Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe Without Butter – So Soft
Craving a sweet treat without the butter? These Sugar Cookies Without Butter are not only quick and easy to make but also perfect for all holidays and occasions. You won’t miss the butter flavor with this delightful, dairy-free twist on your favorite cookies.
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Why You Will Love Making Sugar Cookies Without Butter
- Whether you’re lactose intolerant or simply trying to cut back on dairy, this dairy-free recipe has you covered. By using alternatives like vegetable oil or refined coconut oil, you can create tender sugar cookies that don’t compromise on taste.
- You won’t need to run to specialty stores for rare ingredients. This butter-free sugar cookies recipe uses common items like all-purpose flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Even the butter substitutes are easily accessible and can include coconut oil or sunflower oil.
- These cookies are not just for the health-conscious or those with dietary restrictions. Their delightful taste and chewy texture make them a hit for any occasion. Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday party, or just an everyday sweet craving, this is the BEST sugar cookie recipe!
- Who says indulgence can’t be healthy? By eliminating butter and opting for coconut oil, olive oil, or other heart-friendly oils, you’re making a more nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor. Add dark brown sugar or light brown sugar for a touch of richness, and this sugar cookies without butter recipe is a treat that’s both delicious and better for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below for this easy recipe.
How to Make Delicious Sugar Cookies Without Butter with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Preparing the Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder (not baking soda), and salt.
Grab your stand mixer or hand mixer, and blend the oil (you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil) and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Add vanilla extract and an egg (use flax egg to make this vegan) and keep mixing until combined.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Keep mixing until the dough forms. If the dough appears sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour, but do it gradually.
Cover the large bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
Rolling and Shaping
Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. This is an important step to ensure the cookies are baked evenly.
Once chilled, roll the dough into cookie dough balls about 1½ inches in size, use a cookie scoop for precision. Next, roll the balls in the remaining white sugar to coat them evenly.
Place the cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats about 2 inches apart. Using your hand or the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each ball to flatten it.
Baking to Perfection
Bake the cookies until the edges turn lightly golden brown and the centers are soft, giving you perfectly soft, chewy cookies. It will take about 8 – 10 minutes.
The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven and how chewy or crispy you want the cookies. Check out our recipe notes below for different textures!
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for 2 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack until they have cooled completely.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Oils: Vegetable oil is a great option for a neutral taste. It’s perfect for keeping the sugar cookies soft without changing the overall flavor. If you’d like a hint of coconut, unrefined coconut oil in its liquid form (just warm it up!) is the way to go. If you’re leaning towards a healthier option, olive oil can be used, but keep in mind it might have a slight fruity flavor, particularly extra virgin.
- Texture: Craving chewy sugar cookies? You might want to try using brown sugar instead of white sugar, and slightly underbaking them. If crispy edges cookies are your preference, simply extend the baking time by a couple of minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
- Storing the Dough: Want to have fresh cookies throughout the week or store them for later? The dough can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to an airtight container.
- Using Cookie Cutters: Feeling creative? Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Just make sure the dough is chilled enough to make the cutting easy and fun.
- Additional Flavor Options: For unique extra flavor, almond extract can replace vanilla extract, adding a nutty twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, or colorful sprinkles into the dough.
How to Store Sugar Cookies
I love to make cookies ahead of time, and here are my top tips for keeping them fresh.
In an Airtight Container
Storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature is an ideal way to keep them fresh for up to one week. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in the container. This method helps retain the chewy texture and delicious flavor.
Freezing the Cookies
For longer storage, freezing your sugar cookies is a fantastic option. First, place the cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
You can store the cookies for up to three months. Whenever you desire a delicious cookie, just take it out, and it’ll be ready to enjoy after a brief thawing period.
Storing Cookie Dough
If you love baking fresh cookies whenever the mood strikes, store the sugar cookie dough instead of the baked cookies. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer them into a bag or airtight container. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Top Tips to Avoid Stale Cookies
- Don’t Store Cookies in Plastic Bags: Storing cookies in plastic bags can cause them to become stale quickly. Stick with airtight containers for the best results.
- Separate Soft and Crispy Cookies: If you’ve made different batches with varying textures, store soft and crispy cookies separately to retain their distinct textures.
- Use a Slice of Bread: If your cookies have become slightly stale, placing a slice of bread in the container can help them regain moisture and freshness.
What to Serve with this Sugar Cookie recipe
It’s easy to just grab a cookie and pop it in your mouth when you’re on the move, but why not pair them with these suggestions?
With Your Favorite Drink
There’s something incredibly comforting about dipping a sugar cookie into a hot cup of tea or coffee. Whether your morning brew or afternoon tea time, the combination is classic and comforting.
On the other hand, kids and adults alike can’t resist the timeless pairing of cookies and milk, and these chocolate chip dairy free cookies are a great addition to your cookie spread. Whether you prefer almond milk, skimmed, or full-fat, the combination is always a winner.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
Why stop at sugar cookies? Create a cookie platter with various types like chocolate sugar cookies, butter sugar cookies, and brown sugar cookies.
It’s a wonderful way to satisfy every cookie lover’s taste buds. For an elegant touch, serve the cookies with a selection of fresh fruits and fine cheese.
This pairing adds sophistication and balance to your dessert spread.
With Ice Cream
Let’s take things up a notch by making ice cream sandwiches! Whether it’s vanilla, chocolate, or something more exotic, the result is an irresistible treat.
You can also simply serve a scoop of ice cream alongside the cookies, especially during warm weather.
As a Gift
If you want to share the love, why not pack a selection of soft sugar cookies in a beautiful gift box? They make delightful presents for friends, family, or even neighbors.
Pairing with Chocolate
If you’re in the mood for something extra indulgent, dipping butterless sugar cookies in melted chocolate can create a luxurious treat that’s sure to impress.
Simply dip the delicious sugar cookie into melted milk, dark or white chocolate, and allow it to set!
More cookie recipes for you to try
If you’ve enjoyed this great recipe, here are some more easy cookies for you to try.
- Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies
- Christmas Sugar Cookies
- Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe Without Butter – So Soft
Ingredients
- 2 Cups all purpose flour
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ Teaspoon salt
- ¾ Cup oil we prefer coconut but you can use vegetable oil also
- 1 Cup granulated sugar divided
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Egg
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.2 Cups all purpose flour, ½ Teaspoon baking powder, ¼ Teaspoon salt
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, mix the oil and ¾ cup of sugar, then add vanilla extract and egg and mix until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough forms; your dough shouldn't be sticky; if it is, add more flour but only a little at a time. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.¾ Cup oil, 1 Cup granulated sugar, 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 Egg
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
- Roll the dough into cookie balls approximately 1½ inches, then roll the balls in the remaining sugar to coat evenly. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, 2" apart. Using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass gently press down on each ball. Bake until the edges are turning golden brown and the centers are soft, approximately 8 – 10 minutes.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for 2 minutes. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack until they have cooled completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Choosing the Right Oil: Vegetable oil is a wonderful option for a neutral taste. It’s great for keeping the sugar cookies soft without affecting the overall flavor. If you’d like a hint of coconut, unrefined coconut oil in its liquid form (just warm it up!) is the way to go. If you’re leaning towards a healthier option, olive oil can be used, but keep in mind it might have a slight fruity flavor, particularly extra virgin.
- Texture: Craving chewy sugar cookies? You might want to try using brown sugar instead of white sugar, and slightly underbaking them. If crispy cookies are your preference, simply extend the baking time by a couple of minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
- Using Cookie Cutters: Feeling creative? Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Just make sure the dough is chilled enough to make the cutting easy and fun.
- Additional Flavor Options: For a unique flavor, almond extract can replace vanilla extract, adding a nutty twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles into the dough.
- Storing the Dough: Want to have fresh cookies throughout the week or store them for later? The dough can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, freeze them, and then transfer them to an airtight container.
- Storing Cookies: Storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature is an ideal way to keep them fresh for up to one week. Just make sure they cool completely before placing them in the container.
- Freezing: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store the cookies for up to three months. Whenever you desire a delicious cookie, just take it out, and it’ll be ready to enjoy after it’s thawed.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
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Sugar cookies without butter?!? I was skeptical, but these were great. Loved the coconut flavor too.
Thank you for giving them a try Beverly! I’m glad you liked them.
These really are SO incredibly soft and fluffy. Sometimes I love a chewy cookie but other times I want it to be like a cloud and these are exactly that. Soft, pillowy and buttery even though there’s no butter – love this recipe!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Lana! I’m glad they turned out to be exactly what you like.
This is my go-to cookie recipe!! I love how quick and easy these cookies are to make.
These cookies are really quick and easy to make! I’m happy you loved them, Khrys!
Most sugar cookies get hard after a day or two, but these stayed soft! I love that I can make them in advance
I’m so glad you enjoyed them Tracy! Yes, it’s great that you can always make them in advance!
I served this one together with a cup of coffee, and it was a perfect combination! I really love the taste and aroma of vanilla, so comforting. I added sprinkles to the ones that I served for the kids and they loved it as well (the appearance and the flavor!). Thank you for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome Lucky! I’m happy to know that you and your kids loved the sugar cookies. Thanks for sharing your feedback!
Made this for my family, and even the skeptics couldn’t tell it was gluten-free and vegan. It’s officially a family favorite now! Keep those healthy recipe ideas coming. I’m a huge fan of your recipes.
I’m overjoyed to hear that they are now a family favorite! Thank you for being a loyal fan of my recipes, Tracy. I appreciate it a lot!