Butter cookies are a classic treat loved by many, and the good news is you don’t need to use any animal products to achieve that rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This vegetarian butter cookies recipe uses plant-based ingredients that mimic the traditional taste while keeping it wholesome and accessible for vegetarians.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, these cookies are the perfect choice.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a batch of delicious, crisp, and buttery cookies fresh from your oven. These cookies are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, gifting to friends, or delighting your family.
Plus, they’re customizable, so you can add your favorite flavors or toppings. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetarian butter cookies recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it combines simplicity with flavor, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.
The recipe uses vegetarian-friendly butter alternatives that maintain the classic texture and taste without compromising on richness.
Secondly, these cookies are versatile. You can easily add vanilla, lemon zest, or even dip them in chocolate for a special twist.
They have a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness, making every bite enjoyable.
Lastly, this recipe is quick to prepare, requiring only basic kitchen equipment and pantry staples. If you love classic cookies but want a vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor, this is the recipe for you.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted vegetarian butter, softened (use plant-based butter)
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for tenderness)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon zest or almond extract for flavor variations
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Rolling pin (optional, for rolling dough)
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened vegetarian butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract (and lemon zest or almond extract if using) to the creamed mixture and mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions for easier handling. You can either roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters, or simply scoop spoonfuls and shape into small balls, then flatten slightly with your palm or a fork.
- Place the shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious vegetarian butter cookies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
“For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for an indulgent twist.”
Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:
- Use room temperature butter. It creams better with sugar, creating the perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies that hold their shape better when baked.
- Experiment with flavors. Try adding citrus zest, almond extract, or even a pinch of cardamom to make unique variations.
For a nutty twist, you can also fold in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking. If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add a little xanthan gum for stability.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Total Fat | 5.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg (vegetarian butter used) |
| Sodium | 35 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 0.8 g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegetarian butter cookies are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of drinks and desserts. Serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
They also make a lovely dessert plate addition when paired with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For festive occasions, consider decorating the cookies with a simple icing glaze or dusting with powdered sugar. These cookies also travel well and make great homemade gifts when wrapped in a decorative tin or cellophane bag.
Looking to expand your vegetarian baking? Try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a fruity complement to these buttery cookies.
Conclusion
Making vegetarian butter cookies at home is easier than you might think, and they offer all the classic flavors you love with a plant-based twist. This recipe combines simplicity, flavor, and flexibility, making it a fantastic choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, these cookies will bring joy and a little nostalgia with every bite.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite natural flavorings or toppings. Don’t forget to keep some on hand for unexpected guests or a cozy night in with a warm drink.
For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy baking and enjoy your delightful vegetarian butter cookies!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Butter Cookies
Description: Deliciously crisp and buttery cookies made without eggs, perfect for vegetarians. Simple to prepare and ideal for tea time or snacks.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract and milk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until combined.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
- Roll dough into small balls and place on baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 14 g
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