Sugar Cookies

Over the holidays, I really wanted to prepare some cut-out cookies, but I was having a really hard time finding anything that was healthy, vegan, and cuttable. Luckily, I stumbled across something that I could tweak to become a healthier version and was able to create some fun, holiday sugar cookies...without the guilt!

These came out really great, and while you don't necessarily have to cool the dough before rolling out, though cooling will make it a little easier to work with. I used raw nuts, raisins and cocao nibs to decorate them. If you haven't discovered cocao nibs, I suggest you give them a try. They are crushed up pieces of cocao beans, and when added to baked goods, bring in a nice chocolaty flavor without any additives. They are a little bitter alone, but pair perfectly in sweet baked goods, like this recipe. 

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Sugar Cookie Recipe
vegan, plant-based, refined sugar-free

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil or unsweetened applesauce
• 3 Tbsp Plant-based milk
• 1/2 cup Maple syrup or honey
• 1 1/2 tsp Ground flaxseed (best if freshly ground, e.g. in a coffee grinder)
• 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Almond flour
• 1 cup Whole wheat flour
• 5 Tbsp Arrowroot or Tapioca starch
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda

Decorating ideas:

• Cocoa nibs
• Raw nuts: Almond slivers, Pecans, Cashews, and/or Walnuts
• Dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine.
3. Once it comes together, knead the dough with your hands. If the dough is too dry add a little plant-based milk, or if it is too wet add more whole wheat flour.
4. If you have the time, place the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes before rolling out in the next step.
5. Take half of the dough on a well floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch think layer. Dusting with flour if the dough sticks too much.
6. Use cookie cutters or alternatively a glass to cut out shapes and carefully transfer to the lined baking sheet. 
7. Re-roll the dough and use the remaining half until all cookies are cut out (may need to be done in batches as this recipe makes quite a bit of cookies).
8. Decorate the cookies with the optional decorating ideas listed above and place in oven and bake 9-11 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown. 
9. Let cool, and enjoy!