• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cookie Dough Diaries
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Brownies and Bars
    • No Bake Desserts
    • Cakes and Cupcakes
    • Muffins, Scones, and Loaves
    • Vegan Desserts
    • Drinks & Smoothies
  • About
    • About Me
    • FAQ
  • Work With Me
    • Portfolio
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Work With Me
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home > Recipes > Cookies > Dairy Free Sugar Cookies

    Dairy Free Sugar Cookies

    Published on May 10, 2021. Last updated on June 14, 2022. By Gabby. 40 Comments

    1.6K shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.

    Jump to Recipe

    These dairy free sugar cookies are buttery, soft, and chewy with perfectly crisp edges. These easy cookies only have 8 ingredients, there's no chill time, and they're ready in 20 minutes or less!

    dairy free sugar cookies stacked

    These soft and chewy sugar cookies are one of my favourite basic cookie recipes. They are almost impossible to mess up AND they are an all-season cookie so you can enjoy them during the holidays or in the heat of summer.

    I loved this recipe so much that I made an edible sugar cookie dough recipe based on it too!

    This sugar cookie dough doesn't even need to be chilled, and although it has no dairy butter, the vegan butter gives it that delicious buttery flavor!

    homemade sugar cookie on a plate with sprinkles around it

    Why These Dairy Free Sugar Cookies Work

    • These cookies are extremely soft and each bite has a delicious buttery flavor - you'd never even guess that they're dairy free!
    • There's no chilling required for this dough, so the whole recipe comes together in 20 minutes or less!
    • These cookies are perfect for baking year round! They are great for the holiday season, birthdays, or for when you're just craving sugar cookies!

    Ingredients Needed

    ingredients to make dairy free sugar cookies

    These easy dairy free sugar cookies only require 8 simple ingredients! A few notes about the ingredients:

    • Butter: You can use any kind of dairy free butter here (or even regular dairy butter if you don't follow a dairy free diet). Just be sure to use softened!
    • Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour. Be sure to properly measure your flour!
    • Sugar: Granulated sugar is key is sugar cookies, and helps give them the slightly crispy edges. Substituting for brown sugar will change the texture and color of the cookies, so this shouldn't be substituted.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Note: Full ingredient measurements and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.

    STEP ONE: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350°F.

    STEP TWO: In the bowl of a handheld mixer or standing mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and the sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).

    STEP THREE: Add in the egg and vanilla extract and cream together until light in colour, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go.

    STEP FOUR: Add in the dry ingredients and continue to mix until fully incorporated.

    STEP FIVE: Use a medium sized cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out 1 ½ tablespoon sized balls of dough onto the baking sheets. If you'd like, you can roll the dough in sugar before baking.

    STEP SIX: Bake for around 8-11 minutes, or until the edges look set. The middles will look soft. Leave the cookies on the baking tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

    step by step process showing how to make dairy free sugar cookies

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    Do I have to chill the dough?

    Nope! No chill time required. If you chill this dough, the cookies won't spread enough.

    What is the secret to soft chewy sugar cookies?

    Under-baking is key! If your cookies are over-baked even by a minute, they will likely end up being crispy instead of soft.

    How do you make cookies without milk?

    Most classic cookie recipes actually don't have milk in them! Some vegan cookies have milk but these don't have any 🙂

    dairy free sugar cookie with a bite out of it

    Expert Tips

    • In order to get soft, buttery sugar cookies, it is crucial to properly measure your flour by using a kitchen scale or the scoop and level method. If you scoop the flour with the measuring cup right out of the bag, you will end up with more flour than the recipe calls for.
    • It's better to under-bake the cookies than over-bake them! The cookies may look a little underdone, but if the edges are set then take them out! They will continue to set on the baking sheet.
    • Don't over-mix your dough. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until the last speck of flour disappears.

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    The sugar cookies can be stored in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

    To freeze the cookie dough, you can scoop it onto the baking tray then put the tray in the freezer until the dough is firm. Place the semi-frozen balls of dough into a parchment lined container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

    You can also freeze the cookies after they have been baked! Just put them in an airtight ziploc freezer bag, then thaw at room temperature when you're ready to eat them.

    More Cookie Recipes You'll Love

    • Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Dairy Free Oatmeal Cookies
    • Sugar Cookie Dough (Edible)

    If you make this recipe, let me know how it went in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can check it out!

    dairy free sugar cookies stacked on each other

    Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

    Gabby
    These dairy free sugar cookies are buttery, soft, and chewy with just the slightest crisp on the edges. Only 8 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes!
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Bake Time 10 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 cookies
    Calories 145 kcal

    Equipment

    • Handheld or Standing Mixer
    • Baking Sheets

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup butter (dairy free or regular), softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2½ cup all-purpose flour SEE NOTES

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, combine butter and sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
    • Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined and light in colour.
    • Mix in the dry ingredients until combined. Do not over-mix!
    • Use a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop 1.5 tablespoon sized balls onto the baking sheets. Be sure to leave at least 4-5 inches between each ball of dough, as the cookies will spread out. If you'd like to roll the dough in sugar before baking, pour a little bit of sugar into a small bowl and roll the dough in it before placing it on the tray.
    • Bake one tray at a time for 8-11 minutes, until edges look set. The middles will look soft.
    • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

    Notes

    FLOUR: It is very important that you measure your flour properly! The right way to measure your flour is to weigh it, or use the scoop and level method.
    EGG REPLACER: To make these vegan, replace the egg with one flax egg.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 145kcal
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    The calorie information provided for this recipe is an estimate. The accuracy of the calories listed is not guaranteed.

    « Vegan Oreo Cake
    Chocolate Orange Cupcakes »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tiffany

      March 06, 2023 at 10:38 am

      Hi! I just baked these cookies and it turns out to be greasy.. I've never tried sugar cookies before and this was my first time having them, so I was wondering if I overbaked them or if that's the texture of what a sugar cookies suppose to taste like??

      Reply
      • Gabby

        March 17, 2023 at 5:32 pm

        Hi Tiffany! The cookies shouldn't be greasy - my best guess is that you under-measured the flour or over-measured the butter! I recommend using a food scale and metric measurements next time if possible!

        Reply
    2. Mercedes H.

      January 29, 2023 at 3:49 am

      Can you do this recipe without baking soda?

      Reply
      • Gabby

        January 29, 2023 at 7:23 pm

        No sorry!

        Reply
        • Mercedes H

          January 30, 2023 at 6:46 pm

          Actually you can! I just doubled the baking powder and the cookies came out great! Soft and fluffy like clouds and super delicious!

        • Gabby

          January 31, 2023 at 3:31 pm

          So glad to hear that they still turned out great!!

    3. Holly

      January 07, 2023 at 11:04 am

      5 stars
      I initially made these as fillers for my give away Christmas cookie tray as it looked simple and easy. I didn't think I'd really care for them too much-no chocolate! They were so good that I made 2 batches for my trays, and since then, 2 more for me and my freezer. I roll my cookie dough balls completely in coarse sugar as I love the sugar crunch. I'll be making more for my neighbors for Valentine's Day, adding red sugar in with the coarse sugar. Thank you for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        January 09, 2023 at 3:32 pm

        Hi Holly! I am so happy to hear that you loved the sugar cookies so much! Sounds like a lovely Valentine's creation you have planned too! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

        Reply
    4. Mary

      December 17, 2022 at 5:30 pm

      Can these be made with real butter? Thank you?

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 17, 2022 at 7:11 pm

        yes!

        Reply
    5. Ayana

      December 02, 2022 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      Made these last night with Earth Balance butter and a flax seed egg! They turned out SO good! I cut the recipe in half and it was still SO good.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 02, 2022 at 9:17 pm

        Hi Ayana! I am so happy to hear that you loved the cookies! Thanks so much for the review 🙂

        Reply
    6. Summer

      October 06, 2022 at 3:27 pm

      I experimented a little with your recipe, and they came out perfect! I wanted to add a couple Mazapan candies I had to add a slight peanut flavor so I halved the recipe, used slightly less sugar since mazapan is just peanuts and powdered sugar. I also used pumpkin instead of egg, and cooked them for slightly longer. I honestly don't think I've made a more perfect cookie before! They look like they're store bought! Definitely saving your recipe!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        October 06, 2022 at 3:28 pm

        Hi Summer! Sounds delicious! I'm so happy to hear how much you loved them, thanks for sharing and thank you for taking the time to leave a review! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Wambui M.

      August 25, 2022 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      These came out perfect. I just made two batches with my kids and they could hardly wait until the cookies were cool enough. This is now my go to recipe for sugar cookies.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        September 09, 2022 at 2:39 pm

        Hi Wambui! I'm so happy to hear that you all loved the cookies! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review 🙂

        Reply
    8. Josh Hoeflich

      April 14, 2022 at 8:02 pm

      Have you had any success in prepping the dough the night before / would it change the outcome of the cookies, positively or negatively?

      Reply
      • Gabby

        April 14, 2022 at 8:19 pm

        Hi Josh! You can definitely prep the dough and leave it in the fridge overnight. The cookies will likely spread less if the dough is chilled, making them a little thicker, so you can also let it come to room temperature before baking the cookies the next day. Enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Penny Greenler

      December 24, 2021 at 3:06 am

      5 stars
      AMAZING RECIPE!! I made these (with unsalted butter) for the first time and they turned out perfectly. This is my go-to recipe for ever! Tasty, chewy, soft and easy to make.Glad I found this in time for Christmas. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 24, 2021 at 5:00 pm

        Hi Penny! I am so thrilled to hear that you loved the sugar cookies, I'm so glad you found this recipe too! This made my day, thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review!! 😀 Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    10. Tersa Large

      December 17, 2021 at 1:33 am

      5 stars
      I made these cookies this evening and absolutely love them! So soft and delicious! Thank you for your recipe .

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 17, 2021 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Tersa! Yay! I am so happy that you loved the cookies! 🙂

        Reply
    11. Whitney Lavy

      December 14, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Can these be rolled and cut out?

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 15, 2021 at 4:01 pm

        Hi Whitney! I haven't tried rolling them out, but I don't know that they would keep their cookie cutter shapes. If you try it please let us know how it goes!

        Reply
    12. Angelina

      December 13, 2021 at 11:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best cookie i have ever try.

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 13, 2021 at 11:55 pm

        Hi Angelina! What a wonderful compliment! I am so happy to hear that you loved the cookies - thanks so much for the review!

        Reply
    13. Megan

      December 12, 2021 at 9:55 pm

      Is it ok to only use baking soda?

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 13, 2021 at 2:31 pm

        Hi Megan! The flavor of the cookies will be the same but the texture and structure will be affected. I haven't tested these cookies without baking powder so I can't say exactly how they'll turn out.

        Reply
      • Chris k

        December 20, 2021 at 12:42 am

        5 stars
        The cookies were the perfect consistency, chewy and soft, but not tough. They were the best sugar cookies I every had!
        Great job on the recipe!

        Reply
        • Gabby

          December 20, 2021 at 4:49 pm

          Hi Chris! Yay, what a compliment! I am so happy that you loved the recipe, thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review! 🙂

        • Emma

          December 24, 2021 at 6:59 pm

          Is there an egg replacement you could use?

        • Gabby

          December 24, 2021 at 7:49 pm

          Hi Emma! Yes! You can us one flax egg to replace the egg (1 Tbsp ground flax seed + 2.5 Tbsp warm water, let sit until it becomes gel-like). Readers have reported excellent results this way! Enjoy 🙂

    14. Joann

      December 03, 2021 at 7:37 pm

      Can this cookie be decorated with royal icing like traditional decorated sugar cookies?

      Reply
      • Gabby

        December 03, 2021 at 7:50 pm

        Hi Joann! I haven't tried putting royal icing on these myself, so I can't say for sure how it would turn out. The tops of the cookies aren't smooth which may not give you the same sleek look as a traditional decorated sugar cookie. Please let us know how it goes if you try it!

        Reply
        • Tiffany

          December 18, 2021 at 9:46 pm

          Are you using regular butter or unsalted.

          Thanks

        • Gabby

          December 20, 2021 at 4:50 pm

          Hi Tiffany! I've made them using both kinds - if you like your cookies a little less sweet then salted will work fine!

        • Kimberly Gordon

          December 22, 2021 at 2:07 am

          5 stars
          They are great
          Shapes are over exaggerated
          So cut thinner.

          Love love

        • Gabby

          December 22, 2021 at 3:54 pm

          Hi Kimberly! So happy to hear that you loved the recipe! Happy Holidays! 🙂

        • Karen

          December 23, 2021 at 3:56 pm

          5 stars
          I added a bit of almond extract and rolled the balls in Christmas sprinkles before baking. These were a big hit! I'm making more!

        • Gabby

          December 23, 2021 at 4:34 pm

          Hi Karen! Yay!! I am so happy to hear that the cookies were a hit! I just made these last night and added sprinkles too! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    photo of a girl laughing

    Hi Friend! I'm Gabby! I'm here to share easy, approachable dairy free/vegan dessert recipes that taste just like the real deal. Most recipes can be easily made with dairy products too, so there's something for everyone!

    Read more →

    Popular Recipes

    • Small Batch Brownies
    • Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies
    • Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
    • Dairy Free Chocolate Cake
    • Biscoff Brownies
    • Cookie Monster Cookies

    Favorite Cookies

    • Oreo Red Velvet Cookies
    • Vegan Peanut Butter Oat Cookies
    • White Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
    • Coffee Cookies
    • Biscoff Butter Cookies

    Featured In

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    Privacy Policy

    Keep In Touch

    Sign up for free e-book!

    Find us on Pinterest

    Find us on Facebook

    Find us on Instagram

    Join our Dairy Free Recipe & Support Group

    Contact

    Contact Me

    Work With Me

    As an affiliate partner, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you. I only recommend products I really use and love.

    Copyright © 2023 - Cookie Dough Diaries