If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for a delightful treat that’s both compassionate to animals and unbelievably satisfying, this Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe is here to brighten your day. Imagine biting into a cookie that is just the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with a gentle vanilla aroma that warms your senses. These cookies are exactly that—simple, approachable, and irresistibly tasty, offering a fantastic alternative to traditional sugar cookies without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on these Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe treats is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but mighty in their contributions. Each element plays a unique role in delivering that tender texture, delicate sweetness, and delightful color that make these cookies stand out.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and that classic crumb.
- Baking powder: A gentle lift agent that keeps the cookies light and tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Vegan butter: This adds richness, moisture, and contributes to the chewy texture we love.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates a slight crunch when sprinkled on top.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor that’s absolutely classic.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the dough moist and adds subtle nutty undertones without overpowering.
How to Make Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup simple. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that everything is evenly distributed and ready to blend with the wet ingredients seamlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Vegan Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process is key for incorporating air, which helps give the cookies their tender, chewy bite.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Almond Milk
Now, pour in the vanilla extract and almond milk. Beat these in until fully incorporated, letting the mixture develop its inviting aroma and smooth texture. These ingredients bring flavor and moisture, crucial to the soft character of the cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender, avoiding a tough or crumbly finish.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough into evenly sized balls. Place them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart so they have room to spread beautifully during baking.
Step 6: Add Sugar Crunch
Dip the bottom of a glass in granulated sugar and gently press each dough ball down. This not only shapes the cookies but creates a lovely sugary crust on top, adding a subtle crunch that contrasts the chewy interior.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely as the edges set and just begin to turn golden. This is the sweet spot for soft and chewy texture that makes this recipe shine.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—to allow them to set firmly—and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them finish the journey to the perfect bite.
How to Serve Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan chocolate can elevate their look and flavor. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or freshly grated lemon zest on top before baking can also awaken fresh notes that complement the gentle sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies with a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea, a chilled glass of almond milk, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa—vegan, of course. These pairings highlight the cookie’s softness and enhance the comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a charming platter alongside fresh berries, or sandwich two cookies together with vegan frosting for a fun twist. You can even dip half the cookie in melted vegan chocolate and sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a gourmet touch that dazzles any sweet tooth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they may not last long), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep wonderfully soft for up to a week, making for a perfect grab-and-go snack or last-minute dessert.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies anytime, freeze a batch of the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies themselves. When freezing dough, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm up the cookies briefly in a low oven or microwave just until soft and slightly warmed through. This revives that fresh-baked softness and chewy texture as if just out of the oven, perfect for cozy cravings.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond milk with other plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Any unsweetened plant-based milk such as soy, oat, or coconut milk can be used. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the cookie’s sweetness balance.
Is vegan butter necessary, or can I use oil?
Vegan butter provides both fat and structure, making it ideal for these cookies’ texture. While you can try oil, the cookies might turn out less chewy and more crumbly, so vegan butter is recommended.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough briefly before baking helps control spreading. Also, make sure your vegan butter is not too soft or melted before mixing, as this can cause the cookies to flatten excessively.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for proper texture.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit are wonderful additions that add personality to the cookies while keeping the delightful softness and chewiness intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and made with kindness in mind. This Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe not only delivers on taste and texture but also brings joy to anyone who loves delicious plant-based baking. I truly hope you try these cookies soon and experience the magic they hold—you might just find your next favorite go-to treat right here!
Print
Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Soft and Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any animal products. They offer a tender, chewy texture with a subtle vanilla flavor and a crunchy sugary top. Simple to make and ideal for sharing, these cookies bake up golden and soft, making them a perfect vegan-friendly dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, which helps incorporate air for a softer cookie.
- Add Vanilla and Almond Milk: Beat in the vanilla extract and unsweetened almond milk into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
- Portion Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the dough into balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten and Sugar Top: Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar to create a thin sugary crust on top.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and have a slight golden tint, ensuring they remain soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up without becoming hard.
Notes
- Make sure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
