There’s something truly comforting about the buttery sweetness of classic sugar cookies, but when you go vegan, it feels like that simple joy slips away—until now. After several attempts and joyful kitchen experiments, I perfected a vegan sugar cookie recipe that’s soft, chewy, and packed with just the right touch of sweetness. What’s best? These cookies are incredibly versatile—you can roll them out and decorate for special occasions or simply enjoy them plain with a cup of tea. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking to switch up your repertoire or someone tired of fast food who craves homemade treats, these vegan sugar cookies bring that nostalgic cookie magic without any animal products. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why choose Vegan Sugar Cookies?
Deliciously Soft: These cookies stay tender and chewy, perfect for anyone craving that classic sugar cookie feel. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, no complicated vegan substitutes needed. Versatile for Every Occasion: Roll out and decorate or enjoy plain—ideal for holidays or everyday treats. Cruelty-Free Comfort: Enjoy that homemade sweetness guilt-free, without animal products. Quick and Easy: Ready in no time, great for busy home cooks and mindful chefs alike.
Vegan Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Use freshly sifted flour for light, tender cookies.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides classic sweetness; can substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Vegan Butter – Use a good quality, softened vegan butter to keep the cookies soft and rich.
- Plant-Based Milk – Almond, soy, or oat milk works well to bind the dough smoothly.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
For Optional Decoration
- Powdered Sugar – Perfect for dusting if you want a simple, elegant finish.
- Vegan Food Coloring – Use natural or store-bought options to decorate festive cookies.
- Plant-Based Icing – Create a sweet glaze or detailed designs with vegan-friendly icings.
Try these Vegan Sugar Cookies to enjoy a soft, perfectly sweet treat that’s comforting and cruelty-free!
How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy removal later.
- Mix Dry: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until uniformly combined and light in color, with no lumps.
- Cream Butter: In another bowl, beat softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes, using a hand mixer on medium speed.
- Add Wet: Beat in plant-based milk and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy, scraping down bowl sides as needed to ensure a uniform, creamy dough.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without streaks of flour, and scrape the bowl sides once for an even blend.
- Chill Dough: Wrap dough and chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier rolling. This prevents spreading and gives crisp edges.
- Roll & Cut: Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness; cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Dip cutters in flour for clean edges.
- Bake Cookies: Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and keeps them chewy.
Optional: Sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Vegan Sugar Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Soften your vegan butter and bring plant-based milk to room temperature for a smooth, creamy dough that blends evenly.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is key to preventing spreading in the oven and helps your cookies keep their shape beautifully.
- Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense, heavy cookies.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove your vegan sugar cookies as soon as the edges turn lightly golden to maintain their soft texture.
- Flour Cookie Cutters: Dust your cookie cutters with flour before each cut for clean, crisp shapes every time.
- Customize Sweetness Gently: Adjust sugar slightly if you prefer less sweet treats, but maintain balance so your cookies stay perfectly tender.
How to Store and Freeze Vegan Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a tightly sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh for whenever a sweet craving strikes!
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen vegan sugar cookies, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness.
Make Ahead Options
These Vegan Sugar Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts looking to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the dough stays fresh. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain its quality. When you’re ready to bake, just roll and cut the cookies, then pop them in a preheated oven, and voila—delicious, freshly baked cookies. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days for soft, sweet snacks that’ll brighten any day!
What to Serve with Vegan Sugar Cookies?
Indulging in these sweet delights is always a pleasure, and a few thoughtful pairings can elevate your experience even further.
- Fruity Tea: The subtle flavors of fruity tea complement the cookies’ sweetness, creating a delightful afternoon treat for tea lovers.
- Plant-Based Milk: Almond or oat milk pairs perfectly with the soft texture, balancing the sweetness with a creamy, refreshing sip.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh strawberries or raspberries creates a beautiful contrast, adding a burst of freshness to each cookie bite.
- Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate vegan ice cream brings a perfect creamy texture that melts beautifully with warm cookies.
Imagine curling up on your couch with a plate of vegan sugar cookies, a cup of fruity tea in hand, and a bowl of fresh berries nearby. It paints the perfect cozy image!
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an aesthetic touch, making these cookies irresistible on any dessert table.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, coconut whipped cream adds a rich, tropical twist that’s perfect for dipping or spreading.
- Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade cuts through the cookies’ sweetness, providing a zesty, invigorating pairing that’s simply delightful.
- Dark Chocolate Dip: A warm, melted dark chocolate dip offers a decadent experience that beautifully contrasts the cookie’s delicate flavor.
Vegan Sugar Cookies Variations
Unleash your creativity and make these delightful cookies uniquely yours with playful twists and tasty substitutions!
-
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without the gluten without losing any of their amazing softness.
-
Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of vegan butter to keep the cookies nut-free while maintaining that rich flavor and moist texture.
-
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens every bite.
-
Chocolate Chip: Fold in vegan chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delightful burst of chocolate in each soft cookie. Imagine the delicious contrast!
-
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to add a warm aroma and unique flavor that enhances the traditional sweetness beautifully.
-
Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for added texture and a tropical flavor that will transport you to a sunny paradise.
-
Maple Swirl: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness. Just reduce the plant-based milk slightly to keep the dough consistency right.
-
Peanut Butter Swirl: Create a swirl of peanut butter in the dough, adding a nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness—pure comfort in cookie form!
Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my vegan butter and plant-based milk are the right ripeness or freshness?
Use vegan butter that’s softened but not melted for easy creaming. For plant-based milk, choose fresh, unopened cartons or milk that has been refrigerated below 40°F and smells fresh—no sour or off-odors. Freshness ensures the best texture and flavor in your dough.
What is the best way to store my vegan sugar cookies to keep them soft?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them a bit firmer or want to store longer, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Always place a slice of bread in the container—it helps maintain moisture and keeps cookies tender.
Can I freeze the dough or the baked vegan sugar cookies, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! For freezing dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling and baking. For baked cookies: Cool completely, then layer in an airtight container with parchment between layers, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm gently in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
My cookies sometimes turn out dry or crumbly—what am I doing wrong?
This often happens if the dough is overbaked or the flour is measured too heavily. Make sure to remove cookies from the oven as soon as their edges just start to turn golden. Also, spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense dough. Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps keep moisture locked in and prevents spreading.
Are these vegan sugar cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
These cookies are free from animal products, which is great for vegans, but they do contain wheat and common allergens like soy or nut milk substitutes depending on your choice. Avoid sharing with pets as many ingredients, including sweeteners and vanilla extract, can be harmful to animals. If you have allergies, consider using allergy-friendly flours or milks to suit your needs.
Best Easy Vegan Sugar Cookies for Soft, Perfectly Sweet Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until uniformly combined and light in color.
- In another bowl, beat softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes, using a hand mixer on medium speed.
- Beat in plant-based milk and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without streaks of flour.
- Wrap dough and chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness; cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until edges just begin to turn golden.
- Let cookies rest on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
