If you’ve ever found yourself craving that timeless, nostalgic treat – with a plant-based twist – you’re in for a true delight with these Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies. They’re everything a sugar cookie should be: soft in the center, barely crisp at the delicate edges, crackly with sugary sweetness, and so beautifully simple that each bite feels like a warm, sweet hug. Whether you’re sharing with family, celebrating a special occasion, or just enjoying your own kitchen magic, these cookies are both a comfort and a cause for celebration, all while being completely dairy and egg free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the building blocks of our Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies! These everyday ingredients come together to create cookie magic: offering richness, structure, and that just-right chew. Each one has a role to play in transforming pantry staples into your new favorite treat.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our cookies, giving them structure without making them dry or tough.
- Baking soda: Just the right amount for lift and a soft, pillowy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps ensure the cookies puff up slightly as they bake, keeping them deliciously light.
- Salt: A hint of salt elevates the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- Vegan butter (softened): This is key for rich flavor and soft, tender crumb – be sure it’s at room temperature!
- Granulated sugar: Classic sweetness, plus it creates that irresistible glimmer on the cookie’s surface.
- Non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy): Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
- Ground flaxseed: The secret to a perfect vegan “egg” for binding and a touch of wholesome goodness.
- Vanilla extract: That unmistakable bake shop aroma and classic flavor.
- Additional sugar for rolling: So each cookie slips into the oven with a little extra sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure those irresistibly soft bottoms. Getting your oven and baking sheet ready before you mix the dough means less fuss once your hands start getting buttery.
Step 2: Make the Flax Egg
In a small bowl, stir together the non-dairy milk and ground flaxseed. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a flax “egg.” This little trick holds our vegan sugar cookies together, creating a chew that rivals any traditional version.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures that all the leavening agents get evenly distributed, for soft cookies with a perfectly uniform rise.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step helps your cookies bake up tender, with a delicate crumb. Don’t rush—give it a good two to three minutes for the airiest results!
Step 5: Add the Flax Egg and Vanilla
Stir your thickened flax egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture. You’ll start to see (and smell!) that signature sugar cookie base coming together, with the flax adding just a whisper of nuttiness and the vanilla wrapping it all in warmth.
Step 6: Mix Dry Into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Pause as soon as your dough looks uniform—over-mixing can make cookies tougher, and we’re after nothing but softness and blissful chew for our Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies.
Step 7: Shape and Coat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each one into a ball. Roll the dough balls in a little extra sugar for that classic, sparkly finish. Place each ball about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheet—these cookies need room to spread and transform!
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cookies into the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Watch as the edges set and the centers stay just a little underbaked—that’s the secret to the “soft and chewy” glory this recipe promises. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your cookies with a sprinkle of colored sugar, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of vegan glaze for extra glam. Edible flowers or a pinch of cinnamon can also add a subtle, unique flair that makes these treats feel even more special.
Side Dishes
These cookies are excellent alongside a tall glass of plant-based milk, hot tea, or fresh fruit salad. If you’re hosting a gathering, pair them with velvety vegan hot cocoa, or arrange them next to a berry compote for a playful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them in a pretty jar with a ribbon for the ultimate edible gift or arrange them on a cake stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can even sandwich a layer of vegan ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent twist on the classic ice cream sandwich—Pure joy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, keep your Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay tender for four to five days, making them perfect for lunchbox treats or spontaneous sweet moments throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze brilliantly! Bake a batch, cool them thoroughly, then pop them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll taste bakery-fresh for up to two months—just thaw on the counter when a cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-oven softness, give a frozen or day-old cookie a five-second turn in the microwave. The magic of the Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies is back, all warm and inviting in your hands.
FAQs
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, you can use solid coconut oil in place of vegan butter, but the flavor and texture will shift slightly—it may lend a hint of coconut and produce a crispier bite.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free blend meant for baking (one with xanthan gum works best), and your cookies should turn out just as delightfully soft and chewy.
How do I keep my sugar cookies soft after baking?
Seal them in an airtight container as soon as they cool. If you want to go the extra mile, toss in a slice of bread to help maintain that plush, soft texture for days.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
Yes! Feel free to stir in vegan chocolate chips, lemon zest, rainbow sprinkles, or finely chopped dried fruit. Customize to your heart’s content—the dough is forgiving and welcomes creative add-ins.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, the vegan butter may have been too soft or melted, or the dough may have been over-mixed. Try chilling your dough for 20 minutes before baking for plumper cookies next time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a plant-based baker or simply love a nostalgic, soft sugar cookie, these Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies are genuinely irresistible. Their rich, classic flavor and tender bite win over vegans and non-vegans alike—so don’t be shy, bake up a batch and share the joy!
Print
Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Perfect Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for those looking for a dairy-free and egg-free dessert option. With a tender texture and a sweet flavor, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup vegan butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare flax egg: Mix non-dairy milk and ground flaxseed in a small bowl to create a flax egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flax egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, coat in granulated sugar, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 9–11 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For flavored variations, try adding lemon zest, almond extract, or cinnamon to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well and stay soft for days when stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
