Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that’s bursting with fresh flavor but totally plant-based, you’re going to adore this Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how these cookies come out soft, chewy, and packed with genuine strawberry goodness — perfect for sharing (or not!). Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make them again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients really makes all the difference here. The strawberries are the star, so fresh is best if you can get them, but frozen works just as well. You’ll find that the vegan butter and a touch of vanilla create that classic sugar cookie richness, nicely balanced by the zing of the strawberry puree.

• Strawberries: Fresh ones give the best flavor but frozen strawberries work fine—just thaw and drain excess water if needed.
• Granulated sugar: Standard white sugar works best here for that clean sweetness and a little crunch on the coated cookies.
• Vegan butter: Use a good quality vegan butter at room temperature to ensure the cookies are rich and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Optional but recommended for a warm depth of flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Pink or red food coloring: Adds a fun pop of color—pink food coloring keeps it soft and pretty, while red gives a more vibrant shade.
• All-purpose flour: I prefer weighing it to prevent the dough from getting too stiff or too loose.
• Baking soda: For just that hint of lift and perfect texture.
• Salt: Helps balance the sweetness—especially important if your vegan butter is unsalted.

Variations

One thing I love about this Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re after a softer cookie, a gluten-free option, or just want to mix up the colors, there are plenty of tweaks to test out.

• Chewier Cookies: I sometimes reduce the flour slightly to get a softer, chewier bite — just know the dough gets stickier and spreads more while baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swapping in a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend works beautifully, though I find the dough a bit softer and you might want to chill it before scooping.
• Natural Coloring: I’ve tried beetroot powder for a natural tint, but it can dull the strawberry flavor; if you like a brighter pink, stick with pink or red liquid food coloring.
• Fresh Strawberry Chunks: For more texture, skip blending the strawberries and fold in small bits into the dough for little bursts of juicy strawberry pockets.

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Reduction

This first step brings out the sweet and intense strawberry flavor. I like to puree the strawberries with a stick blender for a smooth texture, but leaving some small chunks is totally fine too — just keep stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens to about the consistency of tomato paste. Watch the clock here; it can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your stove and pan. Remember, it’s better to end up with a thicker reduction than too watery — that extra cooking time is worth it for the flavor this adds!

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Then cream together your softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until smooth and combined — this takes just a couple of minutes. Add in your cooled strawberry reduction, vanilla, and as much food coloring as you want to achieve your perfect pink shade. After mixing these wet ingredients, fold in the dry mixture of flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky. If it’s too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 10-20 minutes — that little chill works wonders!

Step 3: Shape and Bake Your Cookies

I like to use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough into even balls — about 2 tablespoons each, which should give you roughly 20 cookies. For an extra sweet touch and that classic sugar cookie sparkle, roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart because they will spread a bit while baking. If you prefer thinner, chewier cookies, gently press down each dough ball before popping them into the oven. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the edges look set but the centers are still a bit soft. Then, let them cool on the sheets for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple—rolling the cookie dough in sugar before baking adds a lovely sparkle and subtle crunch that balances the tender cookie perfectly. For special occasions, a quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan white chocolate pairs beautifully, giving the cookies an extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of a spread, I enjoy pairing them with a fresh berry salad or a creamy vegan vanilla ice cream. They also go great with a hot cup of herbal tea or a frothy oat milk latte for a sweet afternoon break.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or Valentine’s Day, I’ve arranged these Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies on a tiered stand with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves scattered around—instant wow factor! You could also sandwich them with vegan cream cheese frosting for a delightful strawberry cookie sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay perfectly soft for up to 5 days. If I want them to last longer, I pop them in the fridge, where they keep well for about 10 days without drying out.

Freezing

Freezing these cookies is a game changer! I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for about a month and thaw quickly when you want a quick treat.

Reheating

To warm leftover or thawed cookies, I pop them in a low oven (about 150°C / 300°F) for 5 minutes — it helps revive that fresh-baked feel and keeps the chewy texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe quickly became a special ritual for me — there’s something so heartwarming about baking cookies that not only look delightful but are genuinely packed with fresh fruit flavor. I love sharing these with friends and family (who often ask for the recipe!). Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are approachable, delicious, and sure to brighten your day. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on that soft, strawberry-sweet bite just like I am!

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