Easy Sugar Cookies Recipe Without Butter – So Soft

Looking for a sweet treat that skips the butter? These Sugar Cookies Without Butter are incredibly easy and quick to whip up, perfect for any holiday or just because. Honestly, you won’t even miss the butter with this tasty, dairy-free twist on classic sugar cookies.

Why You’ll Love Baking Sugar Cookies Without Butter

• If you’re cutting dairy or just want a lighter option, this butter-free sugar cookie recipe is a total winner. Using vegetable oil or refined coconut oil keeps the cookies soft, tender, and packed with flavor.
• No need to buy fancy ingredients! The staples you see here all-purpose flour, baking powder, vanilla plus easy oils like sunflower or coconut are probably already in your kitchen.
• These cookies aren’t just for special diets, either. Their chewy texture and sweet taste make them a hit at Christmas, birthday parties, or as a simple snack any day. They just might become your new go-to sugar cookie recipe!
• Indulgence doesn’t have to come with guilt. Swapping butter for heart-friendlier options like coconut or olive oil means you get all the taste you love with a smarter twist. Plus, a touch of brown sugar adds a richer flavor that’s both delicious and just a bit healthier.

How to Make These Delicious Sugar Cookies Without Butter: Step-by-Step

Don’t forget to peek at the recipe card below for exact amounts, with both US and metric units to keep things easy.

Mixing Up the Dough

Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, baking powder (note: no baking soda here), and salt in a medium-sized bowl.

Next, grab your mixer stand or hand and beat together your chosen oil. Vegetable or coconut oil both work beautifully here. Mix it with ¾ cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Then add in vanilla extract and one egg. If you want to keep things vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg and blend everything until creamy and well combined.

Make sure to whisk the dry ingredients well so everything is nicely blended.

Mixing sugar and oil like this creates that soft, tender base we all want for sugar cookies.

Then add vanilla and egg, beating until everything comes together in a silky dough.

Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until your dough forms. If it’s sticky, no worries! Just sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s firm enough to handle.

Pour your wet mixture right into the flour bowl for easier mixing.

Combine everything until a smooth dough forms, then cover and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it much easier to roll out later.

Rolling and Shaping Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) it’s best to have it fully heated when your cookies go in. This helps them bake evenly each time.

Once the dough is chilled, scoop out small balls about 1½ inches in diameter. A cookie scoop is perfect here to keep sizes consistent. Then roll each ball in white sugar for an extra sweet coating that gives a nice sparkle and a little crunch.

Rolling the dough into even-sized balls makes sure your cookies bake evenly and look great.

Coating each dough ball with sugar adds a delightful crunch and shines up the finish beautifully.

Place your sugared dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie so they have room to spread as they bake. Gently press each ball down a little with your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten them just slightly.

Baking Your Cookies to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden and the centers look soft and tender. This is the sweet spot for those soft, chewy sugar cookies we all adore.

Space those cookies about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet so they cook evenly.

Press each dough ball gently before baking to get that perfect cookie shape.

Remember, ovens vary quite a bit, so your baking time might need a bit of tweaking depending on how chewy or crispy you like your cookies. Check the notes below for some helpful texture tips!

After baking, let your cookies cool on the sheet for about 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps them from getting soggy and helps them finish firming up just right.

Recipe Notes and Handy Tips from an Experienced Baker

• Choosing Your Oil: Vegetable oil gives a neutral flavor that lets the cookie itself shine while staying tender. For a subtle tropical note, go with unrefined coconut oil warmed until liquid. If you want a healthier swap, olive oil works too, though it adds a fruity twist especially if it’s extra virgin olive oil.
• Cookie Texture Fun: Love chewy? Swap out a bit of the granulated sugar for brown sugar and pull your cookies from the oven when they’re just set but still soft. If you’re craving crispy edges, bake them a couple minutes longer just watch closely so they don’t burn!
• Save That Dough: Make life easier by keeping your dough in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze scooped dough balls on a tray, then pack them airtight. This way, you get fresh, homemade cookies anytime with zero hassle!
• Cookie Cutters? Absolutely! Roll your dough out and use cookie cutters for fun shapes, especially around holidays. Just make sure your dough is nice and cold first chilled dough cuts cleaner and keeps shapes better while baking.
• Flavor Upgrades: Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist. Feeling playful? Stir in chocolate chips, chunks, or colorful sprinkles right into the dough for a fun change.

How to Store Your Sugar Cookies So They Stay Fresh

I love preparing cookies ahead to save time later, so here’s how I keep them tasting just right.

Keep Them Fresh in an Airtight Container

Store your cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week. Make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing that’s the secret to keeping their chewy texture and sweet flavor.

Freeze for Longer Storage

If you want to keep cookies fresh for a longer time, freezing is your friend. Lay cookies flat on a baking sheet and freeze them until they’re hard, then pack them airtight with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and savor fresh, yummy cookies.

Freeze the Dough for Baking Fresh Later

Want to enjoy fresh-baked cookies but don’t want to bake right away? Freeze your dough instead. Scoop dough balls, freeze them individually on a tray, then store them in a sealed container or bag.

You can bake them straight from frozen just add a few more minutes to the baking time. Easy fresh cookies whenever you want!

Smart Tips to Keep Cookies from Going Stale

• Avoid Plastic Bags: Plastic can actually speed up cookie staling. Sticking with airtight containers keeps them tasting fresher longer.
• Keep Soft and Crispy Cookies Separate: If you’ve baked different texture cookies, store soft and crispy ones apart so their textures don’t mix and change.
• Use Bread Slices: If your cookies get a bit stale, place a slice of bread inside the container. The cookies will soak moisture from the bread and stay softer longer.

What to Serve with These Butter-Free Sugar Cookies

It’s tempting to just grab a cookie on the fly, but pairing these cookies right really makes the experience shine. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy them.

Pair with Your Go-To Drink

There’s nothing cozier than dunking a sugar cookie in a warm cup of tea or coffee. Whether you need a gentle morning boost or a relaxing afternoon break, this combo is pure comfort.

Of course, the classic choice is milk! Almond, skim, whole you name it. Milk and cookies are timeless, and everyone loves this simple yet perfect pairing.

Create a Fun Dessert Platter

Why stop at sugar cookies? Add chocolate chip, classic butter, or brown sugar cookies to create a colorful cookie tray that will please every taste bud.

Toss in some fresh fruit and a little cheese to make your dessert platter extra special perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual get-togethers.

Serve with Ice Cream for a Sweet Treat

Take your cookies to the next level by making ice cream sandwiches out of them. Pick your favorite ice cream flavor vanilla, chocolate, or something funky and sandwich a scoop between two cookies for a simple and delightful summer treat.

Or simply serve a scoop of ice cream on the side with your warm cookies to brighten up any day, especially on warmer afternoons.

Give Them as a Thoughtful Gift

Looking to spread some joy? Package a batch of these soft sugar cookies in a pretty box or tin. They make wonderful gifts for friends, family, or neighbors and always bring a smile.

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice

For a richer chocolate fix, dip your butter-free sugar cookies in melted milk, dark, or white chocolate. Let them set, and enjoy a fancy yet easy chocolate treat that’s sure to impress everyone.