If you have been searching for a truly delightful treat, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe are an absolute game-changer. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and boasting a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, these cookies combine a subtle sweetness with a perfectly chewy texture that only a well-crafted vegan recipe can deliver. They’re not just delicious; they’re a joyous celebration of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create pure magic in your kitchen.

ar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible softness and vibrant taste that set these Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe apart. From the fresh strawberries adding natural sweetness and color, to the gluten-free flour that ensures a tender crumb, every element works harmoniously.

Chopped fresh strawberries (1 cup): Provides juicy, fruity flavor and natural sweetness essential for the strawberry syrup base.
Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Helps macerate the strawberries and intensify their flavor in the syrup.
Vegan butter or dairy-free baking stick (½ cup, softened): Key for the luscious texture and richness of the dough.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough evenly while aiding in the cookie’s delicate crumb.
Cooled strawberry syrup (¼ cup): This homemade syrup infuses moisture and a bold strawberry essence into the dough.
Cornstarch + water (1 tbsp + 2 tbsp): Acts as a clever egg substitute to bind everything without compromising softness.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor and adds a warm, inviting note.
Gluten-free flour with xanthan gum (1½ cups): Ensures the perfect structure and chewiness while keeping it gluten-free.
Baking powder (½ tsp): Provides a gentle lift, making the cookies light yet chewy.
Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and heightens flavor complexity.
Optional red or pink food coloring: For a fun, vibrant finish to match the strawberry vibe.
Extra sugar for rolling: Adds a sparkling, slightly crunchy exterior to the cookies.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Syrup

Start by simmering your chopped fresh strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar on medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes. This creates a concentrated, naturally sweet syrup that’s the heart of these Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe. Once thickened, gently mash the fruit to release even more flavor, then strain to remove solids for a smooth syrup. Set it aside to chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and cool before you mix it into the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter together with ¾ cup sugar until it becomes fluffy and light. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, contributing to the soft texture that you crave from Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe. The fluffy mixture will also help the sugar dissolve properly in the dough for consistent sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the cooled strawberry syrup to the creamed butter and sugar, then mix in your cornstarch-water blend acting as an egg substitute, followed by vanilla extract. This combination ensures your vegan cookies hold together beautifully with plenty of moisture, resulting in a tender, chewy bite packed with a lovely strawberry aroma.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the structure of the cookies. The xanthan gum in your gluten-free flour blend is essential to mimic the elasticity usually provided by gluten, which is why these Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe maintain such a wonderful chewiness.

Step 5: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a thick dough forms. If you want to amplify the rosy strawberry effect, this is the moment to add a few drops of red or pink food coloring. Cover and chill the dough in the fridge for about 2½ hours or even overnight to allow it to firm up, which helps in shaping and achieving that perfect soft texture after baking.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Scoop roughly 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them in extra granulated sugar to add a slight crunch and shimmer to the outside. Space them evenly on a lined baking sheet, then pop them into the oven. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until you see the edges just set and the tops crackle gently. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 10 minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan white chocolate can add a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the strawberry flavor perfectly. Fresh strawberry slices make a charming garnish, providing a fresh burst of color and texture alongside each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair these soft, chewy cookies with a lovely cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or hibiscus, to enhance their fruity notes. Alternatively, dairy-free vanilla ice cream served alongside offers a delightful contrast, making for a decadent vegan dessert experience everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe together with a layer of vegan strawberry jam or whipped coconut cream. Serve them on a pretty platter lined with fresh strawberries or edible flowers to impress guests or add a festive touch for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist with that perfect chewiness. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cookies.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough rolled into balls or the baked cookies themselves. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To revive the softness of your cookies, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. This refreshes the cookies, bringing back their delightful chewiness and strawberry aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully as long as you thaw and drain them before making the strawberry syrup. This helps prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough.

What can I use instead of cornstarch as an egg replacement?

You can try using arrowroot powder mixed with water or a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as alternatives, but cornstarch ensures the best soft texture for these particular cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe uses gluten-free flour with xanthan gum to maintain the right texture while being suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Definitely. The natural strawberry syrup provides a lovely pinkish hue on its own, so the food coloring is purely optional for a bolder appearance.

How long can I store the baked cookies?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain soft and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they are best enjoyed fresh or after freezing.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about sinking your teeth into these Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe that instantly makes your day better. They blend wholesome plant-based ingredients with vibrant strawberry flavor in a way that just feels like a warm hug from your oven. Whether you bake them for a cozy afternoon treat or to impress friends and family, these cookies bring joy and comfort in every bite. I simply cannot wait for you to try them and experience firsthand why they have earned their name so wholeheartedly!

Strawberry Sugar Cookies – The Best Soft & Chewy Vegan Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 9 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these soft and chewy vegan strawberry sugar cookies, made with fresh strawberries, gluten-free flour, and a rich strawberry syrup for natural sweetness and flavor. Perfectly tender with a crackly sugary top, these cookies offer a fresh twist on a classic treat, ideal for anyone following a vegan, gluten-free, and low lactose diet.

Instructions

Make the Strawberry Syrup: Add strawberries and sugar to a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat for 10–12 minutes until the mixture thickens. Mash gently to release juice, then strain the syrup through a fine sieve, discarding the solids.
Chill the Syrup: Allow the strawberry syrup to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using to enhance flavor and consistency.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for the cookie dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the cooled strawberry syrup, the cornstarch mixed with water as an egg replacement, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, blending thoroughly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly mixed before adding to the wet ingredients.
Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. If desired, mix in red or pink food coloring to enhance the strawberry flavor visually.
Chill Dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2½ hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the dough to firm up for easier shaping.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Scoop 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll each ball in extra sugar, and place them spaced apart on a lined baking sheet.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops develop a crackly texture, signaling that the cookies are baked perfectly soft and chewy.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack or plate to cool completely.

Notes

Use fresh or properly thawed frozen strawberries for the best syrup flavor.
Ensure the vegan butter is softened for smooth creaming with sugar.
Chilling the dough is essential for texture and ease of handling.
Optional food coloring can enhance the strawberry appearance but is not necessary.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American