Vegan Vanilla Pear Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Tender vegan sugar cookies infused with vanilla and juicy pear for a delicately sweet homemade treat.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 - 1 ripe pear, peeled, cored, and finely diced
02 - 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
05 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
→ Dry Ingredients
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
08 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
09 - 1/4 tsp salt
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and sugar until smooth. Add the applesauce and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
03 - Gently fold the finely diced pear into the wet mixture, distributing evenly without mashing the pieces.
04 - In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
06 - Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
07 - Lightly press each dough mound with your fingertips or the back of a spoon to flatten slightly.
08 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even browning.
09 - Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The pear keeps these cookies incredibly moist for days, which is a rare trick for a sugar cookie.
- They require no eggs, no butter, and no fancy equipment, just a bowl, a whisk, and a little patience.
02 -
- If the dough feels too sticky to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes and it will firm up beautifully.
- These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and stay soft for up to four days.
03 -
- Dice the pear as small and uniform as possible so it distributes evenly and no single bite is overloaded with fruit.
- Let the coconut oil cool completely after melting because hot oil can start cooking the dough and change the texture entirely.