The best dye-free sprinkles and my favorite recipe for vegan sugar cookies
Today, I want to share a sprinkle brand that I have used a lot lately. Baking can be so fun, and I love to share cookies with others. But, the one thing I find super frustrating is that amount of artificial food dyes like Red 40 that are in just about every single sprinkle brand at the store. It’s beyond frustrating as a consumer and a mother, who doesn’t want to have to compromise a fun, bright sprinkle for our health. My kids love sprinkles! I mean, who doesn’t!?
That is why I am so glad there are brands out there like Supernatural. I find the sprinkles soooo fun, and dye-free so you don’t have to worry!! The ones I use in this sugar cookie recipe I am sharing is the Rainbow Crunchies. These don’t taste any different than regular sprinkles, you don’t notice a difference.
Now, I will add that my kids do consume foods with Red 40 and other dyes, because sometimes I just cannot avoid it - it is in everything! But, sprinkles that I use for baking is one area that is a relatively easy swap for a better brand once you find one you love. I cannot wait for more brands for cereals and candies to follow suit and take it out of their products!!!
In the spirit of dye-free sprinkles, I am also sharing a vegan sugar cookie recipe that I love. You top with the sprinkles before baking and it’s super fun. Because these are vegan, they don’t have any egg or butter and super easy to mix up all in one bowl. No mixer needed! This also makes it a really fun and easy recipe to make with your kids.
I really think you will enjoy this recipe and these sprinkles! If you make them, or buy the sprinkles, reach out and let me know what you think! You can tag or message me on Instagram at @urban.apron.
Vegan Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup flavorless oil (such as vegetable oil)
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Sprinkles, for topping (I love to use dye-free sprinkles from the brand Supernatural)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, water, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix with a wooden spoon to combine.
While you clean up and prepare the cookie sheets (line with parchment paper), chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop dough balls onto baking sheet. Press down gently on each with your palm to flatten slightly. These will spread so leave a bit more room. Sprinkle with the sprinkles of choice.
Bake for about 9 minutes, until they are a little puffed up and very lightly golden brown on the edges. Remove and let cool on the sheets for about 5-10 minutes before removing to wire racks. Store in air-tight container.
Makes about one dozen large sugar cookies.
