Sugar Cookies Without Butter

If you’re craving sugar cookies but realize you’ve run out of butter, this recipe is exactly what you need. These soft sugar cookies without butter are made with oil—an ingredient almost every kitchen already has. The result? Surprisingly tender, chewy cookies with beautiful texture and a classic sugar cookie flavor. They hold their shape, bake evenly, and stay soft for days.

This recipe is also perfect for dairy-free bakers, budget-friendly holiday baking, or anyone looking to create cookies with fewer ingredients or simpler pantry staples. Oil-based cookie dough comes together in minutes, requires no mixer, and produces consistently soft cookies without the need for chilling.

If you’ve ever wondered whether sugar cookies can still taste delicious without butter, the answer is yes—absolutely. In fact, many bakers love the soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that oil-based sugar cookies offer. This recipe gives you the same sweetness and light vanilla aroma you expect from a traditional sugar cookie, but with a smoother crumb and more tender bite.

Whether you’re preparing last-minute Christmas treats, stocking cookie gift boxes, or baking with kids, this no-butter sugar cookie recipe covers everything you need to know—from ingredients to baking to decorating.

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Why Bake Sugar Cookies Without Butter?

There are many reasons someone might choose oil-based sugar cookies:

You Ran Out of Butter

We’ve all been there—you’re halfway through holiday baking and realize the butter is gone. Oil saves the day.

Ideal for Dairy-Free Baking

This recipe is naturally dairy-free when you use plant-based milk and dairy-free decorations.

More Budget-Friendly

Oil is typically cheaper than butter, especially during holiday baking season.

Faster Prep

No need to soften butter or use a mixer. Oil blends smoothly with sugar in seconds.

Softer Texture

Oil adds moisture and creates a tender crumb that stays soft even on day two or three.

Longer Freshness

Oil-based cookies naturally maintain their softness longer than butter cookies.

There’s no compromise here—just simple, delicious sugar cookies made with everyday pantry ingredients.

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What Oil Works Best for Butter-Free Sugar Cookies?

Not all oils taste the same, and choosing the right one makes a big difference.

Best Options

• Canola oil – most neutral flavor

• Vegetable oil – also mild and great for cookies

• Light olive oil – works surprisingly well and adds depth

• Avocado oil – mildly flavored and excellent for dairy-free baking

Avoid

• Extra virgin olive oil (flavor too strong)

• Coconut oil unless melted and measured carefully (changes texture)

• Sesame oil or nut oils (overpowering flavor)

For a traditional holiday cookie flavor, stick with neutral oils.

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Ingredients for Sugar Cookies Without Butter

This recipe makes approximately 18 soft sugar cookies, depending on size.

• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy-free works fine)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended for holiday flavors)

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Optional toppings:

• Extra granulated sugar for rolling

• Colored sanding sugar

• Simple icing for decorating

• Holiday sprinkles

These ingredients come together quickly and create a smooth, easy-to-handle dough.

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How to Make Sugar Cookies Without Butter

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together oil and sugar until well combined.
Add the egg, milk, vanilla, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
This ensures even leavening and prevents streaky dough.

Form the Dough

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
If dough is too soft, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop or roll dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
Roll in sugar for a classic sugared edge.

Arrange for Baking

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Cookies should:

• Puff slightly

• Have lightly golden bottoms

• Look soft on top (they firm as they cool)

Cool

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Cookies will stay soft and moist thanks to the oil.

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What Makes Oil-Based Sugar Cookies Soft?

Oil creates a different texture than butter—one that many people love:

• It adds moisture without needing creaming.

• It prevents over-spreading.

• It keeps cookies soft for multiple days.

• It gives the dough enough fat to hold shape without chilling.

Because oil remains liquid at room temperature, the finished cookies have a more tender, less crumbly texture than classic butter cookies.

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Taste and Texture Comparison: Oil vs. Butter Cookies

Oil-Based Cookies

• Soft, fluffy centers

• Slightly chewy edges

• Milky-sweet vanilla flavor

• Stay softer for longer

• Smooth, rounded texture

Butter-Based Cookies

• Slightly crisp edges

• Strong butter flavor

• More crumbly texture

• Requires more prep

Both are delicious—just different. Oil-based cookies shine when you want a soft, moist cookie with minimal effort.

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Tips for Making the Best No-Butter Sugar Cookies

Don’t Overmix

Stir dough only until ingredients combine—overmixing can make cookies dense.

Measure Flour Carefully

Too much flour makes cookies dry.
Spoon and level for accuracy.

Use Neutral Oil

For the traditional sugar cookie flavor, avoid strong-tasting oils.

Let Cookies Cool Properly

They are soft out of the oven and firm up as they rest.

Add Almond Extract

Just a tiny bit makes the cookies taste like a bakery holiday treat.

Roll in Sugar

This adds sparkle and enhances the texture.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Cookies Spreading Too Much

Possible causes:

• Too much oil

• Dough too warm

• Too little flour

Fix: Add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until dough is soft but rollable.

Cookies Too Dry

Often due to too much flour or overbaking.

Fix:

• Reduce flour slightly

• Bake 1 minute less

Cookies Too Pale

Oil-based cookies don’t brown as much naturally.
For more color, bake a little longer—but not too long or they’ll dry out.

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Decoration Ideas for Butter-Free Sugar Cookies

Even without butter, these cookies are perfect for decorating.

Roll in Colored Sugar

Holiday reds, greens, gold sparkle, or pastel colors.

Dip in Vanilla Glaze

Mix powdered sugar + milk + vanilla.

Add Sprinkles

Press sprinkles onto the dough before baking.

Pipe Buttercream (Dairy-Free Option Available)

Use shortening or dairy-free butter alternatives.

Add Drizzled Chocolate

Use melted chocolate or dairy-free chocolate chips.

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Flavor Variations

Lemon Sugar Cookies

Add lemon zest and replace milk with lemonade.

Almond Cookies

Increase almond extract for a marzipan-style holiday flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

Roll dough balls in cinnamon sugar for a snickerdoodle twist.

Vanilla Bean Cookies

Swap vanilla extract for vanilla bean paste.

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder.

Dairy-Free Holiday Cookies

Use plant milk and dairy-free sprinkles for a fully dairy-free treat.

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How to Store Sugar Cookies Made Without Butter

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Oil keeps them soft longer than butter cookies.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze for 2 months in airtight bags.

Freezing Dough

Roll into dough balls, freeze, then bake from frozen.
Add 1–2 minutes to bake time.

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How to Use These Cookies for Holiday Gifting

Oil-based sugar cookies are great for gifting because they stay soft longer.

Use them for:

• Christmas cookie tins

• Mini gift boxes

• Teacher gifts

• Neighbor treats

• Holiday party trays

They pair beautifully with hot chocolate mixes, winter teas, and festive wrapping.

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Why Oil Cookies Are Perfect for Beginner Bakers

These cookies are ideal for anyone new to baking:

• No mixer needed

• No creaming butter

• No chilling

• Fast prep

• Hard to overwork

This makes them great for kids’ baking activities, classroom treats, or last-minute holiday desserts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes—use plant milk and dairy-free decorations.

Can I use olive oil?
Use light olive oil only. Extra virgin has too strong of a flavor.

Can I use coconut oil?
Yes, if melted and cooled slightly. The cookies will be slightly firmer.

Why are my cookies dry?
Most likely too much flour or overbaking—measure lightly and bake until just set.

Can I add frosting?
Yes! These cookies are great with glaze or icing.

Can I turn these into cut-out cookies?
Add 2–3 extra tablespoons of flour for a firmer dough suitable for rolling.

Do these cookies taste different without butter?
The flavor is slightly milder, but still delicious and sweet with a soft, tender texture.

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Final Serving Ideas

Serve these cookies with:

• Hot cocoa

• Chai tea

• Warm milk

• Holiday punch (non-alcoholic)

• Festive dessert boards

• Winter brunch spreads

Their soft texture and sweet vanilla aroma make them ideal for cozy holiday moments.