Vegan Butter Cookie Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Who says vegan baking can’t yield irresistibly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies? These vegan butter cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, made entirely without any animal products but with all the rich, comforting flavors you love.

Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new in your baking routine, this recipe offers a perfect balance of crumbly texture and subtle sweetness. These cookies are ideal for any occasion—from cozy afternoons with tea to festive holiday gatherings.

With simple, wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these cookies come together. Plus, they store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat.

Ready your baking sheets and get ready to enjoy a batch of cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan butter cookie recipe stands out because it combines the classic buttery flavor and tender texture without using any dairy or eggs. Instead, it relies on plant-based alternatives that are just as satisfying.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, requiring only common pantry staples like vegan butter and powdered sugar. The cookies bake up golden and crisp on the edges while staying tender inside.

Plus, they’re naturally free from cholesterol and animal fats, making them a healthier choice for conscious eaters.

Looking for a versatile cookie? You can easily customize these with your favorite extracts or add-ins like lemon zest or dairy-free chocolate chips.

They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a warm cup of your favorite beverage.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) vegan butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra tenderness)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Beat the vegan butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer or hand whisk until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and optional cornstarch. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Form the dough into small balls about 1 tablespoon each, or use a cookie scoop for uniform size. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to form discs about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
  8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them firm up without breaking.

Tips & Variations

For the best results, make sure your vegan butter is softened but not melted. This ensures the right creaminess and texture in your dough.

If you want to add a little extra flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract instead of vanilla. For a chocolate twist, gently fold in 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips before baking.

To make your cookies extra decorative and festive, roll the dough balls in colored sugar or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking. You can also sandwich two cookies together with your favorite vegan jam or frosting for a fun treat.

Not a fan of all-purpose flour? You can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind that texture might slightly differ.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Cookie (based on 24 cookies)
Calories 95
Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 3.5g
Carbohydrates 10g
Sugar 4g
Protein 0.5g
Fiber 0.2g
Sodium 20mg

Serving Suggestions

These vegan butter cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a variety of drinks. Enjoy them alongside a hot cup of vegan chai tea, coffee, or your favorite plant-based milk.

They also make a lovely addition to dessert platters, especially when paired with fresh fruit or vegan chocolate spreads.

For a special occasion, consider serving these cookies with a scoop of vegan soft serve or alongside a slice of moist, flavorful cake like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious. If you love experimenting with vegan baking, you may also want to check out the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for an easy homemade bread option.

Feeling adventurous? Try a vegan beignet recipe for a different kind of fried, fluffy treat: Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat.

Conclusion

This vegan butter cookie recipe proves that dairy-free baking can be both simple and scrumptious. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create tender, buttery cookies that everyone will adore.

The recipe is versatile enough to customize with your favorite flavors or mix-ins, making it a great base for countless variations.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, these cookies offer a satisfying treat that fits beautifully into a plant-based lifestyle. Don’t forget to experiment and have fun with the process!

Happy baking, and be sure to share your creations with friends and family—they’re bound to love these vegan delights as much as you do.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Butter Cookie Recipe

Description: Deliciously crisp and buttery vegan cookies made without any dairy. Perfect for a simple treat or sharing with friends.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, soy, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, cream vegan butter and sugars until fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla extract and plant-based milk, mix well.
  4. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
  7. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
  9. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 15g

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Marta K

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