Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Lemon Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, stirring until the dough comes together into a soft, smooth ball.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently flatten each cookie to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze (optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional lemon zest if desired.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes, then enjoy your cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tips:
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Adjust Lemon Flavor: If you love a strong lemon flavor, add a bit more zest or an extra splash of lemon juice to the dough.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
These Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies are tender, zesty, and full of lemony goodness. They’re perfect for special occasions or just for a simple, sweet indulgence any day of the week!
