There is something truly special about a classic sugar cookie that melts in your mouth, and this Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe brings that joy without the need for eggs. Whether you have an egg allergy, are vegan-curious, or simply ran out of eggs, this recipe has you covered with a buttery, soft, and incredibly flavorful cookie that is perfect for decorating or enjoying just as they are. Whip these up in just minutes and prepare to impress everyone with this delightful twist on a beloved treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together beautifully to create a tender, flavorful cookie. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter and cream cheese that give these cookies a luscious texture to the subtle almond extract that adds a gentle depth of flavor.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and the perfect cookie base, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a delightful crunch when rolled cookies are coated in sugar.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making your cookies tender and soft.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic quality that enhances the cookie’s overall flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Introduces a subtle, nutty note that pairs wonderfully with vanilla.
- 2 tablespoons whole milk: Helps to bind the dough and adds just enough moisture without making it sticky.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (343 grams): The main structure for your cookies; measure carefully for the right texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides a gentle lift, contributing to the cookies’ perfect crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda for balanced leavening and softness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- ¼ cup sugar for rolling: Gives the cookies an appealing sparkle and a slight crispy edge.
How to Make Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Begin by combining the softened butter and sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat them until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air, which helps your cookies develop a lovely texture.
Step 2: Add Cream Cheese, Milk, and Extracts
Next, add the softened cream cheese, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This step adds moisture and richness to the dough, ensuring your cookies come out soft and flavorful.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Thoroughly combining these dry ingredients guarantees even distribution of leavening agents and salt for a balanced taste and texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix here—you want the dough to be cohesive but still tender, so stop as soon as you see no more flour.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
For drop cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter, then roll each ball in the extra sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently press down with a glass until they measure about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the cookies look crinkly and a bit puffy. Remove them slightly early for softer cookies, then cool them on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
If you prefer cut-out cookies, divide the dough into two discs and roll each between parchment paper to a thickness of ¼ to 1/8 inch. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. Bake at 350°F for about 7-9 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let these cookies cool completely on a rack before decorating.
How to Serve Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe results are perfect as-is, but you can elevate them easily with garnishes. Try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a shiny finish, or add colorful sprinkles to make them festive. For special occasions, royal icing will hold decorations beautifully and let your creativity shine.
Side Dishes
Pair your eggless sugar cookies with a hot beverage like freshly brewed tea, coffee, or even a comforting cup of warm milk. These cookies are fantastic alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that balances richness and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends and family? Stack these cookies on a decorative plate with fresh flowers for a charming look, or package them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. For parties, create a cookie decorating station with various toppings and icings, turning cookie time into an interactive celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their perfect texture for up to one week, making them a fantastic treat to enjoy over several days or share with loved ones.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze well. Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring a bit of that freshly baked warmth back, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds. This revives their soft texture and makes them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use dairy-free butter and cream cheese to make these vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute with your favorite plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives to turn this Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe into a vegan-friendly treat without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Will these cookies spread a lot in the oven?
These cookies don’t spread much, especially the drop cookies, thanks to the cream cheese and proper chilling when making cut-outs. Rolling them out cold helps maintain the shape when baking.
Do I have to chill the dough before baking?
For the drop cookie version, chilling isn’t necessary and might change the texture. However, for cut-out cookies, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading and makes cutting out shapes easier.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes, you can! Adding chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts is a fun way to personalize these Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe versions without altering the baking process.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for busy households or holiday planning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, tasty, and fuss-free treat, this Eggless Sugar Cookies Recipe is a total winner. Whether you’re new to eggless baking or just want a dependable cookie recipe to decorate and share, go ahead and give these a try. I promise they’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorites!
PrintEggless Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Eggless Sugar Cookies are a quick and easy treat perfect for those with egg allergies or anyone out of eggs. With just 10 minutes of prep time and no need for chilling (unless making cut-outs), these soft, buttery cookies can be drop-formed or cut into fun shapes. They are ideal for decorating and icing for any occasion, delivering classic sugar cookie flavor without compromise.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes for drop cookies; 7-9 minutes for cut-out cookies
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes (excluding chilling time for cut-out dough)
- Yield: Approximately 40 cookies (1-inch drop cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature (2 sticks)
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (343 grams)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Rolling
- 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the softened cream cheese, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, and beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing and toughening the dough.
- Option 1 – Drop Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1 to 1 ½ inch balls, then roll each ball in the 1/4 cup sugar. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press each ball flat with the bottom of a glass to about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thickness. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, cookies are crinkly, and slightly puffy. For softer cookies, remove just before fully done. Cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Option 2 – Cut-Out Cookies: Divide the dough into two equal discs. Roll each disc between two pieces of parchment paper to 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness. Chill the dough discs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 7-9 minutes or until edges just begin to brown slightly. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate and store: Allow cookies to cool completely before icing or decorating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- The number of cookies varies depending on whether you make drop cookies or cut-outs. Approximately 40 cookies when rolling 1-inch balls.
- Ensure baking soda and baking powder are fresh for best results.
- Chill the dough if making cut-outs to reduce spreading; roll between parchment and chill 15-30 minutes for best shape retention.
- No chilling required for drop cookies; butter and cream cheese should be softened but not too warm for optimal texture and crinkle.
