Delight in the zesty essence of these homemade vegan lemon shortbread cookies, a harmonious fusion of citrus and buttery sweetness. Crafted with vegan butter, powdered sugar, and a vibrant burst of lemon zest and juice, these cookies encapsulate a sunny, tangy flavor in each bite. The velvety texture of shortbread offers a gentle crumble that melts in your mouth, delivering a satisfyingly subtle crunch. Baked to a golden hue, these treats present a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, inviting you to revel in the simplicity of a classic cookie, now transformed into a vegan-friendly delight. Savor the refreshing zest of lemon and the comforting richness of shortbread, making these cookies a delightful addition to any occasion or a serene moment of personal indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Zest of 1-2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the bowl, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the dough into small balls or shape it into rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with a fork or the bottom of a glass to create a cookie shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for added sweetness and decoration.
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving, assuming 12 cookies per batch):
- Calories: Around 150-180 calories per cookie
- Total Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Saturated Fat: Around 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1g
- Sugars: Approximately 5-8g
- Protein: Around 1-2g