Vegan Sugar Cookie Recipe: How to Bake the Best Plant-Based Treats

Name: Vegan Sugar Cookie Recipe: How to Bake the Best Plant-Based Treats
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ teaspoon salt; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract for enhanced flavor; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons plant milk (almond, soy, or oat work beautifully); ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces eggs); ½ cup vegan butter, softened (I recommend Earth Balance or Miyoko’s); 1 cup organic cane sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Did you know that 42% of Americans have tried plant-based desserts in the last year, with sugar cookies being among the top three most-searched vegan baking recipes? Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just dipping your toes into plant-based cooking, mastering a reliable Vegan Sugar Cookie Recipe is essential for your culinary toolkit. These classic treats can be customized for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive holiday gatherings.

The perfect vegan sugar cookie delivers that nostalgic sweetness and satisfying texture without any animal products. Today, I’ll share a foolproof recipe that yields cookies with crisp edges and tender centers—exactly what we all crave in a perfect sugar cookie!

2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup organic cane sugar
½ cup vegan butter, softened (I recommend Earth Balance or Miyoko’s)
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces eggs)
2 tablespoons plant milk (almond, soy, or oat work beautifully)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract for enhanced flavor

For those with gluten sensitivities, a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend can substitute all-purpose flour. If you prefer less refined sweeteners, coconut sugar works wonderfully but will give a slightly darker color and caramel-like flavor.

Timing

Preparation: 15 minutes
Chilling: 30 minutes (25% less than traditional sugar cookies but essential for proper texture)
Baking: 10-12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 60 minutes

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate the applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until well combined. The applesauce not only binds the cookies but also adds moisture that contributes to their tender centers.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents, preventing those disappointing flat spots in your finished cookies.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with plant milk. Mix until just combined—overmixing activates the gluten and makes cookies tough. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disc, wrap in parchment paper or reusable food wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This solidifies the fats and allows the flavors to meld, resulting in cookies that hold their shape beautifully.

Step 6: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters of your choice to create shapes. For holiday celebrations, festive shapes make these perfect for your Vegan Holiday Baking Ideas collection.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just turning golden. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking if you want that perfect chewy center.

Each cookie (based on a yield of 24) contains approximately:

Calories: 105
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 8g

These cookies contain 30% less cholesterol than traditional recipes and zero animal products, making them heart-healthier while maintaining that classic sugar cookie indulgence.

Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber

Reduce sugar to ¾ cup and add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup for more complex sweetness
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed for omega-3 fatty acids
Use coconut oil instead of vegan butter for different healthy fats (though this will alter the flavor slightly)

Pair with vanilla-infused plant-based milk for a nostalgic treat
Create cookie sandwiches with vegan buttercream or fruit preserves
Crumble over vegan ice cream for an elevated dessert
Package in eco-friendly containers as heartfelt homemade gifts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the chilling time (leads to spread-out, thin cookies)
Using cold vegan butter (creates lumpy dough)
Rolling dough too thin (causes burnt, crispy cookies)
Overmixing the dough (results in tough cookies)
Using dark baking sheets without adjusting time (cookies brown too quickly)

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Refrigerate dough for up to 3 days before baking
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months (separate layers with parchment paper)

Freeze raw dough for up to 2 months for fresh-baked cookies anytime

Conclusion

These vegan sugar cookies prove that plant-based baking can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional methods. With the perfect balance of sweetness, a tender crumb, and endless decorating possibilities, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation. The best part? You’re creating treats that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a quality one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for excellent results.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
The dough likely wasn’t chilled enough, or your vegan butter had too high water content.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.

What’s the best vegan frosting for these cookies?
A simple powdered sugar and plant milk glaze works beautifully, or try vegan royal icing made with aquafaba.

How can I make these cookies more festive?
Add natural food coloring to the dough, or incorporate seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.