Sugar Cookie Vegan Recipe: Easy, Soft, and Delicious

There’s something truly magical about a classic sugar cookie: the slightly crisp edge, the pillowy soft center, and that sweet, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth. When you bake sugar cookies, your kitchen fills with the most comforting aroma, and every bite feels like a celebration.

But what if you could enjoy all that nostalgia, flavor, and fun—completely vegan, with no compromise in taste or texture?

This vegan sugar cookie recipe is your ticket to delightful, dairy-free baking. Whether you’re whipping up treats for a holiday, birthday, or just a cozy weekend at home, these cookies will win over vegans and non-vegans alike.

They’re easy to make, require simple pantry staples, and roll out beautifully for cut-out cookies. In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, share tips for perfect results, and offer creative variations for all your cookie cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No eggs or dairy needed: These cookies are entirely plant-based, but you’d never guess from the taste or texture!
• Perfect texture: Soft in the center, with just the right amount of chew—ideal for decorating or enjoying plain.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps ensure baking success for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, lemon zest, spices, or vegan icing to make your cookies uniquely yours.
• Freezer-friendly: Make the dough ahead or freeze baked cookies for a ready-to-go treat anytime.
• Kid-approved: Little hands will love rolling, cutting, and decorating these classic cookies.

If you love exploring plant-based baking, try my Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests for more festive inspiration!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make about 24 medium-sized sugar cookies:

Equipment

• Mixing bowls – One large, one medium
• Electric mixer – Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie cutters – Any shape you like
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients:

   Let your vegan butter sit at room temperature until soft but not melted. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

2. Mix dry ingredients:

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cream vegan butter and sugar:

   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the vegan butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes, until pale and fluffy.

4. Add wet ingredients:

   Add the non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat again until fully incorporated.

   Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients:

   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand. Mix until a soft dough forms—it should pull away from the sides of the bowl and not be sticky.

6. Chill the dough:

   Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30-45 minutes.

   This step is crucial for easy rolling and clean cookie shapes.

   Chilling prevents spreading and helps your cookies hold their shape. Don’t skip it!

7. Roll and cut:

   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters.

   Transfer cookies to baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.

8. Bake:

   Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake for soft cookies.

   “Sugar cookies continue to cook slightly after leaving the oven—pull them out when they look just set in the center.”

9. Cool:

   Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.

10. Decorate (optional):

    Once cooled, decorate with vegan royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of organic powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Looking for another delicious vegan baked good? Try this Vegan Pizzelle Recipe: Easy, Crispy, and Delicious Treat for more sweet inspiration!

Tips & Variations

• Keep it cold: When dough is too warm, cookies can spread and lose their shape. If your kitchen is warm, chill your dough between batches.
• Flavor boosts: Try adding 1 tsp of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist or a pinch of cinnamon for cozy warmth.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. If needed, add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum for better structure.
• Fun mix-ins: Add vegan mini chocolate chips, freeze-dried berries, or colorful vegan sprinkles to the dough.
• For thicker cookies: Roll the dough slightly thicker and increase baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Make ahead: Dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Easy decorating: Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of non-dairy milk for a quick glaze, or use your favorite vegan icing.
• Festive fun: Use cookie cutters for holidays, birthdays, or themed parties—the dough holds intricate shapes beautifully.

“Don’t be afraid to get creative! Sugar cookies are the perfect blank canvas for your favorite flavors, colors, and decorations.”

For more plant-based classics to complement your cookies, check out my Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch):

Nutrition will vary based on brands and decorations used.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Enjoy your sugar cookies with a cold glass of Vegan Chocolate Milk for the ultimate comfort snack.
• Holiday platter: Arrange decorated cookies on a festive tray for parties, gifting, or family movie nights.
• Cookie sandwiches: Spread vegan buttercream or fruit jam between two cookies for a fun treat.
• Ice cream topping: Crumble cookies over your favorite vegan ice cream for a crunchy, sweet addition.
• Tea time: Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
• Gift idea: Stack a few cookies in a cellophane bag, tie with ribbon, and share with friends or neighbors.

“These vegan sugar cookies are so versatile—they’re perfect for everything from lunchbox treats to elegant dessert tables.”

Conclusion

This vegan sugar cookie recipe proves that plant-based baking can be every bit as delicious and satisfying as the classics you grew up with. With a few simple swaps, you get cookies that are soft, flavorful, and ideal for decorating, sharing, or simply savoring with your favorite drink.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Don’t forget: sugar cookies are just the beginning of your plant-based culinary adventure. For more vegan treats and savory delights, browse my collection of recipes, including the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.

Happy baking—and don’t be surprised if your vegan sugar cookies disappear faster than you can say “just one more!”

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