Best Vegan Cookie Recipes Lemon Flavor to Try Now

Updated On: October 5, 2025

When life gives you lemons, why not bake the most delightful batch of vegan lemon cookies? These zesty treats are perfect for anyone craving a fresh, tangy twist on classic cookies without any animal products.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to try something new, these recipes blend the bright flavors of lemon with the softness of vegan baking to create irresistible cookies that will brighten your day.

In this post, you’ll find the best vegan lemon cookie recipes that balance tartness and sweetness effortlessly. From soft and chewy to crisp and crumbly, these cookies suit every mood and occasion.

Plus, they’re easy to make with common pantry staples and minimal fuss. Get ready to impress friends, family, or just treat yourself with these vibrant, dairy-free delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan lemon cookies are a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. The fresh lemon zest and juice provide a bright citrus punch that wakes up your taste buds, while the vegan butter and plant-based milk ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.

Not only are they delicious, but these cookies are also:

  • Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
  • Allergy-friendly, free from eggs and dairy.
  • Perfect for any occasion – from afternoon tea to festive gatherings.
  • Customizable with add-ins like poppy seeds or a lemon glaze.

Plus, the recipes include tips for making your cookies extra moist or delightfully crisp, so you can tailor your baking experience exactly to your liking.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for a tender cookie.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda – for gentle leavening.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – to balance sweetness.
  • ½ cup vegan butter, softened – adds richness and moisture.
  • ¾ cup organic cane sugar – for sweetness and caramel notes.
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest – packs intense citrus flavor.
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – enhances the lemony aroma.
  • ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat) – to bind and soften.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor.
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons poppy seeds or chopped nuts for texture.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Optional: Cookie scoop

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream the vegan butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened vegan butter and cane sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  5. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  6. Optional add-ins: Fold in poppy seeds or nuts if using, for added texture and flavor.
  7. Shape the cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but soft.
  9. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Enjoy: Serve your vegan lemon cookies with a hot cup of tea or your favorite plant-based milk.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of lemon flavor, try adding a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice drizzled over cooled cookies.”

  • Make them crispier: Bake an extra 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend at a 1:1 ratio.
  • Add a glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice and drizzle over cooled cookies for a bright finish.
  • Poppy seed lemon cookies: Add 2 tablespoons poppy seeds for a delightful crunch and classic combination.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Cookie (approx.)
Calories 110 kcal
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Carbohydrates 16 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 8 g
Protein 1 g

Serving Suggestions

These vegan lemon cookies are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal or enjoy them with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

For a party, arrange them on a platter alongside other vegan treats like Marzipan Challah or the delightful Magic Dough Recipe to create a stunning spread.

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with lemon-flavored vegan cream cheese or your favorite fruit jam. They also pair beautifully with citrusy cocktails or mocktails, making them a hit at gatherings.

Conclusion

These vegan lemon cookie recipes bring a sunshine-filled burst of flavor to your baking repertoire. They are easy to prepare, perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.

Whether you prefer a soft, chewy cookie or a crisp, delicate bite, these recipes have you covered.

Experiment with the tips and variations to make these cookies your own. And while you’re exploring plant-based baking, don’t miss out on other delicious vegan recipes like the Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the delightful Julie Marie Eats Recipes.

Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the bright aroma of fresh lemons!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Lemon Cookies

Description: Deliciously tangy and soft vegan lemon cookies perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and full of fresh lemon flavor.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream vegan butter and sugar until fluffy.
  4. Mix in lemon juice, lemon zest, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  6. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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