The Best Sugar Cookies {shhhh, they're vegan}

With Santa coming in two days we decided to get to baking some cookies. I am going to be very busy entertaining and may not get another chance. This year we are having lots of family over for dinner. In lieu of a big roast of some sort I will be making two lasagnas, some roasted Brussels sprouts, warm rolls, and some other side dishes I have not decided on yet. Thank you for weighing in on your favorite holiday dishes on my facebook page! 

This year I decided to make our cookies with more wholesome ingredients. The coconut oil and milk lends a very faint coconut flavor that I'm not sure would be discernible had I not known the ingredients. 

One of the best things about making vegan cookies is that you can eat all the dough you want without any salmonella concern. You can bet the three of us girls were licking the spoons. 

The cookies turned out delicious and tasted just like the real thing. They really tasted buttery, even without any butter. 

We're heading out to try a new winter ice rink and then I'll be busy wrapping presents and entertaining for the next few days. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and make some yummy cookies for Santa, or just for yourself. 

xoxo 

Vegan Sugar Cookies 

printer friendly recipe 

makes about 5 dozen 2 1/2 inch cookies 

Cookies:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup soft but not melted coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, soymilk, or almond milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons coconut, soy, or almond milk
sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)

In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, coconut oil, 1/4 cup coconut milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed to combine. Stir in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and cream of tartar until blended. If dough is too crumbly, add a little more milk until it comes together. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray. Divide dough in half. Roll each dough half to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface cut out with cookie cutters. Dough may need to warm up a little before it's easy to roll out. Place shapes on the cookie sheet 2 inches apart and bake 7-8 until edges just begin to turn golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. 

To make icing, place powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Spread on cooled cookies or use a piping bag to make designs. Use sprinkles or sanding sugar to decorate. 

adapted from Betty Crocker