Vegan Sugar Cookie Recipe: Who doesn’t love a buttery, soft, and sweet sugar cookie? Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this vegan sugar cookie recipe will become your new go-to.
These cookies are soft on the inside, have slightly crisp edges, and taste just as delicious as traditional sugar cookies — all without eggs or dairy.
Ready to get baking? Let’s walk through this cookie magic, step by step.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Sugar Cookies
These cookies aren’t just for vegans—they’re for everyone. If you’ve ever tried vegan baking and thought the results were a little “off,” don’t worry. This recipe creates cookies that are:
- Soft, chewy, and flavorful
- Free from animal products but full of sweet vanilla taste
- Perfect for cutting into fun shapes
- Easy to decorate and store
- Kid-friendly and holiday-approved
Plus, since this recipe doesn’t use any eggs or dairy, it’s ideal for anyone with allergies or dietary preferences.
What Makes a Sugar Cookie “Vegan”?
Traditional sugar cookies rely heavily on butter and eggs. In this recipe, we’re swapping those out for plant-based alternatives without compromising texture or flavor. Here’s how:
- Butter substitute: Vegan butter or coconut oil
- Egg substitute: Plant-based milk, flax eggs, or applesauce
- No dairy: Plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat
- No honey or animal-derived sweeteners
The best part? No one will even notice they’re vegan.
Tips Before You Start Baking
Let’s talk setup. A few quick decisions before you begin can make your cookie baking smooth and successful.
Choose the Right Flour
All-purpose flour works best in this recipe. It creates that ideal balance between soft and firm. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can swap with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for texture.
Pick the Best Vegan Butter
Vegan butter is the secret to rich flavor and that signature “buttery” bite. Use stick versions (not tubs), as they tend to behave more like dairy butter when baking.
Top Picks:
- Earth Balance Buttery Sticks
- Miyoko’s Vegan Butter
- Country Crock Plant Butter
The Importance of Room Temperature Ingredients
Don’t skip this step! Vegan butter should be slightly softened, not melted. Room temperature ingredients blend more evenly, which leads to a smoother dough and even baking.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for a basic batch (makes about 24 cookies):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Vegan butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Plant-based milk | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 ½ tsp |
| Optional almond extract | ½ tsp |
Want to jazz it up? Check the next section.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- Zest of lemon or orange for a citrusy punch
- Almond extract for extra depth
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
- Natural food coloring for festive vibes
- Sprinkles or sanding sugar for texture and fun
These additions can help you personalize your cookies for any occasion — birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy day at home.
Tools and Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy baking gear — just a few essentials:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
If you’re decorating, you might also want piping bags, food-safe brushes, and sprinkles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Sugar Cookies
Let’s break it down into ten easy-to-follow steps so you can bake like a pro.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Tools
Bring vegan butter to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Gather flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution and helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 3: Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Proper creaming creates a soft cookie texture and helps the dough hold its shape.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in plant-based milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fully combined. This adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies keep their shape.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Turn the dough occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8: Cut Into Shapes
Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes. Transfer cookies carefully to the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the edges are set but not browned. The centers should remain soft.
Step 10: Cool and Decorate
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Decorate with vegan icing or sprinkles once completely cool.
Best Vegan Frosting Options for Decorating
Decorating is where you can get really creative. Here are a few easy vegan-friendly frosting and glaze ideas:
Simple Vegan Royal Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tsp plant-based milk
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Mix until smooth. Add more sugar for thicker icing or more milk for thinner consistency. You can also add natural food coloring for fun designs.
Vegan Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup vegan butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp plant-based milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat until fluffy. This is great for piping and spreading!
You can use piping bags, plastic sandwich bags with the corner snipped off, or even brushes to decorate your cookies. Don’t forget to add sprinkles before the icing sets!
Storage Tips: Keep Your Cookies Fresh
Once your cookies are baked and decorated, store them properly to maintain their freshness.
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
- Layering: If stacking cookies, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Avoid Refrigeration: It can dry them out. Unless your icing needs to be chilled, room temp is best.
These cookies actually get softer the next day, making them even more irresistible!
How to Freeze Vegan Sugar Cookie Dough
Want to bake later or prep ahead for the holidays? Freezing the dough is super simple.
To Freeze the Dough:
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap, then in a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before rolling.
To Freeze Baked Cookies:
- Let cookies cool completely.
- Place in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temperature and enjoy!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with simple recipes, things can go sideways. Here’s how to fix the most common sugar cookie slip-ups:
Cookie Dough Too Sticky?
- Chill longer.
- Add a tablespoon of flour at a time and mix gently.
Cookies Spread Too Much?
- Dough was too warm.
- Try chilling again before baking.
- Make sure your baking powder isn’t expired.
Cookies Too Dry or Crumbly?
- You may have overbaked them.
- Next time, pull them out earlier — they should look slightly underbaked in the center.
Icing Not Setting?
- Add more powdered sugar.
- Let them dry uncovered for several hours.
Gluten-Free and Other Variations
This recipe is flexible! Here’s how to adapt it to fit different dietary needs.
Gluten-Free Option:
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Whole Wheat Version:
- Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour.
- Cookies will be a bit denser but still tasty.
Refined Sugar-Free:
- Use organic coconut sugar (though cookies will be darker).
- Or opt for maple sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Holidays and Gifting
These vegan sugar cookies aren’t just tasty — they’re beautiful, customizable, and make thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Perfect for decorating with kids
- Great for cookie exchanges
- Wrap in cellophane bags with ribbon for party favors
- Use themed cookie cutters for each holiday
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, or just want a sweet treat for a friend — these cookies are the perfect blank canvas.
FAQs about Vegan Sugar Cookie Recipe
1. What is a good substitute for eggs in vegan cookies?
For sugar cookies, you don’t need eggs! Plant-based milk or even a tablespoon of applesauce works just fine. These cookies don’t rely on eggs for structure.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Be sure it has xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain structure and texture.
3. How long do vegan sugar cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for 5–7 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
4. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment between them.
5. What’s the best way to decorate vegan sugar cookies?
Use vegan royal icing or buttercream. You can color them naturally with plant-based food dyes and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Baking vegan sugar cookies doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right ingredients, a little prep, and a lot of love, you can create delicious, soft, sweet cookies that everyone will love — vegan or not.
These cookies are fun to make, super customizable, and guaranteed to impress. From classic round cookies to festive shapes covered in sprinkles, they bring joy in every bite. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake something sweet together.
