Easy 3-Ingredient SunButter Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Gluten-Free & Vegan Holiday Treat

Discover how to make delightful 3-ingredient “sugar” cookies that are entirely gluten-free and grain-free, crafted with creamy SunButter! Perfect for the holidays, these festive treats are elevated with vibrant red and green sprinkles.

As the air turns crisp and the festive season approaches, many of us find ourselves torn between enjoying the present and eagerly anticipating the holidays. Have you already started decorating for the holidays, or are you like me, taking things one celebration at a time?

Historically, I’ve always held a firm rule: one holiday at a time. This means I’d still be deeply immersed in perfecting my Thanksgiving menu, ensuring every dish is a culinary masterpiece. However, I’ve heard from many friends who’ve already decked their halls and set up their Christmas trees, ready to embrace the Yuletide spirit early this year. And honestly, I wholeheartedly support it, especially given the unique circumstances we’ve all faced. With so many of us spending more time at home, why not make our living spaces as cozy and Christmas-y as possible, for as long as we can?

While my decorations may not be up yet, and my gift-giving list is still in its nascent stages, I did receive my annual snowman Christmas cards in the mail. If you’ve been a longtime reader, you might know that sending out Christmas cards is a cherished tradition of mine. I recently tried to explain this to M, who simply chuckled and shook his head in amusement. Yes, I’ve been sending snowman Christmas cards since I was sixteen, and yes, I fully intend to continue this tradition indefinitely. There’s a unique joy in sending and receiving snail mail that feels incredibly special and personal, a warmth that digital communication often can’t replicate.

The only thing that might come close to the joy of receiving a thoughtful card is the delight of baking and sharing Christmas cookies. And today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe for a truly simple, wholesome, and wonderfully festive cookie that ticks all the boxes. These delightful treats are entirely grain-free, refined-sugar-free, and oil-free, making them a fantastic choice for a wide range of dietary preferences. You can whip up these incredible SunButter Sugar Cookies with just three essential ingredients, transforming them into a show-stopping holiday treat!

The Magic of SunButter in Your Sugar Cookies

Ah, sugar cookies. They’re a seasonal staple, a classic addition to any holiday cookie platter. But to be completely honest, traditional sugar cookies were never my personal favorite. For me, they often fell into the category of things that are always better in concept than in execution – much like attempting back-to-back movie marathons or a lengthy bar-hopping adventure. I’ve always been a devoted fan of chocolate, and plain sugar cookies often felt, well, a bit too “vanilla” for my taste.

But friends, that was before I discovered the magic of making them with SunButter. This incredible ingredient completely transforms the classic sugar cookie experience, infusing it with a rich, nutty depth that’s utterly irresistible. Forget everything you thought you knew about simple sugar cookies; these SunButter variations are a game-changer.

Crafting Flourless Sugar Cookies with Ease

These magnificent SunButter Sugar Cookies are lovingly adapted from my highly popular Vegan Peanut Butter “Kiss” Cookies, a true classic on the blog. Every time I prepare that recipe, I’m genuinely surprised by how flawlessly they “work” despite being entirely vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free. By “work,” I mean they consistently achieve that perfect crispy, buttery-like texture and a delightfully rich, nutty flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

If you’ve had the pleasure of trying them, you know exactly the exquisite taste and texture I’m describing. If not, I highly recommend adding them to your baking list – right after you’ve made this sensational SunButter version! Since I hadn’t quite settled on a vegan sugar cookie recipe that truly captivated my palate, I decided to get a little creative and develop one that I truly adored, and SunButter proved to be the secret ingredient. You are going to absolutely fall in love with this incredibly easy sugar cookie recipe, made with wholesome sunflower seed butter and beautifully rolled in colorful, festive sprinkles!

Essential Ingredients for Your SunButter Sugar Cookies

The beauty of these SunButter Sugar Cookies lies in their incredible simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients for maximum flavor and festive appeal. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful treats:

• A homemade flax “egg” (a simple blend of ground flaxseed and filtered water, acting as a perfect binder).
• Organic SunButter – the star ingredient that provides the creamy texture and nutty flavor, while keeping them completely nut-free.
• Unrefined coconut sugar – a natural sweetener that lends a subtle caramel note and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
• Red and green sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended for that festive holiday touch!).

That’s truly all it takes! After reviewing this short list of ingredients, you might be thinking, “But Lauren, aren’t these just SunButter cookies?” And perhaps, yes, you’re right! But who ever dictated that sugar cookies must adhere to a specific taste profile? These cookies are wonderfully nutty, perfectly sweet without being cloyingly so, and, if I do say so myself, incredibly festive. They redefine what a “sugar cookie” can be, offering a healthier, allergy-friendly alternative without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or holiday cheer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking SunButter Sugar Cookies

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delightful treats.

First, ensure your baking station is prepared. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Next, prepare your flax “egg.” In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of filtered water. Stir well and set it aside for approximately 5 minutes to allow it to gel and thicken, forming a perfect vegan egg substitute.

Once your flax egg has gelled, add the Organic SunButter and unrefined coconut sugar to the bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. The dough should come together into a firm, yet slightly sticky, consistency that is easy to roll.

Now for the fun part: shaping your cookies! Use a cookie dough scoop, ideally one that measures about 1 tablespoon, to create uniform balls of dough. Consistency in size helps ensure even baking.

When it comes to decorating with sprinkles, you have a couple of creative options! You can either drop each dough ball directly into a bowl of red and green sprinkles, rolling them gently to achieve an all-over festive coating before flattening. Alternatively, you can place the dough balls directly onto your prepared cookie sheet, flatten them into a classic crisscross pattern using a fork, and then generously sprinkle the red and green decor on top. Feel free to mix and match or even create your own unique sprinkle patterns for an extra visual appeal!

It’s important to note that this dough tends to spread more than you might anticipate as the SunButter warms in the oven. To prevent your cookies from merging into one giant cookie sheet creation, I highly recommend spacing them out at least 1-2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Additionally, avoid flattening the cookies too much with your fork, as they will naturally expand and achieve a larger shape during baking.

Bake your SunButter Sugar Cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until you notice the edges beginning to turn a beautiful golden brown. The underside of the cookies should also be golden.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect SunButter Sugar Cookies

For the best results, remember this crucial advice: **DO NOT OVERBAKE THESE COOKIES!** Given the naturally brownish hue of the dough from the SunButter and coconut sugar, it can sometimes be a little challenging to determine when they are perfectly done. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and remove them from the oven slightly early rather than risk over-baking.

Don’t be alarmed if the cookies appear a bit underdone or soft when you first take them out of the oven. This is completely normal! They will continue to set and firm up beautifully as they cool on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely and harden before handling or serving to ensure they maintain their perfect texture.

Any leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days, preserving their freshness and deliciousness. For longer-term enjoyment, these cookies also freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal candidate for preparing in advance. This makes them a fantastic option for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply having a stash of healthy, delightful treats on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Creative Ways to Serve SunButter Sugar Cookies

These SunButter Sugar Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly fun to make and share! Imagine the joy of baking these with your family and friends during the holiday season. With a minimal prep time and a quick bake time of just 10-12 minutes, you’ll have warm, fresh cookies ready in no time, leaving more moments for shared laughter and holiday cheer.

What makes these cookies truly special is their universal appeal. They are a wonderful option for virtually anyone at your holiday gathering because they are entirely nut-free, dairy-free, and grain-free. This recipe is a blessing for those avoiding gluten, dairy, or nuts, or anyone simply seeking a healthier, yet utterly satisfying, holiday treat. You can confidently place a platter of these cookies on your holiday table, knowing that everyone, regardless of their dietary needs, can comfortably grab one and enjoy a delicious bite without worry.

But don’t limit these fantastic cookies to just Christmas! While the red and green sprinkles instantly evoke holiday festivity, the versatility of this recipe extends far beyond December. You can easily customize these cookies for almost any occasion by simply changing the color and shape of your sprinkles. Think pink and blue for baby showers, vibrant green for Saint Patrick’s Day, or soft pastels for an Easter celebration. The possibilities are endless!

And if you’re not celebrating a specific event, these cookies are equally delightful enjoyed solo. They are a solid, sweet SunButter cookie that’s genuinely good for you, making them a perfect everyday treat or a wholesome pick-me-up. Enjoy every delicious, guilt-free bite!

More Vegan & Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed these SunButter Sugar Cookies and are looking for more delicious, health-conscious options for your holiday baking, you’re in luck! I’ve curated a collection of my favorite vegan and gluten-free cookie recipes that are perfect for festive gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging in a wholesome treat. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and often caters to various dietary needs, ensuring there’s something delightful for everyone.

• Flourless Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Raspberry-Beet Almond Flour Cookies

• Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oil-Free Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies

• Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

• Salted Cashew Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Cinnamon SunButter Star Cookies

• Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Tahini Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

• Dark Chocolate Chunk Muesli Snack Cookies

• Almond Butter Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Almond Flour Cashew Butter Snickerdoodles

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

• Vegan Shortbread Cookies

• Orange Hazelnut Cookies

• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

• Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate “Kiss” Cookies

• 4-Ingredient Maple Sesame Tahini Cookies

Share Your SunButter Sugar Cookie Creations!

I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations, especially when they’re inspired by my recipes! If you decide to make these delightful SunButter Sugar Cookies, please don’t hesitate to share your experience.

Be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review right here on the blog. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps me continue to create more delicious and wholesome recipes for you to enjoy.

Also, give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show me your beautiful cookie creations. I love seeing how you make these recipes your own!

For more inspiration and to discover other healthy and delicious recipes, check out my Pinterest page. You can easily pin recipes like this one to save for later or to plan your next baking adventure.

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XO Lauren

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This post is brought to you by SunButter, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!

Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen