Name: Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup vegan butter (slightly softened); ¼ cup almond milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (tightly packed); ⅓ cup granulated sugar (for rolling); 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 205 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that’s both tender and perfectly sweet, look no further than this Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the ideal balance between a crisp golden edge and a soft, chewy center, all while being completely plant-based and made with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a snack, or just because, these vegan sugar cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and pure joy to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a single layer of beige cookie dough with a rough texture, inside a white bowl with a thin orange rim, resting on a white marbled surface; a light blue spatula with a wooden handle is partially buried in the dough near the bottom right side of the bowl photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe is super straightforward. Each one plays a pivotal role in creating that beautiful texture and sweet flavor that make these cookies unforgettable.

Vegan butter (½ cup, slightly softened): Provides richness and buttery flavor while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that classic cookie crunch.
Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons, tightly packed): Adds a hint of molasses depth and softens the texture.
Almond milk (¼ cup): Keeps the dough moist and tender without overpowering the taste.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with that warm, inviting aroma you can’t resist.
All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Forms the cookie’s structure to hold everything together perfectly.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies an incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently so they aren’t too dense.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for a beautifully light crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors flawlessly.
Extra granulated sugar (⅓ cup, for rolling): Creates a sparkling, crisp sugar coating on each cookie.

How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (180°C). While it warms up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to make sure your cookies bake evenly and release easily after baking. This prep step is key to baking success.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the vegan butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Whip them together for about 2 to 3 minutes at medium speed using a mixer, or by hand if you’re up for an arm workout. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy mixture that promises soft, airy cookies.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is smoothly combined. This step brings moisture and that irresistible vanilla flavor to the dough, making it smell heavenly already.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Mix in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently but thoroughly until the dough is well incorporated. This will form that perfect cookie dough base, soft and ready to shape.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough and roll it into 12 equal balls. Pour the extra ⅓ cup of granulated sugar into a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the sugar to create a glistening, sweet exterior that caramelizes slightly as they bake. Then place them spaced out on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake and Perfect the Texture

Bake on the middle rack of your heated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice the cookies puffing up slightly — this is totally normal. Once out of the oven, lift the baking sheet about 2 feet above the counter and gently drop it 6 to 7 times to cause the cookies to crack and de-puff. This fun trick ensures your sugar cookies stay soft and chewy inside with charming cracks on top.

Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheets before transferring to a plate. Cooling locks in the perfect texture that makes these vegan sugar cookies simply irresistible.

How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows seven round cookies with a light golden-brown color, each covered with a sprinkling of sugar on top. The cookies are arranged loosely on a sheet of crinkled parchment paper placed over a black baking tray. In the top right corner, there is a small cream-colored bowl filled with granulated sugar. The surface beneath the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are delicious all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate adds an irresistible finishing touch. Sprinkles or edible glitter can turn these treats into festive delights perfect for celebrations.

Side Dishes

Serve your vegan sugar cookies alongside a warm cup of almond or oat milk latte, or pair them with a refreshing smoothie for a balanced snack. They also complement fresh fruit well, especially juicy berries that bring a burst of tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe into an eye-catching gift by stacking them in a decorative tin or wrapping with a pretty ribbon. For parties, arrange them on tiered dessert stands or decorate with colored icing to match themes and holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover vegan sugar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and chewy, perfect for munching on without losing that freshly baked feel.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying to return to that ideal softness.

Reheating

Warm frozen or stored cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive their fresh-baked warmth and soften up the texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond milk with another plant milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to use soy, oat, coconut, or any other plant-based milk you love. Each milk might bring a subtle twist in flavor, but the cookies will turn out wonderfully regardless.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a 1:1 substitute. These alternatives will help maintain the cookies’ tender texture perfectly.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make them gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend, ideally one designed for baking, and adjust the moisture as needed.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely! Try adding lemon zest, cinnamon, or vegan chocolate chips for extra bursts of flavor. Just be mindful that mix-ins might slightly change texture or baking time.

Why do I need to drop the baking sheet after baking?

This little trick helps the cookies deflate gently, creating charming cracks and preventing an overly puffy or cakey texture. It’s what keeps them chewy and just perfect.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s a simple, joyful recipe that brings a classic cookie to life using wholesome vegan ingredients. So grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy some seriously heartwarming cookies. Your taste buds will thank you!