Jump to Recipe
Sugar Cookie Snowman

Everybody needs to have a good cut-out sugar cookie recipe in their repertoire.  A popular favorite, the sugar cookie has won its way into so many hearts with its simple sweet flavor and brightly colored icing and sprinkles.  They are also so fun to make, especially when baking with friends and family.  There is no limit to the creativity that comes out as you decorate these cookies.  When I see cut-out sugar cookies, I usually smile; you can tell they were made with love and care.  

I keep coming back to this recipe year after year because of the flavor depth in this cookie recipe.  It is not your average run of the mill “sweet” cookie, but instead has lots of additional flavors that makes this recipe special.  Almond extract, vanilla, and lemon zest all play a crucial part in making this recipe pop with flavor.  

Plus, it is a crispy cookie that holds its crisp texture well, which allows for a delicious crunchy cookie-experience with every bite.  

Let’s Make the Dough:

We start by creaming together the vegan margarine and sugar.  I like to add a little of Violife vegan original cream cheese, which adds to the final cookie’s flavor and texture.  Add a touch of apple sauce for consistency, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon zest for added flavor.  

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl before adding it to the margarine mixture.  Mix until combined, and your dough is now ready.  

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies in a Red Cookie Tin

Cutting out cookies can be a little tricky, but I have discovered a step that helps.  My favorite trick is to roll out the dough on a silicon mat and then stick it in the fridge to chill for a few minutes before trying to cut out the shapes.  Working quickly, cut out the cookies with various cookie cutters. Remove dough between each cookie shape as soon as possible. It gets more challenging as the dough warms up.  Repeat the process with the excess dough.  This makes for a much easier cookie cutting experience.  If the dough becomes too difficult to work with, you can always add a little more flour, but keep in mind that this compromises the cookie’s flavor.  

Icing Recipes for Decorating:

For the icing, use a combination of powdered sugar and a tiny amount of water.  Stir to combine.  It is best to start with just a little water and then add water as needed until you have the right consistency.  You can also check out my Vegan Royal Icing Recipe!  Click Here for the Recipe.

Click Here to Watch Me Make this Recipe on YouTube!

I hope you enjoy these Cut-Out Sugar Cookies as much as I do.  It is one of my favorite recipes. Happy Baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sugar Cookie Snowman

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Chef Ani
  • Yield: 12–18 Cookies 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup vegan margarine (Earth Balance)
  • 1/2 cup all-natural cane sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese (Violife Original Cream Cheese)
  • 1 tablespoon apple sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)

Instructions

  • Using a hand mixer, in a medium-sized bowl, cream vegan margarine and sugar until fluffy.  Add vegan cream cheese and mix again until well combined.  Next, add the apple sauce, vanilla, and lemon zest.  
  • In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Stir to combine.  
  • Add the flour mixture to the vegan margarine mixture, a little at a time, mixing as you go.  
  • Form into a dough.  
  • On a silicone mat or parchment paper, roll out the dough, about 1/8 inch thickness.   Place on a baking tray.  Let chill in the fridge for about one hour.  
  • Preheat oven to 350F.  
  • Next, remove rolled-out dough from the fridge.  Working quickly, cut out cookies with various cookie cutters.  Remove dough between each cookie shape as soon as possible.  It gets more challenging as the dough warms up.  Repeat the process with the excess dough.  
  • Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown on the edges.  
  • Let cool completely.  
  • Store in an airtight container.  
  • Decorate with icing (powdered sugar and a tiny amount of water).

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @chef.ani on Instagram