Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Vegan Sugar Cookies! Imagine a cookie with a perfectly crisp exterior that gives way to a wonderfully soft, tender middle, designed to hold its shape flawlessly through baking. These delightful treats are not only incredibly satisfying on their own but also serve as the ideal canvas for our dreamy vegan buttercream icing. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of an egg allergy for a child’s party, seeking plant-based options for a holiday cookie exchange, or simply craving a sweet, wholesome indulgence, this recipe is your new go-to. Easy to make and universally loved, these vegan sugar cookies prove that compassionate baking can be utterly delicious and accessible to everyone.
Why These Vegan Sugar Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite
Our vegan sugar cookie recipe stands out for several compelling reasons, promising a baking experience that’s as enjoyable as the cookies themselves. Get ready to fall in love with these plant-based delights!
- Effortlessly Simple & Accessible Ingredients: Say goodbye to specialty store hunts! This recipe is crafted for ease, utilizing ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any major grocery store. With just your preferred vegan milk and a trusted brand of vegan butter, you’ll bring this egg-free cookie mixture together into a smooth, manageable dough that’s a dream to work with. No complicated egg substitutes or obscure binders needed—just pure, simple plant-based magic.
- Incredible Speed – From Prep to Plate in 1 Hour: Yes, you read that correctly! These fantastic plant-based sugar cookies are ready in just an hour, and that includes the crucial chilling time. This makes them perfect for last-minute party preparations, spontaneous baking sessions, or when you need a quick, impressive dessert without spending all day in the kitchen. Efficient and utterly delicious, these cookies prove that great taste doesn’t have to wait.
- Endless Customization for Every Occasion: While these vegan sugar cookies are undeniably delicious plain, their true charm lies in their adaptability. They are the perfect blank canvas for creative decoration, allowing you to tailor them to any holiday, celebration, or mood!
- Birthday Bashes & Kids’ Parties: Think vibrant pink frosting paired with a generous shower of rainbow sprinkles for an instant party hit. These are ideal for children with egg or dairy allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy the fun.
- Valentine’s Day Romance: Express your love with classic plain vanilla frosting, adorned with a sweet mix of red and pink sprinkles. Heart-shaped cookies amplify the romantic gesture.
- Festive Christmas Celebrations: Embrace the holiday spirit by decorating with shades of red, white, and green frosting and sprinkles. Cookie cutters shaped like stars, trees, or gingerbread men add an extra touch of festivity.
- Spooky Halloween Fun: Unleash your creativity with orange, purple, and black frosting combinations. Ghost, pumpkin, or bat-shaped cutters with themed sprinkles will make your Halloween treats hauntingly good.
- Hanukkah Delights: Transform these cookies into beautiful Hanukkah treats using elegant blue and white frosting. Add edible glitter or star-of-David sprinkles for a truly special touch.
- Spring & Easter Joy: Pastel-colored frostings like light green, yellow, and lavender, coupled with bunny or egg-shaped cookies, bring the fresh feel of spring to life.
- Autumn Harvest & Thanksgiving: Warm tones of orange, brown, and deep red frosting, perhaps with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cookies themselves, can perfectly complement fall gatherings.
The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a versatile staple for your baking repertoire.
Essential Tips for Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality vegan sugar cookies is easy when you follow these chef-approved tips. These simple guidelines will ensure your cookies are always perfect, from dough preparation to the final delicious bite.
- The Non-Negotiable Step: Chilling the Dough: This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a critical step that ensures your cookies maintain their beautiful shape in the oven. Without adequate chilling, your dough will be too soft, causing the cookies to spread excessively and lose their definition. Chilling allows the vegan butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from becoming flat puddles. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or longer if your kitchen is warm. This step is key to those perfectly crisp edges and soft centers.
- Smart Planning: Make Ahead & Storage Solutions: Life gets busy, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying homemade cookies! This dough is wonderfully forgiving and can be prepared in advance:
- Refrigeration: You can make the cookie dough up to 3 days ahead of baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to roll out without cracking.
- Freezing: For longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it securely in several layers of plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking. Alternatively, you can pre-cut shapes and freeze the raw cookie cut-outs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Storing Baked Cookies: Once baked and completely cooled, store your vegan sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. If frosted, they may last slightly less time, especially if the frosting contains fresh ingredients. For longer storage, unfrosted cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
- Mastering the Roll and Cut: When rolling out your chilled dough, aim for a consistent thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This ensures even baking. A lightly floured surface and rolling pin will prevent sticking. Dip your cookie cutters in flour before each cut to ensure clean, crisp edges. Re-roll any scraps gently, chilling them again briefly if they become too warm, to maximize your cookie yield.
- The Art of Baking: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. They are ready when the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color. Over-baking can lead to dry, crumbly cookies, so remove them promptly. They will continue to set slightly as they cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before being transferred to a wire rack.
More Delicious & Easy Vegan Bakes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed making these incredible vegan sugar cookies, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of plant-based baking recipes is designed to be just as simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Expand your repertoire with these fantastic options:
- Best Vegan Coffee Cake Recipe: A moist, tender cake with a delightful streusel topping, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe: A stunning and sweet dessert featuring caramelized pineapple and a rich, buttery vegan cake base.
- Creamy Vegan Lemon Bars Recipe: Bright, zesty, and refreshing, these lemon bars boast a luscious creamy filling on a crisp shortbread crust.
- Vegan Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: A comforting classic, these chewy cookies are packed with wholesome oats and rich chocolate chips.
- Easy Vegan Pound Cake: Simple yet elegant, this moist and dense pound cake is perfect for slicing and serving with fresh fruit or a drizzle of glaze.
- Vegan Thin Mints: Recreate the beloved chocolate-mint cookie experience with a clever, easy-to-make vegan version.
If you absolutely adored this recipe as much as we did, please don’t hesitate to leave us a glowing review below. Your feedback truly helps us grow! ★ You can also connect with Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for more delicious inspiration!
For even more fantastic recipes, be sure to visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Vegan Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe
20 minutes
10 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
Cheryl Malik
Pin
Ingredients
-
½
cup
vegan butter
(softened, we used Miyoko’s for best results) -
¾
cup
granulated white sugar -
1
teaspoon
pure vanilla extract -
1 ¾
cups
all-purpose flour -
2
tbsp
vegan milk of choice (almond, soy, or oat milk work well) -
1
teaspoon
baking soda -
¼
teaspoon
fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk well to ensure they are fully combined, then set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This typically takes about 2 minutes on medium speed. Once creamy, mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated and a crumbly dough starts to form. Then, add the vegan milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together into a cohesive ball. Be careful not to overmix. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for the cookies to hold their shape.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a consistent thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Dip your favorite cookie cutters in flour before each use to prevent sticking and achieve clean cuts. Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each. Re-roll any dough scraps as needed, chilling briefly if the dough becomes too soft.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. The centers should still be soft. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and cookie thickness, so watch them closely. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies must be entirely cool before frosting.
Notes: Crafting the Perfect Vegan Buttercream Icing
Icing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, thoroughly softened to room temperature
- 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 3 tablespoons vegan milk of choice (add more if needed for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Food coloring (gel or natural colors work best)
- Colored granulated sugar or sprinkles, if desired, for topping
Icing Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter using an electric mixer until it is very light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Once all sugar is added, increase speed and beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract. Then, slowly add the vegan milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating after each addition, until you achieve your desired smooth and spreadable consistency. For thicker frosting, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add a little more.
- If coloring, divide the frosting into separate bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until the desired shade is reached. Remember, a little goes a long way!
- Spread onto completely cool cookies using an offset spatula or knife, or pipe with a pastry bag for intricate designs. Immediately top with sprinkles or colored sanding sugar, if desired, before the frosting sets.
Pro-Tip for Frosting: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before frosting. Warm cookies will melt the buttercream, leading to a messy, runny finish. For best results, let cookies cool on a wire rack for at least an hour, or even longer in warmer climates.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
Calories:
85kcal
|
Protein:
1g
|
Fat:
3g
|
Saturated Fat:
1g
|
Trans Fat:
0.02g
|
Total Carbs:
13g
|
Fiber:
0.3g
|
Sugar:
6g
|
Net Carbs:
12.7g
|
Sodium:
102mg
|
Potassium:
11mg
|
Calcium:
3mg
|
Iron:
0.4mg
The number of total servings shown is approximate. The actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.
Cheryl Malik