If you’re looking for a delightful treat that is both vegan and irresistibly delicious, then look no further than these soft and delicious Vegan Brown Sugar Cookies. These cookies are the epitome of rich and buttery goodness, and luckily, they are also incredibly easy to make. With key ingredients like vegan butter, light brown sugar, soy milk, and vanilla extract, you can create a delectable batch of cookies in no time. To achieve the perfect texture and taste, the dough is rolled into balls and coated in granulated sugar before baking. And don’t forget to chill the cookies before popping them in the oven to prevent any unwanted spreading. With a handy storage option of keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or even freezing them for up to 3 months, these Vegan Brown Sugar Cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite for all, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make vegan brown sugar cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- Vegan butter: This will provide the buttery flavor and texture in the cookies.
- Light brown sugar: The brown sugar adds richness and sweetness to the cookies.
- Soy milk: This is used to bring moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Adding a touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- Granulated sugar: This will be used to coat the dough balls before baking.
- Gluten-free all-purpose baking blend: If you are following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free baking blend instead of regular all-purpose flour to make these cookies.
Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, there are a few important steps in the preparation phase that you should follow to ensure the best results.
Chilling the Dough
Once the dough is mixed, it is crucial to chill it to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This will help the cookies hold their shape and result in a softer, chewier texture.
Rolling the Dough into Balls
After the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Then, scoop a tablespoon-sized portion of dough and roll it into a ball using the palms of your hands. Repeat this step for the remaining dough.
Coating the Dough in Granulated Sugar
To give the cookies a delightful crunch, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until fully coated. This will also add a touch of sweetness to the exterior of the cookies.
Baking
Now that the preparation is complete, it’s time to bake the cookies to golden perfection!
Baking Time and Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the cookies. This temperature is perfect for ensuring that the cookies bake evenly without burning. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until they have turned a lovely golden brown color.
Checking for Doneness
To check if the cookies are fully baked, gently touch the top of one cookie. If it feels firm and slightly springy, then they are done. If it still feels very soft, leave them in the oven for an additional minute or two.
Storage
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Airtight Container
Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them from becoming stale. Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent any air from entering.
Room Temperature
Store the cookies at room temperature, in a cool and dry place. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. However, chances are they won’t last that long once you taste their delectable flavor!
Freezing
If you have made a large batch or want to save some for later, you can freeze the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature for a few minutes before indulging.
Gluten-Free Substitutions
If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy these delicious brown sugar cookies by using a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Simply replace the regular all-purpose flour in the recipe with the gluten-free blend according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This way, you can have equally tasty cookies that cater to your dietary needs.
Recipe
Follow this simple step-by-step recipe to make perfect vegan brown sugar cookies:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s properly heated for baking the cookies.
Step 2: Cream Vegan Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Soy Milk and Vanilla Extract
Pour in the soy milk and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose baking blend with the granulated sugar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix well after each addition until all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to a covered container and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight, for best results.
Step 6: Preheat Oven Again
Before baking the cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) once more.
Step 7: Roll Dough into Balls and Coat in Sugar
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Take a tablespoon-sized portion of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until fully coated.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls onto a baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color.
Step 9: Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Cookies
To ensure your vegan brown sugar cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use vegan butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Measure ingredients accurately to maintain the right balance of flavors and textures.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Coat the dough in granulated sugar before baking to give them a crispy exterior.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- Freeze any extra cookies for future enjoyment.
Conclusion
Vegan brown sugar cookies are a delightful treat that is both soft and delicious. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can create a batch of cookies that are rich, buttery, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re following a vegan or gluten-free lifestyle, these cookies can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs. So go ahead and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of these vegan brown sugar cookies!
