Meet your new go-to treat: Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies. These bakery-style cookies are crisp at the edges and delightfully soft and tender in the middle, all without a hint of dairy or eggs. They’re a celebration of simplicity—easy to whip up with pantry staples, big on classic vanilla flavor, and perfect for sharing (or not). Whether you’re already a plant-based pro or just want to bake cookies everyone can enjoy, this irresistible recipe brings the timeless joy of sugar cookies to your table—vegan-style!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of trusty ingredients to make these Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies absolutely shine. Each one plays a crucial role, blending to create the perfect texture, rich flavor, and that sugary sparkle every cookie lover dreams of.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives these cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a soft, pillowy bite.
- Baking soda: Helps with spread and gives just the right amount of chewiness.
- Salt: Enhances every sweet note and balances flavors.
- Vegan butter (softened): Brings that buttery richness and moist texture—key for chewiness!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and adds that classic sugar cookie sparkle.
- Non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy): Adds moisture, helping everything blend smoothly.
- Ground flaxseed: Acts as a magic vegan binder, replacing the need for eggs while adding subtle nuttiness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses deep, classic flavor into every bite.
- Extra sugar for rolling: Creates that signature crackled, sparkly finish.
How to Make Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This quick prep sets the stage for perfect Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies every time.
Step 2: Make the Flaxseed Mixture
In a small bowl, stir together the non-dairy milk and ground flaxseed. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes—it’ll thicken up and create a “flax egg”, which helps bind your cookies together just like a traditional egg would.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large bowl and beat the softened vegan butter together with the granulated sugar. Stop when the mixture is light and fluffy; this step adds air, ensuring your cookies stay delightfully soft and tender in the middle.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Pour the thickened flaxseed mixture and vanilla extract into your creamed butter and sugar. Stir until everything is beautifully blended and smooth—this is where all the flavor comes together for your Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps them distribute evenly, so you don’t end up with any uneven cookies.
Step 6: Combine and Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix! You want just-combined for the best tender, chewy results.
Step 7: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, then roll each one in extra sugar. This not only gives the cookies a stunning, glittery finish but also adds that first sweet crunch when you take a bite.
Step 8: Flatten and Bake
Place the sugar-rolled dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart, then gently flatten each with your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden—watch carefully for peak chewiness.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them finish setting up, ensuring they stay soft and chewy all the way through.
How to Serve Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vegan chocolate, or by rolling them in colored sugar for holidays and parties. Customizing the garnish is a fun way to match any theme or celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with an ice-cold glass of non-dairy milk or a hot mug of coffee or tea. They’re also fantastic served with vegan ice cream for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies in mason jars tied with ribbon for gifting, arrange them on festive platters, or even use them as a base for vegan ice cream sandwiches. Their classic flavor and chewy texture make them a welcome centerpiece at any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can expect them to stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days—though they tend to disappear much faster!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the raw dough in balls—just pop the frozen dough onto a cookie sheet and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the bake time.
Reheating
To bring cookies back to their just-baked warmth, microwave one or two for about 8-10 seconds. If you prefer a slightly crisp edge, heat them in a low oven (300°F) for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Coconut oil can be substituted for vegan butter, but the cookies may spread a bit more and have a faint coconut flavor. For best results and classic chewy texture, use vegan butter.
Why do my cookies turn out cakey instead of chewy?
Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can create cakey cookies. For ultra-chewy vegan sugar cookies, mix the dough until just combined and measure flour accurately.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just watch for any textural differences—gluten-free flours can sometimes change the chew factor slightly.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t mandatory for this recipe, but if your kitchen is very warm, popping the dough in the fridge for 20–30 minutes will help prevent excess spreading.
How can I add flavor variations?
Try adding a sprinkle of lemon or orange zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or swapping in almond extract for a twist. These Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies are a great base for endless creativity!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a batch of Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies, fresh from the oven and ready to share. Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a holiday must-have, or a surprise for friends, these cookies never disappoint. Don’t hesitate to give them a try—you might just find them becoming your all-time favorite vegan treat!
