The holidays are the perfect time for treats that feel like comfort and joy wrapped in every bite. If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both delicious and dairy-free, coconut oil sugar cookies are your answer. These cookies offer all the classic sweetness you love, with a subtle twist of flavor and a healthier touch. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just your own cookie jar, this simple recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for the season. Let’s make your holiday baking even more special.
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I originally made these coconut oil sugar cookies for a family member to enjoy at a gathering we were both attending. Though they aren’t as pretty as those cut out cookies, they sure are simple to make and easy to dress up with glaze and sprinkles! What’s more, I left home with a tin full of cookies, and I came back with an empty one! It seemed everyone else enjoyed them too! Whether you’re exploring this recipe for its dairy-free benefits, to use up your coconut oil, or just to try something new, this recipe is proof that it’s a crowd pleaser!
Dairy-Free Coconut Oil Sugar Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet (or two depending on the size of your tray)
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Sift OR separate mixing bowl to mix dry ingredients in
Instructions
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (Room Temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (Adds moisture, and holds shape to keep from spreading)
- 2 TBSP pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, nutty flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 TSP baking soda
- 1/2 TSP baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Notes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your baking sheet pan. The coconut oil makes it easy to lift from the tray, so there’s no need for parchment paper, unless you prefer easy cleanup!
Cream the coconut oil and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened coconut oil and sugar with a whisk by hand.
Add the wet ingredients. Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Beat until everything is well combined.
Sift the dry ingredients in. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. You could do the sugar in this step if you use crumbly sugar like cane sugar, to sift in as well. I like to sift to ensure it will be a smooth batter, but if you don’t have a sifter, mix well in a separate bowl first.
Roll and shape by hand. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them between your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 1-2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
Bake. Pop the cookies into the oven for 8-10 minutes. The key is to not overbake for soft, chewy centers!
Cool and enjoy. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a couple minutes, then transfer them to a plate or cooling rack (or a cutting board works too). Once completely cool, they’re ready to be decorated or eaten as-is.
Creating a Festive Simple Glaze
No holiday cookie is complete without a touch of extra sweetness, and that’s where a simple glaze comes in. Adding a festive glaze to your coconut oil sugar cookies transforms them from delicious to unforgettable. It’s the perfect finishing touch to elevate their appearance and flavor without much extra effort. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and how to make it happen.
Ingredients for the Simple Glaze
Making a smooth and shiny glaze only requires a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – This is the base of your glaze, providing that smooth, sweet coating.
- 2 tablespoons filtered water/alternative milk – Simple and dairy-free, and perfect for dipping cookies into!
- Optional: Sprinkles – For decoration after the glaze is applied.
How to Prepare and Apply the Glaze
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to whip up the glaze. It’s as simple as mixing, dipping, and decorating.
- Mix the ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water (or alternative milk).
- Adjust the texture. If the glaze feels too runny, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water until it loosens.
- Add color (optional). To make your glaze festive, divide it into separate bowls and stir in a few drops of food coloring. Red and green are classic choices, but you can experiment with metallics or pastels for a unique look.
- Apply the glaze. Once your cookies are fully cooled, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any extra drip back into the bowl. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the cookies.
- Decorate quickly. If you’re adding sprinkles, do it right after glazing each cookie, before it sets!
- Let them set. Place the glazed cookies on a cooling rack or parchment paper and let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. The glaze will firm up, leaving a matte, smooth surface.
Pro Tip:
Use a wire rack underneath your cookies when dipping or glazing so any excess can drip off cleanly without pooling under the cookies.
With just a little effort, you’ll have cookies that look and taste like they came straight out of a bakery. Whether you keep it classic or go all-in on festive flair, your coconut oil sugar cookies are sure to shine!
Adding Sprinkles without Artificial Dyes
Decorating cookies can be one of the most joyful parts of holiday baking, but finding sprinkles without artificial dyes can feel like a challenge. Synthetic dyes often contain unnecessary chemicals, and they’re not everyone’s cup of tea—especially when baking for kids or those with sensitivities. The good news is that there are plenty of options for naturally colored sprinkles that don’t compromise on looks or flavor. You can still have vibrant, festive cookies without the artificial additives.
Where to Buy Natural Sprinkles
Natural sprinkles are becoming easier to find thanks to the growing interest in clean, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, here are a few brands and places to look:
This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Supernatural Sprinkles
Made in the USA, Supernatural Christmas Softies Sprinkles bring joy without artificial dyes, titanium dioxide, and other questionable ingredients. Same with these Snowfall Sprinkles by Supernatural, their vibrant colors come from plants, soy free, making them allergy-safe. Unlike typical sprinkles, there’s no bug-derived glaze here—koshur and vegan friendly! They’re proof you don’t need weird additives to make baking fun and colorful. Perfect for people who care about what’s in their food.
Pro Tip: Always check the ingredient list when buying sprinkles. Look for mention of natural color sources like beet powder, turmeric, or spirulina. Avoid terms like “FD&C” or numbered dyes, which indicate synthetic ingredients.
With so many natural options available, decorating your coconut oil sugar cookies with clean sprinkles has never been easier—or more fun.
Perfect Holiday Presentation Ideas
Coconut oil sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but when it comes to the holidays, presentation can make them even more magical. Whether you’re giving them as gifts or serving them at a party, how you present your cookies can turn a simple treat into something unforgettable. Here’s how to take your cookie game to the next level this holiday season.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Turning your coconut oil sugar cookies into gifts? Packaging matters just as much as the cookies themselves. Here are some eco-friendly ways to present them beautifully while being mindful of the environment:
- Reusable Cookie Tins: Pick up vintage or modern tins at thrift stores or craft shops. Line them with unbleached parchment paper for a classy presentation. Once the cookies are enjoyed, the recipient can reuse the tin for storage!
- Glass Jars or Mason Jars: A classic choice that’s both functional and stylish. Stack your cookies neatly inside a jar, tie it with twine or a festive ribbon, and add a handwritten label or tag. Pro tip: Add a small sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick under the ribbon for a cozy, holiday vibe.
- Kraft Paper Boxes: Simple, sturdy, and recyclable. Decorate kraft boxes with washi tape, holiday stamps, or even a touch of greenery. Slide a piece of parchment paper inside to keep the cookies neat and fresh.
- Cloth Wraps: Use a piece of festive fabric or a dish towel to wrap a bundle of cookies. Tie the top with string or ribbon. This wrapping idea adds a personal, homemade touch and is completely waste-free!
- Paper Bags with Personality: Plain paper bags can be dressed up with festive stamps, stickers, or even your kids’ drawings. Fold the top, punch a hole, and secure it with ribbon or twine.
Going the extra mile with thoughtful, earth-friendly packaging not only makes your coconut oil sugar cookies look amazing but also shows you care about the planet.
Made these cookies? Tag me on Instagram @dearcancottage so I can see!
With these tips, your coconut oil sugar cookies will be the star of any holiday spread, whether they’re gifted or served at the table. Presentation transforms your baking into something special, and it doesn’t have to be complicated—just thoughtful. Nothing says holiday magic like cookies that look as good as they taste!
Wrapping Up Your Coconut Oil Sugar Cookie Experience
You truly don’t have to compromise festive flavor to use health-conscious ingredients. Using coconut oil not only makes them a great dairy-free alternative but also adds a light touch of natural sweetness that elevates their taste without overpowering. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and offer a warm, comforting taste that can rival any classic cookie recipe.
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