Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

If you’ve ever worried that Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies might be dry, crumbly, or—let’s be honest—a little sad, this recipe is about to change your mind. These cookies are soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and sturdy enough to decorate without falling apart. Basically, they’re the kind of cookies that make everyone at the table forget they’re vegan and gluten-free.

This is the recipe I reach for when life is busy, the calendar is full, and I still want something homemade that feels special. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a birthday, or just because your sweet tooth is asking nicely, these cookies are reliable, cozy, and totally stress-free.

And yes—your kitchen will smell like a sugary hug while they bake.

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

Let me count the ways (because we all love a good list):

• They actually hold their shape. Cut-out cookies that don’t spread? Yes, please.
• Soft or crisp—you decide. A minute or two in the oven makes all the difference.
• Simple pantry ingredients. No hard-to-find items hiding in the back of specialty stores.
• Perfect for decorating. Icing, buttercream, sprinkles…go wild.
• Make-ahead friendly. The dough chills beautifully, which is great for busy days.
• Kid-approved. Even picky eaters won’t suspect a thing.
• Vegan and gluten-free without compromise. Flavor comes first here.

These Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are proof that dietary needs don’t mean giving up joy—or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

• 1 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup 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, but sparkly fun)

Optional Icing

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

Optional Buttercream

• ¼ cup 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 & sprinkles (optional)

How to Make Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Don’t worry—this process is straightforward and forgiving. No baking degree required.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the vegan butter and sugar with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes, until creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed (this matters more than you think).

Add the dairy-free milk and vanilla extract, then blend again until combined.

3. Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed—or use a wooden spoon—until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Shape it into a ball.

4. Chill (Yes, This Is Important)

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten into a disk, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This step helps the cookies keep their shape and makes rolling easier later.

This is usually when I clean the kitchen…or forget about the dough and remember it the next day. Both work.

5. Roll and Cut

Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s very firm. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment until it’s about ¼-inch thick. Cut into shapes and place them on the baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.

Re-roll scraps until all the dough is used.

6. Bake

Sprinkle with sanding sugar if you’re using it.

• Soft cookies: Bake 11–12 minutes
• Crisp cookies: Bake about 13 minutes

Let them cool on the baking sheet for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before decorating.

Decorating Options (Because This Is the Fun Part)

Simple Icing

Mix powdered sugar, dairy-free milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust thickness with tiny splashes of milk. Add gel coloring if desired and pipe away.

Creamy Vegan Buttercream

Beat vegan butter and salt until creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk until fluffy and spreadable. Whip it a little longer if you want extra softness.

This buttercream is dangerous in the best way. You’ve been warned.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen

• Dough too sticky? A light dusting of gluten-free flour fixes everything.
• Icing too thin? Add powdered sugar. Too thick? A drop of milk saves the day.
• Want ultra-clean edges? Chill cut cookies for 10 minutes before baking.
• Using food coloring? Gel works best and won’t water down your icing.

And if your cookies aren’t perfectly shaped—congratulations. They’re homemade.

A Little Baking Story from Me

The first time I tested these Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies, I was knee-deep in a chaotic week. Deadlines everywhere, zero energy, and still trying to make something special for my family.

These cookies came through for me. The dough behaved, the cookies baked evenly, and decorating them felt oddly calming. Sometimes baking isn’t just about dessert—it’s about slowing down, even for a moment.

FAQs About Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Ready to Bake Some Sweet Memories?

These Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a reminder that baking can be simple, comforting, and joyful, even on the busiest days. Whether you decorate them with sprinkles or enjoy them plain with a cup of tea, they’re the kind of treat that brings people together.

So roll out that dough, turn on your oven, and let these Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies add a little sweetness to your day. You deserve it.

Keep the Cookie Fun Going

If baking these Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies put you in a cozy, creative mood (same here!), there’s plenty more sweetness waiting for you. Whether you’re in the mood to keep baking, decorate a little more, or plan your next treat, these reader-favorite recipes are a perfect next stop:

• Love that soft, classic sugar-cookie vibe? You’ll adore Soft Sugar Cookies—they’re tender, comforting, and perfect for everyday baking.
• If holiday flavors make your heart happy, try Eggnog Cookies for a cozy, festive treat that feels like a warm hug.
• Craving something buttery with a little crunch? Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies are elegant, simple, and wonderful for gifting or afternoon coffee.
• And if decorating is your favorite part of baking, don’t miss Christmas Pinwheel Cookies—they’re colorful, fun, and made for icing and sprinkles.

Before you head off to your next bake, I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out
Did you keep them soft or bake them crisp? Go simple or fully decorated? Please take a moment to leave a review and rate this recipe with stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐—your feedback helps other home bakers and truly means the world to me. Happy baking!

Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Soft, tender Vegan Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies that hold their shape beautifully and are perfect for decorating. A cozy, dairy-free and gluten-free treat everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies

• 1 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup 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)

Icing (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened dairy-free milk

• ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

• Gel food coloring (optional)

• Sprinkles (optional)

Buttercream (Optional)

• ¼ cup 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 and sprinkles (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In another bowl, beat vegan butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add dairy-free milk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

5. Shape dough into a ball, flatten into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

6. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Roll chilled dough between two sheets of parchment to ¼-inch thickness.

8. Cut into shapes and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.

9. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired.

10. Bake 11–12 minutes for soft cookies or 13 minutes for crisp cookies.

11. Cool on baking sheet for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Decorate with icing or buttercream once fully cooled.

Notes

Chilling the dough is essential to help cookies keep their shape.

If dough feels sticky while rolling, lightly dust parchment with gluten-free flour.

Cookies can be baked ahead and decorated later.

Gel food coloring works best for icing without thinning it.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 135 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg