Winter Market Vanilla Cloud (Print Version)

Soft, pillowy cookies infused with warm vanilla and hints of winter spice for cozy gatherings.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 3/4 cup organic granulated sugar
08 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 2/3 cup refined coconut oil, melted and cooled
10 - 1/3 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
11 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
12 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

→ Optional Topping

13 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and homogenous.
04 - Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix to preserve a tender texture.
05 - Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are set but centers appear slightly underbaked to maintain softness.
07 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Once fully cooled, dust cookies generously with powdered sugar to create a light, cloud-like appearance.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They stay soft for days without any weird stabilizers or chilling tricks.
  • The vanilla comes through clear and warm, not hidden under chocolate or nuts.
  • You can mix everything in one bowl and still get that pillowy texture everyone asks about.
02 -
  • Let the melted coconut oil cool to room temperature before mixing or it'll turn the dough greasy and thin.
  • Don't overbake these, they look underdone when they're actually perfect and will dry out fast if you go too long.
  • The apple cider vinegar is not optional, it's what makes them rise and stay tender without eggs.
03 -
  • Chill the dough for 15 minutes if your kitchen is warm, it helps them hold their shape better in the oven.
  • Use a light hand when folding in the flour, the less you work it the softer they'll be.
  • If you don't have refined coconut oil, vegan butter works great and adds a richer flavor.