Delicious Vegan Easter Cut-Out Cookies with Apricot Jam: Your Ultimate Egg-Free Holiday Recipe
This spring, get ready for a delightful surprise that every-bunny will adore! Our easy recipe for Vegan Easter Cut-Out Cookies is precisely what you need to make your holiday season extra special and sweet. Forget about traditional baking concerns; these cookies are entirely egg-free and butter-free, yet they burst with all the rich flavors and festive spirit you crave.
Springtime is a season of renewal, joy, and countless reasons to celebrate, with Easter standing out as a highlight. It brings cherished traditions and an array of delicious treats, but what if you’re looking for a holiday bake that’s completely egg-free and plant-based? Look no further! This recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and festive cheer without any eggs or dairy.
Our vegan Easter cookies are crafted with a tender, nutty dough and filled with a bright, zesty apricot jam that will have you falling head-over-heels. The ground almonds in the dough provide a unique depth of flavor and a delightful texture that complements the sweet-tart jam perfectly. Get ready to hop into the kitchen and bake a batch of these irresistible Vegan Easter Cookies!
🥘 Key Ingredients for Your Vegan Easter Cookies
Creating these delightful plant-based cut-out cookies requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie dough. Using good quality all-purpose flour ensures a tender crumb. For best results, measure by weight if possible.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure. To ensure your cookies are truly vegan, opt for granulated cane sugar, as some conventional sugars are processed with bone char. Look for brands explicitly labeled “vegan” or “unrefined.”
- Vanilla Sugar: My homemade vanilla sugar elevates the flavor profile, adding a rich, aromatic sweetness that sets these cookies apart. It imparts a delicate taste reminiscent of classic vanilla crescent cookies, adding a touch of elegance to your Easter treats.
- Kosher Salt: A small dash of fine-grain kosher salt is vital. It doesn’t make the cookies salty but rather enhances and balances the sweet flavors, preventing them from being overly saccharine.
- Ground Almonds: These are a star ingredient, bringing a fantastic nutty flavor and a wonderfully delicate, crumbly texture to the dough. You can easily purchase pre-ground almonds (almond flour/meal) or grind blanched almonds yourself in a food processor until finely textured but not oily. This is crucial for the unique taste of these cut-out cookies.
- Vegan Margarine: This acts as our butter substitute, providing richness and a satisfying, buttery flavor without any dairy. Choose a high-quality vegan margarine that is solid at room temperature and has a good fat content for the best texture and taste, similar to traditional shortening but with more flavor.
- Water: Just a touch of cold water is used to bring the dough together. It helps to achieve the perfect consistency, preventing the dough from being too crumbly or too sticky, making it ideal for rolling and cutting.
- Apricot Jam: The quintessential filling for these fruity cut-out cookies. Apricot jam offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, which pairs beautifully with the nutty almond dough. Its bright color also makes these cookies visually appealing for Easter. Look for a good quality jam with real fruit flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple yet elegant garnish that provides a final touch of sweetness and a classic finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these beautiful cookies look even more festive and inviting.
For precise measurements and detailed nutritional information, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this article.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Vegan Easter Cookies
Follow these detailed steps to create a batch of stunning and delicious vegan cut-out cookies that will impress everyone this Easter:
Step One: Prepare the Dry Ingredients and Create a Well
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, kosher salt, and ground almonds. Use a whisk or a fork to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Once mixed, use your hands or a spoon to create a deep well in the center of the mixture. This well will be where you add the wet ingredients.
Step Two: Incorporate the Vegan Margarine
Take your cold vegan margarine and cut it into small, pea-sized pieces. Add these pieces directly into the well you created in the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, lightly mix the margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to break down the margarine and distribute it, but don’t overmix at this stage.
Step Three: Add Water and Knead the Dough
Pour the specified amount of cold water into the bowl. If you have a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and begin kneading on low speed. Alternatively, you can knead the dough by hand. Continue to mix until the ingredients just come together, forming a cohesive dough. Avoid over-kneading, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies.
Step Four: Adjust Dough Consistency
As you knead, pay close attention to the texture of the dough. It should be soft and pliable, easily moldable, but not sticky or excessively crumbly. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit more water, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a small amount of flour. The perfect dough will hold its shape without sticking to your hands or the bowl.
Step Five: Chill the Dough
Once your dough has the ideal consistency, gently form it into a disc. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap (cling film) to prevent it from drying out. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a crucial step that helps the margarine firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. You can chill it for up to an hour or even overnight if preparing ahead.
Step Six: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 170°C / 338°F (fan-assisted oven). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step Seven: Roll Out the Dough
Generously flour a clean work surface. Take out about one-third of the chilled dough (keep the rest refrigerated). Place it on the floured surface and gently roll it out using a rolling pin. Aim for a thickness of about 3 mm or ⅛ inch. Ensure the dough is rolled evenly to allow for consistent baking. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, you can briefly chill it again.
Step Eight: Cut Out the Easter Cookie Shapes
Using your chosen Easter-themed cookie cutters (such as a Linzer cutter with a scalloped edge or simple circle cutters), begin cutting out your cookie shapes. Remember, you’ll be making sandwich cookies, so for half of your cookies, use a smaller Easter cutter to remove the center, creating the classic “window” effect. Ensure you cut an equal number of whole cookies and cut-out cookies for easy assembly later. Carefully transfer the cut-out shapes to your prepared baking sheets.
Step Nine: Bake to Golden Perfection and Cool Completely
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and cookie thickness, so keep a close eye on them. Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.
Step Ten: Assemble and Garnish Your Vegan Easter Cookies
Once the cookies are entirely cool, it’s time for assembly! Take a whole cookie (without the center cut-out) and spread a small amount of apricot jam evenly over its surface. Then, gently place a cookie with the Easter cut-out on top, pressing down lightly to create a sandwich. Repeat for all cookies. Finally, arrange your beautifully assembled vegan Easter cookies on a serving plate and dust generously with powdered sugar for a delightful finish. Enjoy your homemade, egg-free holiday treats!
🍓 Delicious Substitutions and Variations
While apricot jam is a classic choice, feel free to get creative and customize the flavors of these vegan cut-out cookies. Here are some exciting ideas for substitutions:
- Apricot Jam Alternatives: You can completely transform the flavor and visual appeal by swapping the apricot jam.
- Berry Bliss: Try a vibrant black currant jam or raspberry jam for a different sweet-tart profile and a beautiful deep color.
- Citrus Zest: Sweet orange marmalade or lemon curd (ensure it’s vegan) can add a bright, zesty twist that pairs wonderfully with the almond base.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For those who adore chocolate, a rich vegan chocolate spread or a homemade pistachio ganache (if you’re feeling adventurous) would be absolutely divine.
- Nutty Spreads: Beyond fruit, consider a sweet vegan spread like Biscoff for a caramel-like flavor, or even a smooth almond or cashew butter mixed with a touch of maple syrup.
- Almond Flavor Boost: A tiny drop of almond extract in the dough can further enhance the nutty flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: While not tested with this specific recipe, you might be able to substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Be aware that the texture may differ slightly.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a list of equipment that will help you achieve perfect vegan Easter cookies:
- Lined Baking Sheets and Cooling Rack: Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or reusable silicone mats. These prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A sturdy wire cooling rack is essential for allowing your freshly baked cookies to cool evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Mixing Bowl and Mixer: A large mixing bowl is needed for combining the ingredients. You can use either a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for kneading the dough. While hand-mixing is possible, a mixer will ensure a more consistent and well-developed dough.
- Plastic Wrap (Cling Film): Crucial for wrapping the dough before chilling. It keeps the dough from drying out and helps it firm up evenly in the refrigerator.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to an even thickness. If you don’t have a traditional rolling pin, a clean, smooth wine bottle can work as an excellent improvised alternative!
- Easter Linzer Cookie Cutters: These are ideal for creating the classic sandwich cookie look with a scalloped edge and a center cut-out (often in Easter shapes like bunnies, eggs, or flowers). If you don’t have a Linzer set, a larger plain round cutter and smaller Easter-themed cutters will work just as well to create the two parts of your sandwich cookies.
💭 Top Tips for Perfect Vegan Easter Cookies
- Even Baking: If you’re baking two trays of cookies at once, remember to rotate them halfway through the baking time (around the 5-6 minute mark). This ensures that all cookies bake evenly and prevents some from over-browning while others are still pale.
- Count Your Cookies: When cutting out the shapes, make sure to create an equal number of full cookies and cookies with the center cut-out. This simple step will prevent any last-minute surprises or unmatched pairs when you go to assemble your beautiful sandwich cookies.
- Don’t Over-Flour: While flouring your work surface is important, use it sparingly. Too much extra flour can make your cookies dry and tough. Only use enough to prevent sticking.
- Re-Chill Scraps: If you’re rerolling dough scraps, gather them gently, form a disc, and chill them for 10-15 minutes before rolling again. This helps maintain the dough’s texture and prevents the cookies from becoming tough.
- Serving Suggestions: These vegan Easter cookies are perfect for any sunny spring day, Easter brunch, or family gathering. Pair them with your favorite hot coffee, a refreshing cup of tea, or even a festive easy spring cocktail for an extra special treat.
🙋🏻 Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Easter Cookies
These delicious vegan cut-out cookies are wonderfully easy to store, ensuring you can enjoy them for days. Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container or a sturdy plastic bag. Seal them well and store at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them fresh even longer, you can freeze them! Wrap each finished, cooled cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.
Absolutely not! While they are perfect for Easter with their festive cut-out shapes, you can enjoy these yummy vegan cookies at any time of the year. Simply switch up the smaller cookie-cutter shape to match your current holiday or special occasion. Think hearts for Valentine’s Day, stars for Christmas, or even simple circles for an everyday treat. The delightful almond and apricot flavor combination is truly timeless!
These sweet treats are indeed entirely plant-based, meaning they contain no eggs or dairy, making them suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies, or for anyone following a vegan diet. However, it’s important to note that they do contain common allergens such as wheat flour (gluten) and ground almonds (tree nuts). If you have other allergies, please review the ingredient list carefully and consider substitutions as suggested in our variations section.
Yes, absolutely! The cookie dough is very forgiving and can be made ahead of time. After preparing the dough in Step Four, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.
Other Delicious Recipes for You to Try
- Egg-less cut-out Easter Cookies with Pistachio Ganache (coming soon)
- Elderflower Fritters {Air Fryer}
- Cookies ‘n Cream Blossom Cookies
- Lemon Sugar Cookies
- Sugar Cookies with Chocolate Chips
- Linzer Cookies with Egg Liqueur
- Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- M&M Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Vanilla Ice Cream (made with leftover chocolate Easter bunnies)
- Best Way to Make Iced Coffee
- Boozy Milkshake {with Cointreau}
- Unstirred Vanilla Iced Coffee
- Apricot Compote
- Thin Pancakes with Apricot Jam
If you make this delightful recipe for Vegan Easter Cut-Out Cookies, please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and appreciated! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it!
📖 Recipe: Vegan Cut-Out Cookies with Apricot Jam
Vegan Cut-Out Cookies with Apricot Jam
By Nora
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Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Baking sheet
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Parchment Paper
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Hand or stand mixer
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Cling film
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Bowl
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Rolling Pin
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Parchment paper/silicone mat
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Easter Linzer cookie cutter
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Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Ingredients Cookies
- 10.6 oz Flour
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoon Vanilla sugar
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- 1 cup Ground almonds
- 8.82 oz Margarine
- 3 tablespoon Water
- 5.3 oz Apricot jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Dough
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Place 10.6 oz Flour, ½ cup Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon Vanilla sugar, 1 pinch Kosher salt, and 1 cup Ground almonds in a bowl and form a mold in the middle.10.6 oz Flour, ½ cup Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon Vanilla sugar, 1 pinch Kosher salt, 1 cup Ground almonds
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Cut 8.82 oz Margarine into pieces and pour into the well.8.82 oz Margarine
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Mix lightly with your hands.
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Add 3 tablespoon Water and knead into a dough using a food processor (dough hook).3 tablespoon Water
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Then wrap the dough in cling film and place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Cutouts
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Preheat the oven to 170°C / 338°F fan and line two baking trays with baking paper.
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Spread some flour on the work surface and roll out ⅓ of the dough to 3 mm / ⅛ inch. Keep the remaining dough in the fridge until needed.
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Cut out Easter cookies using the cookie cutter. Always make sure that there are the same number of cookies with and without the Easter motif so that there are no problems when assembling.
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Bake the cut-out cookies for 10-12 minutes.
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Once baked, transfer to a cooling rack and leave to cool.
Assemble
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Spread some of the apricot jam onto the cookies without the Easter motif.
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Then place the cookies with the Easter motif on top and press them together lightly.
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Arrange the filled cookies, dust them with powdered sugar, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety Guidelines for Baking
Ensuring food safety is paramount, especially when handling ingredients and baking. Please follow these general guidelines:
- Cook all food to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. While these are cookies, ensuring proper baking temperature and time is important.
- Always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw ingredients and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling any food, especially after touching raw meat or eggs (though this recipe is egg-free!).
- Do not leave perishable food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods, especially items that contain moisture or could spoil.
- Never leave cooking or baking food unattended, as temperatures can quickly rise and cause burning or other issues.
- When cooking with oils, choose those with a high smoking point to avoid the formation of harmful compounds when heated.
- Ensure you always have good ventilation in your kitchen, especially when using a gas stove, to prevent the buildup of fumes.
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please check the official guidelines from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).