Easy No Butter Sugar Cookies – Soft & Chewy

I remember the first time I wanted to bake cookies, only to find the butter dish empty. It was a quiet moment of disappointment. But then I discovered that oil can be a wonderful substitute.

These cookies are born from that discovery. They are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. The oil keeps them tender, and the simple ingredients make them a staple in my kitchen.

When you bake them, the house fills with a gentle sweetness. They are perfect for sharing, or for a quiet moment with tea.

About the Ingredients

2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour

Provides structure. You can substitute with gluten-free 1:1 blend, but texture may vary.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Helps cookies spread and become chewy. Ensure it's fresh for best results.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Balances sweetness. Use fine sea salt or table salt.

3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

Adds sweetness and helps with spread. You can use half brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil

Use a neutral oil like canola or sunflower. Coconut oil works too, but make sure it's melted and cooled.

1 large egg

Binds ingredients. Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for vegan option.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Enhances flavor. Use pure vanilla for best taste, or almond extract for a twist.

Tips & Tricks

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you have time. This prevents over-spreading and makes cookies thicker.
• Use a cookie scoop for even sizes. This ensures uniform baking.
• Don't overbake. Cookies will look slightly underdone in the center, but they set as they cool.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

4. Combine mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Form dough balls

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.

6. Bake cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. The tops will look slightly cracked.

7. Cool and enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Delicious Variations

Lemon Sugar

Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract.

Chocolate Chip

Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips before baking.

Spiced

Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to dry ingredients.

How to Store No Butter Sugar Cookie Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you enjoy these gentle cookies. Try them with a cup of tea and let me know how they turn out. Breathe, then unplug.

No Butter Sugar Cookie Recipe

These no butter sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and easy to make with oil. Perfect for any occasion.

★★★★½ 4.8 (87 ratings)

15 minPrep time12 minCook time24Servings145 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven — Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2Whisk dry ingredients — In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3Mix wet ingredients — In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla until well combined and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
4. 4Combine mixtures — Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. 5Form dough balls — Scoop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
6. 6Bake cookies — Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set. The tops will look slightly cracked.
7. 7Cool and enjoy — Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a softer cookie, reduce baking time by one minute. For a crisper cookie, add an extra minute.

Servings: 24

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Nutrition (per serving): 145 kcal · 2g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat