making them perfect for celebrating love in all its forms!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Royal Icing Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons aquafaba (chickpea brine)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling time)
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color.
- Add the almond extract, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes — this helps to prevent the cookies from spreading while baking.
- Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick, taking care to keep it even for uniform baking.
- Use your favorite cookie cutters to punch out shapes and place them carefully on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are beautifully golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- To make the royal icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, aquafaba, and almond extract until you achieve a smooth, thick consistency.
- If you’d like to add some flair, divide the icing and mix in food coloring to create a rainbow of colors.
- Decorate your cooled cookies with the royal icing in any design you like, and let them set for several hours until the icing hardens nicely.
Notes or Tips
- For a fun twist, try using different cookie cutter shapes based on the occasion!
- If you want a thicker icing for intricate designs, add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
- Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic baking techniques, ensuring everyone can join in the fun! Remember to cream the butter and sugar well to create a light texture, and don’t skimp on chilling the dough — it’s crucial for perfect cookies. When decorating with royal icing, patience is key, especially if you’re using different colors. Allow adequate drying time to achieve a lovely finish!
FAQ
- Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter? Yes, but for a dairy-free version, stick with vegan butter for the best results!
- How do I store leftover sugar cookies? Keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about a week.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! You can wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw before rolling out and baking.
Conclusion
These Valentine’s Day sugar cookies are not only fun to make but also delightfully tasty! They embody the essence of love and creativity, perfect for spreading joy to your friends and family. Whether you enjoy them with your loved ones or present them as gifts, these cookies will surely warm hearts and sweeten the day. So gather your ingredients and let the baking commence — love is just a cookie away!