Sunday, December 19, 2010

Almond Sugar Cookies

After a co-worker and I started singing carols at work, I've gotten really excited about the impending holiday.  Just spending time at home with the family is all i need :)

Well, family and cookies.  Can't forget the christmas cookies!

I've got a few recipes to share this week, and I'm starting off with a classic-- the sugar cookie.   While they're not usually the first one I pick out of the bunch, but I have fallen for the almond variety.   In an effort to make some dairy-free cookies for a friend, and the fact that I was all out of butter and Earth Balance, I came up with these...


Almond Sugar Cookies
adapted from suite101
Yield:  ~4dozen (with my 1 7/8" cutter)

I took the simple route of sprinkles as these cookies were going to be shipped, but feel free to top with an almond or cream cheese icing if you prefer!

1c granulated sugar
1/3c melted coconut oil (I bet another mild flavored oil would also be ok)
1t vanilla extract
1t almond extract
1egg
2c flour (I used a mix of AP and white whole wheat)
1/2c almond meal
1/2t baking soda
1/2t salt
1/4c water (could also milk)

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together sugar, oil, extracts and egg until light in color and fluffy.   While that is beating away, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, almond meal, baking soda, salt).   When sugar mixture is fluffy, stir in flour and water by hand (I used a spatula).  Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate a few hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375deg when you want to make your cookies.  Remove dough from refrigerator and roll out between two pieces of parchment paper.  I aimed for 1/8-1/4" thick, but you can decide whichever thickness you'd prefer, just adjust the cooking times accordingly (longer for thicker cookies, shorter for really thin ones)!  Using your favorite cookie cutter (or biscuit cutter when you realize you don't have any cookie cutters), cut into desired shapes.  Re-roll any dough left from the cut-outs and repeat until you've used all of your dough.

Add some sprinkles if desired and transfer to parchment-lined cookie sheets or a baking stone and bake 10min, so they're just browned around the edges and not too soft in the middle.  Cool a few minutes on the cookie sheet and then transfer to cooling racks until cooled completely.



Are you a sugar cookie fan??  Straight-up or flavored??

13 comments:

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

I definitely love plain sugar cookies the best but I don't mind some flavoring, like almond or pumpkin!

Alisa Fleming said...

I actually prefer cookies made with oil - cleaner tasting, more control over the salt, and the other flavors come through better. But I do love my Earth Balance on toast :)

I definitely like sugar cookies, but only the sofy and chewy kind. Not a fan of cut-outs or shortbread, alas.

These look great though Shannon!

Joanne said...

Ironically enough, the only thing my brother requested of me for Christmas this year is sugar cookies! These sound like the perfect recipe. Love that almond infusion.

Faith @ lovelyascharged said...

Mmm, I love variations on sugar cookies! I did a vegan seasonal spice cookie for a gym potluck tomorrow (I love that I'm bringing cookies to a gym meetup...haha) that came out really well!

Lisa (bakebikeblog) said...

oh these look so festive and wonderful!!! I really need to start my Christmas baking!

Victoria said...

Oh yum, I LOVE cookies with almond meal!

Unknown said...

my favorite cookie, well that and snickerdoodle. I think I used the same recipe but with GF flour. Gotta love the colored sprinkles, they make the cookie shine!
:)
LC

Kerstin said...

Sugar cookies with icing and sprinkles are actually my favorite so I know I would love these too! Love the almond twist. Where do you get the coconut oil?

Rosiecat24 said...

Whee, I love coconut oil! Your cookies sound fabulous. And about the cream cheese frosting: yes please! Sprinkles are adorable too, but cream cheese frosting is my favorite.

Have a lovely holiday, Shannon. xo

Lauren said...

Sugar cookies are okay, but I don't often make - or eat - them. These almond sugar cookies, however, look great! I bet the coconut oil lent a nice touch :).

Kelly said...

I know it makes me weird, but I love baking cookies more than I like eating them most of the time.

Elina (Russian Bites) said...

Singing christmas carols, huh? I need to see that ;)
I've become obsessed with sugar cookies ever since trying some at Paradise Bakery (they're amazing) and making my own last year. LOVE them. The almond variety sounds delicous :)

Veggies, Cake and Cocktails said...

I like my sugar cookies straight up. However, I do think it is fun to add flavor to the frosting!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Blogging tips