Vegan Boricua

Puerto Rican Vegan Sugar Cookies Infused with Traditional Sazón for a Unique Sweet Treat

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Puerto Rican Vegan Sugar Cookies: A Sweet Fusion of Flavors

When you think of Puerto Rican cuisine, the first things that come to mind are probably the vibrant flavors of dishes like arroz con gandules, mofongo, and empanadas. But what if we could infuse the traditional sweetness of sugar cookies with the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico? Here’s a recipe that does just that, creating a unique and deliciously vegan Puerto Rican sugar cookie.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegan butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large egg replacers (such as flax or chia eggs or mashed banana)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon Puerto Rican Sazón (optional, for a hint of traditional flavor)
  • Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating (use natural food coloring to keep it vegan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg replacers and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.

  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a tablespoon of Puerto Rican Sazón to give your cookies a subtle, traditional flavor.

  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

  5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

  6. Decorate with Color: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with colored sugar or your favorite sprinkles.

  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

  8. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Cultural Significance

Puerto Rican cuisine is a beautiful blend of indigenous Taíno, Spanish, and African influences. While sugar cookies might not be a traditional Puerto Rican dessert, adding a hint of Sazón brings a touch of that cultural heritage into this sweet treat. Sazón, with its annatto, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices, adds a depth and warmth that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Tips for a More Authentic Touch

  • Use Natural Ingredients: Opt for natural food coloring to keep your cookies vegan and ensure the colors are vibrant without any artificial additives.
  • Experiment with Flavors: While Sazón is optional, it adds a unique flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with other spices or herbs to create your own signature flavor.

Sharing the Love

These Puerto Rican Vegan Sugar Cookies are not just a delicious treat but also a way to share the rich cultural flavors of Puerto Rico with your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just baking for fun, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the sweet fusion of Puerto Rican and vegan flavors

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