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The Best Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies That Hold Shape for Decorating

A close-up of a perfectly frosted vegan sugar cookie topped with colorful sprinkles, resting on a white plate.

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Make classic, plant-based sugar cookies that are soft, chewy, and sturdy enough for cut-outs and decorating. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for perfect holiday or party treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk (like soy or almond)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for classic flavor)
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For Simple Glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 3-4 tablespoons plant milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the plant milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the cookies hold their shape.
  6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets. Gather and re-roll scraps as needed.
  9. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn light golden brown. For softer cookies, err on the side of underbaking slightly.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. While cookies cool, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, plant milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
  12. Once cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the simple glaze and sprinkles, if desired. Allow the icing to set before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For the best cut-out results, ensure your vegan butter is cool but still pliable, not melted.
  • If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie that holds intricate details, chill the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
  • This recipe makes excellent vegan vanilla cutout cookies suitable for any holiday baking event.

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