This isn’t just any recipe; it’s the answer to your prayers. It’s a dairy-free sugar cookie recipe so good it’ll make your taste buds sing (and your tummy do a happy dance).
Remember that warm, fuzzy feeling of sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked sugar cookie? The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, the sweet burst of flavour, the pure joy in every bite? But what if, like countless others, dairy throws a wrench into that delicious dream? Fear not, fellow cookie lovers! You can now enjoy it dairy-free!
Forget the days of dry, crumbly substitutes or sacrificing flavour for dietary restrictions. This recipe is easy, delicious, and customisable, packed with tips and tricks to cater to every need. Whether vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a healthier option, this recipe is your ticket to sugar cookie nirvana.
So, ditch the disappointment and join us on a journey to baking bliss because dairy-free doesn’t have to mean flavourless!
4 Delicious Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Recipes
Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies
Are you craving the sweet satisfaction of a classic cookie without dairy? You’re not alone! Whether following a dietary plan or simply seeking healthier alternatives, deliciousness shouldn’t have to be sacrificed. That’s where these four recipes come in, offering guilt-free indulgence with every bite.
Classic Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies
These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavour. They’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and are easy to customise with your favourite mix-ins. Most importantly, they are dairy-free sugar cookies.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg (can be substituted with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup dairy-free milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
In a large bowl, cream together vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg (or applesauce) and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in dairy-free milk until a soft dough forms.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
For chewier cookies, bake for 10 minutes.
For crispier cookies, bake for 12 minutes.
httpss://youtu.be/21U460bhnjI?si=dOKQA8sPDvwz96lX
Egg-Free Sugar Cookies With Frosting
Remember the comforting aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the sweet, sugary joy? But what if you have dietary restrictions? Worry not, cookie connoisseur!
1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk
For the Frosting:
½ cup vegan butter, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar (or sugar substitute)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the flax egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the milk: Add plant-based milk a tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a soft, workable consistency.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Shape and bake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Time!
Cream the butter and sugar: In a clean bowl, cream together softened vegan butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add flavour and consistency: Mix in vanilla extract and plant-based milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Frosting fun: Once the cookies are cool, spread the frosting generously on top and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
For chewier cookies, use less vegan milk in the dough.
Decorate your cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts (if nut-free isn’t required), or drizzled chocolate for a festive touch.
Vegan Sugar Cookies With Chocolate Chips
Do you dream of warm, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies studded with melty chocolate chips, but dairy and eggs are off-limits? Don’t worry, cookie connoisseur! This recipe delivers heavenly vegan sugar cookies with decadent chocolate chips, proving deliciousness doesn’t require dairy or eggs.
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons plant-based milk
1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the flax egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the milk and chocolate chips: Add plant-based milk a tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a soft, workable consistency. Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Shape and bake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
For chewier cookies, use less milk in the dough.
Experiment with different types of vegan chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, milk chocolate) to find your favourite flavour combination.
Sprinkle sea salt over the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavour contrast.
Vegan Sugar Cookies With Chocolate Chips
Forget about store-bought, dairy-laden treats! Bake up a batch of these homemade almond butter sugar cookies and experience pure, guilt-free joy. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich almond flavour, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while adhering to dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup creamy almond butter
½ cup granulated sugar (or alternative sweetener)
1 large egg (or flax egg for the vegan option)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup plant-based milk (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Chopped nuts (if not following a nut-free diet)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup dried fruit
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream almond butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream almond butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Mix in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Stir in milk and add-ins: Add plant-based milk a tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches a soft, workable consistency. Fold in any desired add-ins.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
Shape and bake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into desired shapes. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
Experiment with different nut types of butter (cashew, peanut) for a unique flavour twist.
If using a flax egg, mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
You can adjust the sweetness of the cookies to your preference by using different types of sugar substitutes.
Decorating Fun for Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies: Unleash Your Creativity!
Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies
Now that you have baked delicious dairy-free sugar cookies, it’s time to unleash your inner artist with frosting and decorations! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Frosting Options
Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting: Whip up a classic cream cheese frosting using vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add flavour extracts like vanilla, almond, or peppermint for a twist.
Whipped Coconut Cream: Blend chilled coconut cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy for a lighter option.
Fruit-Based Frosting: Puree fresh or frozen berries, mango, or other fruits with a little powdered sugar for a vibrant and healthy frosting.
Chocolate Ganache: Melt vegan chocolate chips with plant-based milk for a rich and decadent topping.
Aquafaba Meringue: Whip aquafaba (chickpea water) with sugar and cream of tartar for a fluffy, dairy-free meringue frosting.
httpss://youtu.be/vGHDUT8rrDc?si=W6i7r3MJ7-YOi9sr
Decoration Ideas
Sprinkles: Choose colourful sprinkles, nonpareils, or jimmies for a classic touch.
Chopped Nuts & Seeds: Sprinkle on chopped almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for added texture and flavour (if nut-free isn’t required).
Dried Fruits: Cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates add a chewy and sweet element.
Candy Pieces: Crushed candy canes, chopped chocolate bars, or vegan gummies add a playful touch.
Edible Flowers: Lavender, violets, or pansies add a delicate and sophisticated touch.
Stencils: Use stencils to create intricate designs with frosting or cocoa powder.
Food Coloring: Create vibrant designs by adding food colouring to your frosting or using coloured sprinkles.
Pro Tips
Let your cookies cool completely before decorating to prevent the frosting from melting.
Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle for more precise designs.
Freeze decorated cookies for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting before stacking or storing.
Get creative and have fun! Experiment with different colours, textures, and flavours to make your cookies unique.
Bonus Ideas
Decorate cookies with seasonal themes (snowflakes for winter, hearts for Valentine’s Day, etc.).
Make cookie pops by dipping cooled cookies in melted chocolate and adding sprinkles.
Create cookie sandwiches by frosting two cookies together.
Host a cookie decorating party with friends and family.
Conclusion
These dairy-free sugar cookies are a delicious and easy treat to make. You can enjoy soft and chewy cookies without any dairy products with simple substitutions. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Shaimaa Olwan 
Asmaa Alhashimy