The Best Vegan Lemon Cookies
If you have a penchant for all things lemon, we're destined to be fast friends! There's an undeniable allure to that zesty lemon flavour that takes sweet treats to a whole new level. These remarkably simple vegan lemon cookies are a lemon lover's paradise and offer a delightful way to utilise any leftover lemons you might have on hand. If you've been on the hunt for the best vegan lemon cookie recipe, you've landed in the right spot.
In this recipe, we’ll incorporate the zest of two lemons to infuse these vegan treats with bold lemony goodness that strikes the perfect balance—though you can always amplify the lemony kick with a touch more lemon juice if you desire. These vegan lemon cookies are not only egg-free but also soy and flaxseed-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Why You'll Love These Vegan Lemon Cookies
The best vegan lemon cookies are soft, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. What makes these cookies stand out is their simplicity and the vibrant lemon flavour that shines through in every bite. Whether you're new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees fantastic results every time.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Lemon Cookies
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh lemons for the zest and juice to get the most vibrant flavour.
Proper Measuring: Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, to avoid dry or overly dense cookies.
Do Not Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbake. They should be slightly golden around the edges but soft in the middle.
Ingredients for Vegan Lemon Cookies
For this easy vegan lemon cookie recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
vegan butter
white sugar
brown sugar
vanilla extract
lemon juice
lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
plain flour
bi-carb soda
salt
Variations to Try
Extra Lemon Kick: Add more lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract for an even more intense lemon flavour.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Lemon Cookies
Why Refrigerating the Dough is Essential
Chilling the dough is not just a suggestion; it's a game-changer. When the dough is chilled, the fats solidify. This results in less spreading when the cookies are baked. Moreover, chilling the dough allows the flour to fully hydrate, which enhances the texture and flavour of the cookies.
Why the 18-Minute Cooling Period Works
Allowing your freshly baked cookies to cool on the tray for 18 minutes might seem lengthy, but it's the perfect timing I've discovered. This period lets the cookies finish cooking and firm up without becoming too hard. The result is a cookie that's chewy on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges.
Serving and Storing Vegan Lemon Cookies
These vegan lemon cookies are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee, or pack them as a sweet snack for picnics and gatherings.
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them as needed.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute white and brown sugar with coconut sugar or another sweetener of your choice, but it may alter the flavour and texture slightly.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand. Just roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this vegan lemon cookie recipe, feel free to try your hand at these related recipes:
There you have it—an easy and delightful recipe for the best vegan lemon cookies. Perfectly tangy, soft, and full of vibrant lemon flavour, these cookies are sure to become a favourite in your vegan baking repertoire. Happy baking!
INGREDIENTS
Vegan Lemon Cookies - Easy Vegan Cookie Recipes
1 cup vegan butter, melted
¾ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
4 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
2.5 cups plain flour
1 tsp bi carb soda
½ tsp salt
METHOD
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine vegan butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
In another generous mixing bowl, blend the flour, bi-carb soda, and salt. Combine these dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for approximately 10-20 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Scoop out roughly a tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball. Place these dough balls on a prepared baking tray and into the oven for about 10-12 minutes (adjust according to your desired level of firmness). Allow the cookies to cool for an additional 18 minutes.
