Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Perfect Every Time!)

If you’ve been searching for the perfect easy gluten-free vegan sugar cookies, you just found them. These cookies check all the boxes: soft, chewy, buttery (without the butter), and beautifully simple—no complicated steps, no odd ingredients, and no gritty gluten-free texture. They’re the kind of cookie that makes you say, “Wait… these are vegan and gluten-free?” after devouring your second one.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, making a quick sweet treat for the kids, or craving a classic sugar cookie that fits your dietary needs, this recipe delivers every single time. With straightforward pantry ingredients and a beginner-friendly method, these cookies come together in under 20 minutes of prep and bake into soft, tender perfection.

Why These Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookies WORK

Creating a truly good gluten-free and vegan cookie is not as easy as swapping flour and removing eggs. Texture, spread, moisture, structure—all of these change drastically when you remove gluten and dairy.

This recipe was tested specifically to be:

  • Crisp at the edges
  • Soft and chewy in the center
  • Delicately sweet without being overpowering
  • Perfectly shaped—no spreading into puddles
  • Kid-approved AND allergy-friendly

Using the right gluten-free flour blend and the ideal ratio of fat and moisture is what makes these cookies magical. No chill time is required (unless you prefer thicker cookies), and the dough is unbelievably easy to roll or scoop.


Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview of the star ingredients that make these cookies foolproof:

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

Choose a 1:1 gluten-free flour with xanthan gum included. This gives the cookies structure and chew similar to wheat flour.

Vegan Butter

Stick-style vegan butter works best. It creams beautifully and creates that classic sugar cookie flavor.

Cane Sugar

For a clean, traditional sweetness and a crisp, lightly caramelized edge.

Non-Dairy Milk

Used sparingly to help the dough come together without eggs.

Vanilla Extract

Because a sugar cookie without strong vanilla flavor is just a cookie missing its soul.

Baking Powder + Salt

To help the cookies rise softly and balance sweetness.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
  • ¾ cup cane sugar
  • ½ cup vegan butter (softened)
  • 2 tbsp non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp fine salt
  • Optional: extra sugar for rolling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter and cane sugar until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until a crumbly dough begins to form.
  6. Add the non-dairy milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together and is soft but not sticky.
  7. Scoop or roll tablespoon-sized dough balls. Optional: Roll each ball in sugar for extra sparkle.
  8. Gently flatten each cookie with your palm for thicker cookies or press with a glass for thinner cookies.
  9. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are barely golden.
  10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Easy Gluten Free Vegan Sugar Cookies

Soft, chewy, buttery sugar cookies that are completely gluten-free and vegan—simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum
  • 0.75 cup cane sugar
  • 0.5 cup vegan butter softened
  • 2 tbsp non-dairy milk any variety
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt fine

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream vegan butter and cane sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Whisk gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine until crumbly.
  6. Add non-dairy milk gradually until a soft dough forms.
  7. Roll or scoop dough into balls; optionally coat in sugar.
  8. Flatten slightly and bake 10–12 minutes.
  9. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

For thicker cookies, chill dough 15 minutes before baking.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Vegan Sugar Cookies

1. For thicker cookies:

Chill dough 15 minutes before baking.

2. For a crisp edge:

Bake closer to 12 minutes.

3. For softer cookies:

Remove at 10 minutes—they will finish setting as they cool.

4. To prevent grittiness:

Make sure your gluten-free flour includes xanthan gum.

5. To flavor them:

Add lemon zest, almond extract, or a touch of cinnamon.


Variations

Sprinkle Cookies

Mix ¼ cup vegan sprinkles into the dough.

Frosted Sugar Cookies

Top with vegan buttercream once completely cooled.

Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Add an extra 2 tbsp flour and chill for 25 minutes before rolling out.


Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for:

  • Holiday cookie trays
  • Birthday parties
  • After-school treats
  • Freezer-friendly meal prepping
  • Gifts and cookie boxes

Pair them with:

  • Hot cocoa
  • Almond milk
  • Vegan chai
  • Coffee or espresso

Fun Facts

  • Sugar cookies originated in the 1700s in Pennsylvania.
  • The earliest versions were called “Nazareth Cookies.”
  • Today, sugar cookies are in the top three most baked holiday cookies in the U.S.