Shortbread Cookies (gluten free+vegan)

Merry Christmas Eve!
I know it's a little late for a holiday cookie recipe... but if you're like me you have some time off & you'll still be baking up a storm this week :)
And if not?
Well, these are good all year long in all shapes & sizes so just hang on to the recipe for later.
These are my favorite, go-to gluten free and vegan cookie cutter cookies.



My fabulous shortbread recipe strongly resembles this one here.
She did a wonderful job & I barely edited a thing.
I just swapped the butter for Earth Balance vegan butter & the egg for vegan cream cheese and voila!
Holiday cookie perfection :)
Ok, ready to bake!?

Gluten Free & Vegan Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Earth Balance vegan butter (room temp)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 TBSP vegan cream cheese (Tofutti is great)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups gluten free flour (this one works very well for me)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp xanthan gum

• Beat the butter & sugar until smooth & creamy (about 1 minute, do not over mix).
• Beat in the cream cheese & vanilla (just a quick spin until incorporated).
• Gently hand stir in the flour, salt and gum (mix until just incorporated).
• Flatten the dough into a disk shape, wrap in plastic and chill for at least an hour...or about 20 minutes in the freezer because you will not find me waiting an hour ;) 

(once chilled)

• On a lightly floured surface or between 2 sheets of wax paper, roll out dough into a 1/2 inch thick circle.
• Cut out into desired shape using a cookie cutter dipped in flour.
• Place onto parchment lined baking sheet and place into refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Take out of refrigerator and place into preheated oven.
• Bake for 15 minutes (cookies will not brown).
• Cool completely on wire wrack.
• Top with frosting or Royal Icing.
• Enjoy!

There you have it.
"The best shortbread cookies ever." According to my #1 fan/husband (who happens to have no problems with regular cookies but prefers these just the same.)
PS if you're having trouble finding a good vegan Royal Icing recipe, try this one.
It's my fave :)
Happy Happy Christmas to you & yours from me & mine.