These Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars deliver that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender, chewy centers that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, packing lunch box treats, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are about to become your new favorite go-to dessert.
What makes these bars truly special is how they capture that beloved sugar cookie flavor without any dairy or eggs. The secret lies in the perfect combination of vegan butter, a touch of vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness that creates those signature crackly tops we all love.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
Effortlessly Easy: Forget rolling dough and cutting individual cookies! These bars come together in one bowl, press into a pan, and bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need treats for a crowd without the fuss.
Classic Comfort Flavor: That familiar sugar cookie taste you grew up loving, but made completely plant-based. The vanilla shines through beautifully, and the texture is spot-on – no one will guess they’re vegan!
Incredibly Versatile: Add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a lemon glaze. Make them gluten-free with a simple flour swap, or reduce the sugar for a less sweet version. These bars adapt to whatever you’re craving.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a Christmas gathering, school bake sale, or casual weekend treat, these bars always hit the right note. They’re also fantastic for anyone following plant-based eating habits.
Ingredient Highlights & Notes
The beauty of these Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars lies in their simplicity. You’ll need basic pantry staples that work together to create something truly magical. The vegan butter is your foundation – it creates that rich, buttery flavor and tender texture. Don’t skip the vanilla extract; it’s what gives these bars their signature sugar cookie taste.
For the Bars:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened (Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work beautifully)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (organic cane sugar preferred)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (adds extra chewiness)
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy all work)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla makes a difference)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional but pretty)
Equipment & Tools
You’ll need just a few basic tools to make these delicious bars:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Sharp knife for cutting
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan (5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This little trick will save you so much hassle later!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars (3 minutes)
In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture will look pale and creamy when ready.
3. Add Wet Ingredients (1 minute)
Pour in the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. The mixture might look slightly separated – that’s totally normal and will come together once you add the flour.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients (2 minutes)
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix – you want tender bars, not tough ones!
5. Press and Bake (20 minutes)
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s level. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set but still soft.
6. Cool and Cut (15 minutes)
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is crucial for clean cuts! Once cooled, lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions for Perfect Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
Texture Tips: For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake them. For crispier edges, bake an extra 2-3 minutes. The key is watching for those golden edges while keeping the center soft.
Flavor Variations:
- Lemon Bars: Add 2 tablespoons lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup mini vegan chocolate chips
- Snickerdoodle Style: Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon into the dough and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking
Dietary Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill works great)
- Lower Sugar: Reduce granulated sugar to 1/2 cup and add 2 tablespoons applesauce
- Oil-Free: Replace vegan butter with 1/2 cup applesauce (texture will be more cake-like)
Common Issues: If your bars are too crumbly, you might have added too much flour or not mixed the wet ingredients enough. If they’re too soft, they likely need a few more minutes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
These Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars are delightful on their own, but they pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or your favorite non-dairy milk. For special occasions, serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
They’re perfect for holiday gatherings where you want something sweet but not too heavy. Pack them in lunch boxes for a midday treat, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea.
For a more elegant presentation, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and non-dairy milk, or dust with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm.
Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating
Room Temperature Storage: Keep these bars in an airtight container for up to one week. They actually get more tender and flavorful after a day or two!
Freezer Storage: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Press into the pan and bake when ready. You can also freeze the unbaked dough in the pan for up to 1 month – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: While these bars are delicious at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave makes them wonderfully soft and warm.
Nutrition & Dietary Information
Each bar (1/16 of recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 145
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
These bars are naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. They can easily be made gluten-free with the right flour substitution. While they’re a sweet treat, they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about enjoying in moderation.
For those following healthy lifestyle habits, these bars can definitely fit into a balanced approach to eating when enjoyed mindfully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes! Use solid (not melted) coconut oil at room temperature. The texture will be slightly different – a bit more tender and with a subtle coconut flavor.
Why are my bars too crumbly?
This usually happens when there’s too much flour or not enough moisture. Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t pack) and that your vegan butter is properly softened.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13 inch pan and increase the baking time by 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on those edges for doneness.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a center that looks set but still soft. The bars will continue cooking slightly as they cool in the pan.
Can I add mix-ins to these bars?
Yes! Fold in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit after adding the flour. Don’t go overboard – too many mix-ins can make the bars fall apart.
What’s the best vegan butter to use?
Earth Balance and Miyoko’s both work wonderfully. Avoid using margarine or spreads that are high in water content, as they can make the bars too soft.
Conclusion
These Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars prove that plant-based baking can be every bit as delicious and satisfying as traditional recipes. With their perfect chewy-crispy texture, classic vanilla flavor, and incredibly simple preparation, they’re destined to become a regular in your baking rotation.
The best part? They’re so versatile that you can make them your own with different flavors and mix-ins. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these bars deliver consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time.
Ready to get baking? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the sweet satisfaction of homemade Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars. Don’t forget to share them with friends and family – they’re too good to keep to yourself! And if you’re looking for more delicious holiday treats, be sure to explore other plant-based dessert options that will make your celebrations even sweeter.
