Name: Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup vegan butter, slightly softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp light brown sugar, tightly packed; 1/4 cup almond milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour), measured correctly; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 46 reviews

If you’ve been searching for the perfect sweet treat that’s both kind to animals and irresistibly soft, you’ve just found it. This Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe is everything you want in a cookie—tender edges that give way to a delightfully chewy center, a subtle vanilla sweetness, and a melt-in-your-mouth vibe that makes them a new favorite. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon snack, a holiday celebration, or just because, these cookies have a way of brightening any moment with their simple ingredients and luscious texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of white and light brown sugar along with a stick of pale yellow butter. In the next shot, the same bowl shows a light tan, creamy mixture being blended with a hand mixer. The third image adds a layer of golden brown liquid, creating a smooth texture. Following that, a layer of white flour is shown being mixed into the batter with a black spatula, blending into a thicker dough. Next, a shiny silver ice cream scoop with a black handle scoops a round portion of the dough, showing its soft, beige texture. Finally, three smooth, light brown dough balls rest on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, with one dough ball being dipped into a small white bowl of mixed white and light brown sugar nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best things about this recipe is how straightforward it is, with everyday ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component plays a critical role: the vegan butter keeps the cookies soft and rich, flours and leavening agents build structure while maintaining chewiness, and those sugars deliver the perfect sweet crunch on the outside.

Vegan butter (1/2 cup): Slightly softened to cream perfectly with the sugars for a tender base.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps give a slightly crisp edge.
Light brown sugar (2 tbsp): Locks in moisture and brings a touch of caramel flavor to the mix.
Almond milk (1/4 cup): Keeps the dough moist and dairy-free without overpowering the flavor.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Essential for that warm, inviting aroma and flavor boost.
All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The foundation for our dough, measured carefully to ensure perfect texture.
Cornstarch (1 tsp): A secret weapon to make these cookies irresistibly soft and tender.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp) & baking powder (1/2 tsp): These leavening agents give the cookies just the right puff and chew.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup, for rolling): Creates a delicate sugar crust that makes these cookies sparkle.

How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s perfectly hot and ready to bake these beauties. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, so your cookies bake evenly and come off effortlessly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine the slightly softened vegan butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy—that usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is the key for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract, then mix again just until everything is combined nicely. These add moisture and the classic cookie flavor you know and love.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients In

Now, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt before adding them to your wet mixture. Gently fold or mix on low speed until the dough comes together, making sure you don’t overwork it to keep the texture tender.

Step 5: Shape and Sugar Coat

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball. Pour the extra 1/3 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl, then roll each dough ball generously in this sugar coating—this gives an addictive crunch and sparkle once baked.

Step 6: Bake and Perfect Texture

Arrange the sugared dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between. Bake on the middle oven rack for 10 to 12 minutes. When you see the edges start to firm but the centers still look slightly underbaked and puffy, take them out. Here’s the trick: lift the baking sheet and drop it onto the counter 5 to 7 times to encourage the cookies to crack and deflate slightly—this is how you get the iconic soft and chewy texture that defines this vegan sugar cookie experience.

How to Serve Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe

A stack of five light golden brown cookies sits on a white marbled surface with a metal cooling rack beneath partly covered by parchment paper. The top four cookies are halved, showing their soft, crumbly inside with a slightly grainy texture. The whole cookies at the bottom are round and slightly cracked on the surface. In the background, out of focus, there is a white bottle filled with milk and a small white bowl. The scene is bright and clean with soft shadows, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple or add festive touches like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vegan chocolate, or colorfully decorated royal icing made from aquafaba. These fun garnishes make your cookies festive for holidays or just brighten an ordinary day.

Side Dishes

Pair these light, soft cookies with a cold glass of almond or oat milk, a cup of chai tea, or a frothy vegan latte. The gentle sweetness of the cookies complements warm or chilled drinks beautifully, making them perfect for any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange your Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe on festive trays with fresh fruit slices or vegan whipped cream. You can also stack them in mason jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbons to gift friends and family—you’ll be spreading joy with every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making it easy to treat yourself anytime you want.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. After they’re frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy the same soft texture.

Reheating

To revive your cookies’ softness, warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes or pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This little trick refreshes their chewiness and makes them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant-based milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Feel free to use soy, oat, coconut, or any plant milk you prefer. Each may subtly change the flavor, but the cookie’s soft and chewy texture will remain wonderful.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend measured the same way. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or add a little extra if needed for structure, and enjoy these cookies with no gluten worries.

Why is the “drop and crack” technique important?

This step deflates the puffy cookies just enough to create that legendary soft and chewy texture. Without it, the cookies might stay more cakey or overly puffy, so it’s worth the few shakes for perfect results.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Of course! Adding vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit can take these cookies to the next level. Just fold them into the dough before shaping for a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

How long will these cookies keep their softness?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe treats will stay wonderfully soft for up to five days. Beyond that, storing in the freezer is the best way to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with vegan goodness. This Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft & Chewy!) Recipe is an absolute staple you’ll want to keep returning to, whether to sweeten your afternoon or impress friends with your baking savvy. Grab your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a batch of cookies that feel like a warm hug in every bite!