Kids baking Vegan Sugar Cookies
Kids baking Vegan Sugar Cookies is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Ariankhka Avatar School on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $6.66 total, $1.11 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Spelt Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup Coconut Sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (white)
- 1 Egg (large, room temperature)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, for chocolate‑colored dough (optional))
- Assorted Gel Food Coloring (red, blue, yellow, purple, pink – a few drops per portion)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the dough.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spelt flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cocoa powder (if using), and salt until fully combined.
Time: PT5M
Cream Butter and Sugars
Using the electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter, coconut sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter‑sugar mixture and beat until just incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry‑ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Divide and Color Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into five equal portions. Place each portion in a separate small bowl and add a few drops of gel food coloring (red, blue, yellow, purple, pink). Knead each portion until the color is uniform.
Time: PT10M
Roll Out Dough
Lightly flour the work surface and roll each colored dough portion to about 1/4‑inch thickness. Keep the dough covered with a clean towel to prevent drying out.
Time: PT10M
Cut Shapes
Press your favorite cookie cutters into the rolled dough and gently lift the shapes onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Gather scraps, re‑roll, and cut more cookies as needed.
Time: PT10M
Bake Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops are lightly golden.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 6g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten (spelt), Dairy (butter), Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spelt Flour: All‑Purpose Flour
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Coconut Sugar: Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut Sugar
- Instead of Egg: Flax Egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Almond Extract
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking Soda (use 1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑Purpose Flour (extra 1 tbsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: Carob Powder
- Instead of Gel Food Coloring: Liquid Food Coloring (use double amount)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Spatula
- Sieve (optional)
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy
- Divide dough into equal portions before coloring
- Do not over‑bake; cookies should be just set at the edges
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra pop of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough before dividing.
- Swap cocoa powder for matcha powder to create a green‑colored cookie variant.
- Use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment for easier release and less waste.
Troubleshooting
Cookies spread too much and become thin
Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling.
Dough cracks while rolling
Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.
Colors bleed into each other
Work quickly when adding food coloring and keep each colored portion separated on the countertop.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a zip‑top bag for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Room temperature: Keep in a sealed tin for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dough can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before rolling and cutting.
- Baked cookies freeze well; reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for a soft‑fresh finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies in American kid‑friendly baking?
Rainbow colored sugar cookies have become a staple at American birthday parties, school events, and holiday celebrations because they are visually fun and easy for children to decorate. The tradition of using bright gel food coloring dates back to the mid‑20th century when commercial food dyes became widely available, turning simple sugar cookies into a canvas for creativity.
What are the traditional regional variations of colored sugar cookies in the United States?
In the Midwest, red‑and‑white sprinkles are often added to the dough. In the South, lemon zest or orange extract is mixed in for a citrus twist. West Coast bakers frequently incorporate whole‑grain flours like spelt or oat, similar to this recipe, for a slightly nutty flavor.
How is Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies traditionally served in American celebrations?
They are typically arranged on a platter in a rainbow gradient, sometimes paired with a simple vanilla or cream cheese frosting that can be further tinted. They are served as a snack during birthday parties, school fundraisers, and holiday gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies traditionally associated with in American culture?
Birthday parties, Halloween, Easter egg hunts, school bake sales, and festive holiday gatherings such as Christmas and New Year’s are common occasions where these vibrant cookies are featured.
What makes Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies special or unique in American cookie cuisine?
The combination of a tender spelt‑flour base, natural coconut sugar, and vivid gel food coloring creates a cookie that is both slightly healthier and visually striking, allowing kids to engage in a hands‑on decorating experience while enjoying a wholesome treat.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dough, which makes cookies tough; using melted butter, which causes excessive spreading; and adding too much food coloring, which can dry out the dough. Also, baking too long results in hard edges.
Why does this Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies recipe use spelt flour instead of all‑purpose flour?
Spelt flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and a slightly lighter texture while still providing gluten for structure. It also aligns with the channel’s focus on using alternative grains that are more nutritious than standard white flour.
Can I make Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before shaping, and baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when baking Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, with a smooth, matte surface that retains the bright color. They should feel soft to the touch when warm and firm up to a tender bite once cooled.
How do I know when Rainbow Colored Sugar Cookies are done cooking?
When the edges are just set and the tops have a faint golden hue—typically after 10–12 minutes at 350°F—the cookies are done. They will continue to firm up on the cooling rack, so avoid over‑baking.
What does the YouTube channel Ariankhka Avatar School specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ariankhka Avatar School focuses on kid‑friendly cooking tutorials, simple snack ideas, and creative baking projects that encourage children to cook safely and independently with minimal adult supervision.
How does the YouTube channel Ariankhka Avatar School's approach to American kid‑friendly baking differ from other cooking channels?
Ariankhka Avatar School emphasizes hands‑on participation for children, using easy‑to‑find ingredients, colorful visual cues, and step‑by‑step narration that encourages kids to experiment while reinforcing safety and basic kitchen skills, unlike many channels that target adult audiences or complex techniques.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
