Picture this: you bite into a perfectly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s bursting with rich peanut butter flavor and the sweet simplicity of classic sugar cookies – all without a hint of dairy or eggs. That’s the magic of Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies! Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just obsessed with cookies (like me), these treats deliver nostalgia, warmth, and that irresistible homemade goodness in every bite.

Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how wonderfully straightforward these ingredients are! Every component brings something special—each one plays an essential role in achieving those soft centers, golden edges, and the signature crisscross pattern. Don’t skip or swap unless you have to; these basics lay the foundation for your cookie perfection.

Naturally creamy peanut butter: Choose a smooth, natural variety with just peanuts (and salt) for the richest flavor and best texture.
Granulated sugar: Lends the perfect sweetness and makes the cookies beautifully crisp on the edges.
Packed brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and keeps the cookies delightfully chewy.
Almond milk: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture without any dairy.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and brings warmth to every bite.
All-purpose flour: The trusty backbone of your cookie dough, giving structure and lift.
Baking soda: Makes the cookies rise to the challenge – literally!
Baking powder: Teams up with baking soda to guarantee that signature softness.
Salt: Don’t skip it—a tiny bit makes every other flavor shine brighter.
Extra sugar for rolling (optional): For that sparkly, crunchy finish that’s just so fun to eat.

How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step guarantees your Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies come off the tray with zero sticking—and gives you easy cleanup!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together your peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Add in the almond milk and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is wonderfully silky. This combo creates the soul of your cookie’s flavor!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This is where science and magic meet, setting your dough up for chewy middles and golden edges.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is just combined and a soft dough forms. The aroma at this point will have you sneaking tastes—don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Step 5: Shape and Sugar

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. If you’re in the mood for a little sparkle, roll each ball in extra granulated sugar. Place them on the baking sheet with some space in between for spreading.

Step 6: The Classic Criss-Cross

Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork, making the signature criss-cross pattern that gives Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies their old-fashioned charm and even bake.

Step 7: Bake!

Pop your cookie tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Watch for lightly golden edges—they’ll still be soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. If you crave a crunchier cookie, let them bake for just another minute or two.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes (they’ll finish setting) before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’re irresistible while still slightly warm—go ahead, you’ve earned it!

How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Give your cookies that bakery vibe by sprinkling with flaky sea salt just after baking, or drizzle with a little melted dairy-free chocolate. A dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with your favorite nondairy milk (almond, oat, soy—you name it) for classic cookie-dunking delight. They’re also fabulous next to a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or served as an after-lunch companion to fresh seasonal fruit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, pile your Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies in a tall stack tied with a cute ribbon. Try sandwiching vegan ice cream between two cookies for an out-of-this-world treat. They also jazz up a holiday cookie platter and make fantastic edible gifts in rustic paper bags or glass jars!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop completely cooled cookies into an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay delightfully soft and chewy—if they don’t get gobbled up sooner!

Freezing

These cookies freeze like a dream. Place baked cookies between layers of parchment in a freezer container and store for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from the freezer—just tack on an extra minute or two in the oven.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or heat a batch in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for five minutes. They’ll taste like you just made them!

FAQs

Do these Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies taste “different” from regular sugar cookies?

Not at all! These cookies have the classic sweet, tender bite you love, with an added peanut buttery richness that makes them even more addictive. Most people can’t even tell they’re vegan.

Can I use a different plant milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely. Any non-dairy milk—like oat, soy, or coconut—will work wonderfully. Just use the same quantity in the recipe.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results are still scrumptious, with virtually no difference in flavor or texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for light golden edges and a slightly soft center—the cookies will firm up as they cool. If you like crispier cookies, leave them in the oven just a couple more minutes.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can—and I actually recommend it if you’re baking for a group or want leftovers. Just double every ingredient, and bake in batches if needed so the cookies have plenty of space to spread on the trays.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s for a holiday, a celebration, or just a cozy night in, sharing a batch of Vegan Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies is like sending a little bit of pure joy from your kitchen to everyone you love. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket forever. Go bake a batch—you will not regret it!