Quick Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ever dreamt of a sugar cookie that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences? Well, pinch yourself, because these delightful Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are about to become your new baking obsession! Forget crumbly, dry, or bland — prepare for tender, perfectly sweet, and utterly delicious cookies that taste just like grandma used to make, but with a modern, inclusive twist. Get ready to impress your friends, delight your family, and maybe even keep a secret stash just for yourself!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe, making it a staple for any baker, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Here are four undeniable reasons these Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies will win your heart:

1. Dietary Inclusivity Done Right: These cookies are completely vegan and gluten-free, ensuring that everyone at your table can indulge without worry. No animal products, no gluten, just pure cookie joy!
2. Effortlessly Simple: True to their name, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are common. The most challenging part is waiting for the dough to chill!
3. Classic Taste, Perfect Texture: You won’t believe these aren’t traditional sugar cookies. They boast that classic sweet vanilla flavor and a wonderfully tender texture that melts in your mouth, whether you prefer them soft or slightly crisp.
4. Your Canvas for Creativity: From simple sanding sugar to elaborate icing designs, these cookies are perfect for decorating. They hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for holiday cut-outs, birthday treats, or just a fun afternoon activity.

Ingredients for Your Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to baking a batch of the best Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies!

• 🍪 1 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour Blend (blue bag)
• 🍪 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch
• 🍪 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 🍪 ¼ teaspoon salt
• 🍪 ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted vegan butter, slightly softened
• 🍪 ½ cup granulated sugar (or organic cane sugar)
• 🍪 4 teaspoons unsweetened dairy-free milk
• 🍪 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 🍪 Sanding sugar (optional, for simple decorating)

Optional Icing:

• ⚪️ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ⚪️ 1 tablespoon unsweetened dairy-free milk
• ⚪️ ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⚪️ Gel food coloring (optional)
• ⚪️ Sprinkles (optional)

Optional Vegan Buttercream:

• 🍦 ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted vegan butter, slightly softened
• 🍦 ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 🍦 1 cup powdered sugar
• 🍦 2 teaspoons unsweetened dairy-free milk
• 🍦 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 🍦 Gel food coloring (optional)
• 🍦 Sprinkles (optional)

Detailed Directions: Baking Your Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Follow these steps closely to create perfectly shaped and delicious Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies every time!

1. Prep Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch (or arrowroot), baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the slightly softened vegan butter and sugar until it’s light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add Flavor: Beat in the unsweetened dairy-free milk and vanilla extract until just combined.
4. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamy butter mixture. Mix on low speed (or with a wooden spoon) until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Gather the dough into a ball.
5. Chill Dough (Crucial Step!): Flatten the dough ball into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 3 days). This prevents spreading and ensures perfect cookies!
6. Preheat & Prep: Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to roll. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out Dough: Lightly dust a piece of parchment paper with a little gluten-free flour. Place the dough on top, then cover with another piece of parchment. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough evenly to about ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut & Bake: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between cookies. Gather dough scraps, gently form into a ball, and repeat rolling and cutting (if dough gets too warm and sticky, chill it for 15 minutes). If using, sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking.
9. Bake to Your Liking: Bake the cookies. For softer cookies, bake for 11-12 minutes. For crispier cookies, bake for 13 minutes. (Smaller cookies may need slightly less time.)
10. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They must be fully cool before decorating!

To Make Optional Icing:

In a small bowl, whisk together all icing ingredients until smooth. If too thick, add more milk ¼ teaspoon at a time. Add gel food coloring if desired. Use a piping bag with a small tip or a butter knife to decorate cooled cookies, then add sprinkles!

To Make Optional Vegan Buttercream:

In a mixing bowl, beat softened vegan butter and salt with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, scraping the bowl. Add vanilla and milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until desired fluffy consistency. Beat on medium for 2-3 minutes. Add gel food coloring if desired. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies, then add sprinkles!

Creative Ways to Present and Serve Your Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

These versatile Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Here are some fun ideas to present and serve them:

• Simple Elegance: A light dusting of sanding sugar before baking gives them a lovely sparkle, perfect for an afternoon tea or a casual gathering.
• Icing Artistry: Use the optional icing for intricate designs, flood icing, or simple drizzles. Food coloring can transform them for holidays like Christmas, Halloween, or Easter.
• Buttercream Bliss: Pipe fluffy vegan buttercream on top for a richer, celebratory look. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even tiny edible pearls for extra flair.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Pair two cooled cookies with a dollop of vegan buttercream or even a spread of vegan jam in the middle for a delightful sandwich cookie.
• Party Favors: Wrap individually decorated cookies in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming party favors or hostess gifts.
• Dessert Platter Star: Arrange a variety of shapes and decorations on a beautiful platter alongside fresh berries or other vegan treats for an impressive dessert spread.
• Coffee Break Companion: Simply enjoy them plain with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of dairy-free milk for a comforting snack.

Storing Your Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies and Dough

Keep your Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies fresh and delicious for longer with these storage tips:

• Baked & Plain Cookies: Once completely cooled, store the undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
• Baked & Iced Cookies: Cookies decorated with the powdered sugar icing or buttercream should also be stored in an airtight container. If your icing is firm, they can stay at room temperature for 3-4 days. If the icing is softer or if your climate is humid, refrigerating them might be best, and they’ll last about a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: You can freeze undecorated baked cookies for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: The dough disk can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. Alternatively, roll out the dough, cut shapes, and freeze the raw cut-outs on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQs About Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

1. Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?

   This recipe is specifically designed for Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour (blue bag). Other blends may have different absorption rates, which could affect the texture and spread of your cookies. For best results, stick to the recommended blend.

2. Why is chilling the dough so important for these cookies?

   Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It allows the vegan butter to solidify and the gluten-free flour to fully hydrate, resulting in cookies that hold their shape and have a tender texture.

3. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?

   Yes, you can! While an electric mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar easier, you can achieve similar results with a strong whisk and a wooden spoon. Just ensure you really cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. What’s the best type of vegan butter to use?

   For baking, a stick-style vegan butter (like Miyoko’s Kitchen, Earth Balance sticks, or Violife) typically performs best. Tub varieties often contain more water, which can alter the cookie’s texture.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

   Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies won’t be deeply golden all over, especially if you prefer them softer. They will firm up as they cool.

6. My dough is too sticky to roll. What should I do?

   If your dough becomes too warm and sticky while rolling and cutting, simply gather the scraps, gently re-form into a disk, and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. A little extra gluten-free flour for dusting also helps.

7. What kind of dairy-free milk should I use?

   Any unsweetened plain dairy-free milk works well in this recipe. Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are all great choices.

8. Can I add other flavors to the cookie dough?

   Absolutely! Feel free to add citrus zest (lemon, orange), almond extract for an almond flavor, or even a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist.

9. Are these cookies suitable for kids to help decorate?

   These Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are perfect for decorating with children! The sturdy dough holds up well to handling, and the simple icing and buttercream options are easy for little hands to manage.

10. How far in advance can I make the dough?

    The dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for holiday baking when you want to prep ahead!