Vegan sugar cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves soft, chewy cookies with a sweet, buttery flavor—all without the use of dairy or eggs. Whether you’re hosting a vegan-friendly celebration, or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are versatile, customizable, and easy to make. From their rich texture to the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth frosting, these vegan sugar cookies will surely win the hearts of your friends, family, and guests. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of the process to make these delectable cookies that are perfect for any occasion!
What Are Vegan Sugar Cookies?
Vegan sugar cookies are simply sugar cookies made without any animal-derived ingredients such as butter, eggs, or milk. Instead, they are made using plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and flaxseed meal to replace eggs. These cookies are typically light, chewy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any sugar craving. You can enjoy them as they are or add a layer of sweet vegan frosting for a little extra indulgence.
The best part about vegan sugar cookies is that they’re not only a treat for vegans but for anyone looking for a lighter, animal-free option. And don’t worry—they’re just as delicious as the traditional versions! If you’re looking for the perfect cookie to decorate, or just a quick snack, these vegan sugar cookies are the answer.
The Origin of Vegan Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a traditional favorite that dates back to the 1700s. The exact origin of sugar cookies is unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States with Dutch settlers who brought their tradition of baking sweet cookies with them. Over time, sugar cookies evolved to become a popular treat, particularly in holiday seasons like Christmas, due to their versatility and ease of preparation.
As the awareness of plant-based diets and veganism grew, the recipe for sugar cookies evolved too. Vegan sugar cookies were born out of the desire to offer the same delicious treat without animal products. Today, they have become a staple for those seeking vegan desserts that are just as delightful as their non-vegan counterparts.
Ingredients for Vegan Sugar Cookies
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these soft, buttery vegan sugar cookies.
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup melted vegan butter: Provides a rich, buttery texture.
- 1 cup cane sugar: The perfect amount of sweetness for the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal: This will be used to create flax eggs, which replace traditional eggs in vegan baking.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon almond milk: A dairy-free milk alternative that ensures the dough is the perfect consistency.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt balances out the sweetness of the sugar.
- 1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour: For those who are gluten-sensitive or prefer gluten-free baking, this flour ensures the cookies are light and soft without compromising taste or texture.
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Gives the frosting that perfect sweet, smooth consistency.
- 2 tablespoons almond milk: Helps to thin the frosting for spreading.
- 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter: Adds a rich, creamy element to the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To give the frosting that familiar, delicious flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method of Vegan Sugar Cookies
Now, let’s dive into the process of making these vegan sugar cookies from scratch!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Flax Eggs
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of warm water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until a thick gel-like consistency forms. This flax egg mixture will act as a binder, replacing traditional eggs in the recipe.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:
- ½ cup melted vegan butter
- 1 cup cane sugar
- Flax eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Make sure everything is well-combined and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
To the wet ingredients, add 1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Stir until a dough forms. The dough should be thick, but not overly dry. If it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of almond milk to help bring it together.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you want to create flat cookies, gently press down each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them; you want them soft and chewy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Make the Frosting (Optional)
While your cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir until smooth. If you prefer thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar, and if you like it thinner, add a little more almond milk.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each one. You can use a spatula or a piping bag for more intricate designs. Decorate with sprinkles or any toppings of your choice, and enjoy!
Variations of Vegan Sugar Cookies
Vegan sugar cookies are highly versatile and can be customized in many ways. Here are some fun ideas for variations to take your vegan sugar cookies to the next level:
- Chocolate Chip Vegan Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of dairy-free chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a chocolatey twist on these cookies.
- Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Decorative Sugar Cookies: If you’re making these cookies for special occasions, consider decorating them with colorful vegan-friendly sprinkles or edible glitter to make them even more festive.
FAQs About Vegan Sugar Cookies
1. Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for the vegan butter, but this will no longer make the cookies vegan.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe already calls for gluten-free all-purpose flour, making it a great option for those who need to avoid gluten.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic, and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping the cookies.
4. How can I make the frosting thicker?
To make the frosting thicker, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
5. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough or baked cookies. To freeze the dough, shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To freeze baked cookies, just store them in an airtight container and place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Conclusion: Enjoying Dairy-free sugar cookies
These vegan sugar cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. They are the perfect treat for vegan and non-vegan eaters alike, offering a chewy, buttery texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, baking for a holiday, or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
By following this recipe, you can easily create cookies that are perfect for decorating, sharing, or simply enjoying with a cup of your favorite beverage. Remember, these cookies are highly customizable, so don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and decorations. Enjoy your vegan baking adventure and savor every bite of these mouthwatering sugar cookies!
Print
Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Perfect for Decorating!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan sugar cookies are simply sugar cookies made without any animal-derived ingredients such as butter, eggs, or milk. Instead, they are made using plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and flaxseed meal to replace eggs. These cookies are typically light, chewy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any sugar craving. You can enjoy them as they are or add a layer of sweet vegan frosting for a little extra indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
-
½ cup melted vegan butter: Provides a rich, buttery texture.
-
1 cup cane sugar: The perfect amount of sweetness for the cookies.
-
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal: This will be used to create flax eggs, which replace traditional eggs in vegan baking.
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
-
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
-
1 teaspoon almond milk: A dairy-free milk alternative that ensures the dough is the perfect consistency.
-
¼ teaspoon salt: A small amount of salt balances out the sweetness of the sugar.
-
1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour: For those who are gluten-sensitive or prefer gluten-free baking, this flour ensures the cookies are light and soft without compromising taste or texture.
For the Frosting (Optional):
-
1½ cups powdered sugar: Gives the frosting that perfect sweet, smooth consistency.
-
2 tablespoons almond milk: Helps to thin the frosting for spreading.
-
1 tablespoon melted vegan butter: Adds a rich, creamy element to the frosting.
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: To give the frosting that familiar, delicious flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Flax Eggs
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of warm water. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until a thick gel-like consistency forms. This flax egg mixture will act as a binder, replacing traditional eggs in the recipe.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following wet ingredients:
-
½ cup melted vegan butter
-
1 cup cane sugar
-
Flax eggs
-
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon almond milk
-
¼ teaspoon salt
Make sure everything is well-combined and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
To the wet ingredients, add 1¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Stir until a dough forms. The dough should be thick, but not overly dry. If it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of almond milk to help bring it together.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you want to create flat cookies, gently press down each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them; you want them soft and chewy. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Make the Frosting (Optional)
While your cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small bowl, mix together:
-
1½ cups powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons almond milk
-
1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir until smooth. If you prefer thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar, and if you like it thinner, add a little more almond milk.
Step 8: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a thin layer of frosting on top of each one. You can use a spatula or a piping bag for more intricate designs. Decorate with sprinkles or any toppings of your choice, and enjoy!
Notes
These vegan sugar cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect for any occasion! Decorate them with your favorite plant-based icing or enjoy them as-is. You can also chill the dough for more defined shapes when using cookie cutters. They store well, making them a great make-ahead treat for holidays or gifting!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe