These no butter sugar cookies are soft, sweet, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a delicious, quick treat everyone will love!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make this Sugar Cookie Recipe without Butter
Why You'll Love This Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe without Butter
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

These no butter sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time. They're ideal for any occasion and are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy delicious cookies with a crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth center!

This easy recipe comes with step-by-step photos and clear directions so anyone can follow along. We also include pro tips and tricks to help you get perfect cookies every time. Plus, we've answered the most frequently asked questions to make your baking experience stress-free!

More Recipes ⭐ Reese's Crinkle Cookies | Apple Brownies | Scotcheroos

This No Butter Sugar Cookie recipe take less than thirty minutes to make, perfect for last-minute cravings or gatherings. Their soft texture and sweet flavor make them a hit at parties, potlucks, or just as an everyday treat.

You only need a few pantry staples, and they still deliver rich, delicious cookies that everyone will love. Make these cookies at home to enjoy a simple recipe that stands out with big flavor!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make these Butterless Sugar Cookies:

1¼ cups granulated sugar, divided (1 cup for dough, ¼ cup for rolling)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup Oléico® Safflower Oil
1 large egg, room temperature
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

To Garnish

colored sanding sugar
multicolored jimmies sprinkles
multicolored nonpareils sprinkles

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your recipe for sugar cookies with no butter by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes make your cookies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Add Vanilla Extract: Boost the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, sweet note. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this butter free sugar cookies.

Substitute Flour: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour to make these cookies gluten-free while keeping them tasty.

Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness in every bite.

Substitute Sugar: Swap white sugar for brown sugar to add a richer, caramel-like flavor to your cookies.

How to Make this Sugar Cookie Recipe without Butter

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and the helpful tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started on making these delicious no butter sugar cookies! You’ll love how easy and fun they are to bake!

FIRST STEP: Start by lining two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar to a small bowl. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls in before baking.

If you are using any of the additional optional sprinkle coatings, you will need to add them to a small bowl at this time as well. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.

sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla mixed in a bowl

THIRD STEP: Add one cup of granulated sugar, Oléico® Safflower Oil, one large egg, one large egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.

Beat on medium speed, using a handheld mixer, for one minute or until the mixture is light and fluffy.

FOURTH STEP: Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients.

Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and all the wet ingredients have been evenly incorporated with the flour.

You may need to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure that the sugar cookie dough is evenly mixed.

Pro Tip

Avoid over-mixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies tender.

FIFTH STEP: You’ll use a one-tablespoon cookie scoop to form the dough balls.

Take a leveled amount of sugar cookie dough and gently roll it in the palm of your hand to create a smooth ball.
Place the dough ball into the small bowl of granulated sugar and roll around to coat the entire surface of the sugar cookie dough ball.
Place the coated sugar cookie dough ball onto one of the parchment-lined baking sheets.
Repeat until all the cookies have been rolled and coated in the sugar or optional sprinkles.

scoops of dough coated in sugar on a baking pan

You can place all the rolled cookies close together on a single cookie sheet, just make sure they are not touching.

The second cookie sheet will be used for baking your cookies.

Be sure to place the cookies 1½-2 inches apart. You should be able to fit 12 cookies per baking sheet.

SIXTH STEP: Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up before baking. This will ensure that the cookies do not spread too much when baked.

SEVENTH STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Remove the chilled cookie dough balls from the refrigerator and place half of the rolled cookie dough balls onto the second parchment-lined baking sheet.

The cookies should be spaced 1 ½ – 2 inches apart.

Baked No Butter Sugar Cookies on a baking sheet

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your dark chocolate torte at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

EIGHTH STEP: Bake for nine to 11 minutes, or just until the center is set. You do not want to over bake these cookies, as they will harden up slightly as they cool.

Your cookies should be a very pale color.

NINTH STEP: Allow these no-butter sugar cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five to eight minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.

Allow them to cool completely before plating and serving.

Repeat with the remaining rolled cookie dough balls until all the cookies have been baked and cooled.

How To Serve these Easy Sugar Cookies without Butter

These no butter sugar cookies are versatile and perfect for any occasion. Serve them at parties, during holidays, or as everyday treats. Here are three fun ways to serve these cookies:

Holidays and Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or birthdays. Decorate them with festive sprinkles or icing to match the celebration. Pair them with hot chocolate or apple cider for a cozy treat.
Kid-Friendly Treats: Kids love these soft and sweet cookies! Serve them at playdates or school events for a simple and fun snack. Add a side of fruit or yogurt for a balanced treat.
Everyday Sweet Snack: Enjoy these cookies as a daily indulgence with your afternoon coffee or tea. They’re light, tasty, and perfect with a glass of milk or fresh fruit salad.

Why You'll Love This Chewy Sugar Cookie Recipe without Butter

This easy sugar cookie recipe without butter is a beloved favorite for so many delicious reasons:

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Even without butter, these cookies deliver rich, sweet flavors that are perfect for any occasion. The light texture and crisp edges make them irresistible from the first bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday, birthday, or an everyday treat, these cookies shine. Their simple recipe allows you to customize them with fun toppings or decorations to fit the celebration.
Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and a short prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time. They’re ideal for busy days or last-minute baking.

No butter sugar cookies are an easy-to-make, delightful treat that never fails to satisfy!

A stack of No Butter Sugar Cookies and others on a plate

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?
Yes, you can skip chilling, but chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and have a better texture.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, check your oven temperature or add a bit more flour to the dough.

How do I get the edges crispy but keep the center soft?
Bake the cookies until the edges turn golden, then cool them on the baking sheet for a soft center.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly. Just ensure you mix the ingredients until well combined and smooth.

No Butter Sugar Cookies and some of them stacked together

Serving FAQ

Can I serve these cookies warm or at room temperature?
You can serve them either warm or at room temperature. Both ways, they taste delicious and maintain great texture.

How many cookies should I serve per person?
Plan for 2-3 cookies per person, depending on the event or occasion. These bite-sized treats are easy to enjoy!

Are these cookies good for decorating with frosting or sprinkles?
Yes, these cookies are perfect for decorating with frosting, sprinkles, or icing for a festive touch at any event.

Can I serve these cookies for large gatherings or parties?
Absolutely! This easy recipe makes large batches, making it perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings.

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for optimal storage of your no butter sugar cookies. From making them ahead to reheating, we've got you covered for keeping your cookies fresh and tasty!

Can I make no butter sugar cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover sugar cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze no butter cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

How should I reheat these cookies?
You can reheat cookies in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.