Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft, Buttery & Absolutely Perfect for Christmas)

There’s nothing quite like these vegan sugar cookies — soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. They’re easy to roll, cut, and decorate, making them a holiday must-have for family baking days. Plus, they’re completely dairy-free yet taste just like the classic version.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Sugar Cookies

These vegan sugar cookies bake up tender and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The dough rolls smoothly, holds its shape, and makes beautiful cutouts for Christmas decorating. They use simple pantry ingredients and can be made ahead — perfect for festive gatherings or cookie exchanges. Kids love decorating them, and you’ll love how foolproof they are.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll start with vegan butter for that signature flavor. It’s best to use vegan butter sticks so the dough stays soft but stable. Granulated sugar gives sweetness, while cornstarch and plant milk (like almond, oat, or soy) help bind the dough without eggs. Vanilla extract adds a cozy aroma, and almond extract gives a light, nutty note if you want extra flavor. Baking powder keeps the cookies soft, and all-purpose flour forms the structure. For the icing, you’ll need powdered sugar, vanilla, a splash of milk, and optional corn syrup for a glossy finish.
Tip: To make these gluten-free, use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour such as King Arthur’s blend.

How to Make Vegan Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Beat the vegan butter until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Mix in plant milk, cornstarch, vanilla, and almond extract. Slowly add one cup of flour with baking powder and salt. Stir, then add the second cup of flour. The dough should feel soft, like playdough — not sticky. Add up to ¼ cup more flour if needed. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two balls, roll them between parchment paper to about ¼-inch thick, and chill for at least one hour. Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading and makes cutting shapes easier. You can also chill the dough overnight or freeze it for up to three months for later baking.

Step 3: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut your chilled dough into festive shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges look just barely golden. Let the cookies rest for five minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll stay soft inside as they cool.

Step 4: Make the Icing

Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, corn syrup (if using), and plant milk until smooth. If the icing feels too thick, add more milk; for outlining or detail work, keep it thicker. Vegan food colorings like Watkins or Wilton gels work beautifully if you’d like colorful designs.

Step 5: Decorate the Cookies

Once the cookies are cool, decorate them with your icing using a piping bag or simply spread it with a spoon. Add sprinkles, layers, or shimmer dust for a festive look. Let the icing harden for a few hours before stacking or storing.

Expert Tips for Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookies

Use vegan butter sticks rather than tub butter for consistent texture. Spoon and level your flour to prevent a dry dough. If your dough feels sticky, add a little flour; if crumbly, add a splash of plant milk. Keep cookies covered once cooled so they stay soft. Both baked cookies and dough freeze beautifully. For make-ahead baking, chill the dough for up to three days or freeze until ready to bake.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to five days or freeze baked cookies for three months. If frozen, let them thaw before decorating or serving. You can even freeze unbaked dough and bake later for fresh cookies any time.

Flavor and Texture Profile

These cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately sweet with a light vanilla flavor and a subtle almond note if you use it. They’re not crumbly or dry and keep their shape when baked. Each bite melts gently — just what a Christmas cookie should feel like.

Common Questions About Vegan Sugar Cookies

Related Recipes to Try

• chewy sugar cookies for the holidays
• snowmen truffles easy vegan recipe
• classic gingerbread cookies recipe
• candy cane cookies for a festive holiday
• christmas sugar cookie cheesecake recipe
• shortbread cookies recipe festive buttery

Conclusion

These vegan sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and ready to steal the show at your Christmas table. They’re fun to make, easy to decorate, and loved by everyone — vegan or not. For more festive ideas, check out my Pinterest board for inspiration and colorful decorating tips.

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