Vegan Lemon Cookies Recipe That Everyone Will Love

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft, these vegan lemon cookies are the perfect treat to brighten up any day. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe offers a delightful burst of fresh lemon flavor combined with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, these cookies are not only easy to prepare but also free from any animal products, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

These cookies are great for sharing at gatherings, gifting during holidays, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they come together quickly, requiring only basic ingredients you likely have on hand.

If you love the refreshing taste of lemon and crave a sweet treat that’s both healthy and delicious, keep reading to discover how to make these scrumptious vegan lemon cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan lemon cookies recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. The use of fresh lemon juice and zest ensures a vibrant citrus punch in every bite, while the plant-based ingredients keep the cookies soft and chewy without any eggs or dairy.

What’s more, these cookies are versatile—you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. They’re naturally free of cholesterol and perfect for anyone following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or new to plant-based cooking, this recipe is foolproof and rewarding.

Looking for more tasty vegan treats? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a rich and naturally sweet dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant milk)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Zester or fine grater
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky. If too dry, add a splash more almond milk; if too wet, add a bit more flour.
5. Form the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball gently with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to form a cookie shape.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. The centers may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely for the best texture.
8. Enjoy: Serve your vegan lemon cookies with your favorite plant-based milk or tea. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

For an extra zing, add 1/2 tsp of lemon extract along with the vanilla for more pronounced lemon flavor.

If you prefer a sweeter cookie, sprinkle some organic cane sugar or turbinado sugar on top of the cookies before baking for a delightful crunch.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. This will help maintain the chewy texture.

You can also tweak the recipe by adding 1/4 cup of finely chopped pistachios or almonds for a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the lemon flavor.

Want a lemon glaze? Mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for a shiny, sweet finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan lemon cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or green tea, enhancing their refreshing citrus notes. Serve them alongside a chilled glass of almond or oat milk for an afternoon snack or light dessert.

For special occasions, consider stacking the cookies with layers of vegan lemon curd or dairy-free cream cheese frosting for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress guests.

If you enjoy this lemony delight, you might also love exploring other fresh and flavorful vegan recipes like our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting your plant-based cooking journey, these vegan lemon cookies are a delightful addition to your recipe collection. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a tender, soft texture that everyone will appreciate.

Using simple and wholesome ingredients, this recipe makes baking easy and enjoyable, while also catering to various dietary needs.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive celebrations. Plus, they’re a wonderful way to incorporate fresh citrus into your diet in a fun and delicious way.

For more inspiring vegan recipes and plant-based meal ideas, be sure to explore our other favorites like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. Happy baking and enjoy every zesty bite!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Lemon Cookies”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These vegan lemon cookies are soft, tangy, and sweet with a bright citrus flavor. Perfect for a light treat or afternoon snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT12M”, “totalTime”: “PT27M”, “recipeYield”: “12 cookies”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 teaspoon baking soda”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/2 cup vegan butter, softened”, “3/4 cup granulated sugar”, “1/4 cup powdered sugar”, “1/4 cup fresh lemon juice”, “1 tablespoon lemon zest”, “1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, beat vegan butter with sugars until creamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, applesauce, and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Scoop dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “1 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “22 g”}}