Easy vegan lemon shortbread cookies that are crisp, flavorful, and dairy-free. Therefore, they are perfect for snacks, desserts, or parties.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 12–15 Cookies)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil or vegan butter, solid
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
First, preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
Then, cut in coconut oil or vegan butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add lemon juice and vanilla extract, and mix until a dough forms.
Roll dough into a log (about 1.5 inches thick), wrap in parchment, and chill for 30 minutes.
Slice chilled dough into ½-inch thick rounds and place on the baking tray.
Finally, bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Cookies
Firstly, chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
Additionally, use finely grated lemon zest for a more fragrant flavor.
Moreover, avoid overbaking to maintain a crisp but tender texture.
If desired, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for extra sweetness and zing.
🔄 Variations
- Glazed Version: Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice for a drizzle on top
- Almond Twist: Add ¼ cup finely chopped almonds or almond extract
- Coconut Flavor: Mix in 2 tbsp desiccated coconut for extra texture
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Mini Cookies: Make smaller rounds for bite-sized treats
💚 Health Benefits
Lemon zest and juice are rich in vitamin C, therefore supporting immunity.
Moreover, using plant-based fat reduces saturated fat content compared to traditional butter cookies.
Because they are egg-free and dairy-free, these cookies are easier to digest and suitable for vegan diets.
As a result, they are a flavorful, healthier alternative to classic shortbread.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
For kids, skip strong lemon juice for a milder flavor.
Additionally, slice cookies into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
Serve with plant-based milk or a small fruit side for a wholesome snack.
Finally, decorate with a light drizzle of vegan glaze or colorful sprinkles for extra appeal.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie – Approx.)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
