Deliciously Simple Vegan Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Vegan shortbread cookies? Yes, you read that right! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are surprisingly easy to make with just a few plant-based ingredients. No eggs, no dairy, just pure vegan goodness.

Mastering the Vegan Shortbread: Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Vegan Shortbread Cookie Recipe lies in its simplicity. You probably already have most of these pantry staples:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) vegan butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Baking Up a Batch: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to bake? Let’s get started:

1. Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that airy texture.
   Creaming vegan butter and sugar
2. Vanilla Infusion: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. Vanilla adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the buttery shortbread.
3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a consistent cookie texture.
4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cookies tough.
   Mixing dough for vegan shortbread cookies
5. Chill Out: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
6. Preheat & Prep: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape & Score: Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes, or simply slice the dough into squares or rectangles.
   Cutting shapes from chilled vegan shortbread dough
8. Prick It: Prick the tops of the cookies a few times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing air pockets from forming.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
   Perfectly baked vegan shortbread cookies
10. Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to firm up and develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Vegan Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Tips for Success

• Butter Softness is Key: Make sure your vegan butter is properly softened to room temperature. This will ensure it creams well with the sugar, resulting in a lighter texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies.
• Chilling is Essential: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Get Creative: Feel free to add your own personal touch to this versatile recipe. Try incorporating different extracts, like almond or lemon, for a flavor twist. You can also sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.

These vegan shortbread cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant soirees. They’re also a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

FAQs: Your Vegan Shortbread Queries Answered

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use coconut sugar instead of powdered sugar?

While you can experiment with different sugars, keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Coconut sugar tends to have a coarser texture and a slightly caramel-like flavor.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can! Fold in a handful of vegan chocolate chips to the dough before chilling for a deliciously decadent twist.

My cookies turned out a bit crumbly. What went wrong?

Crumbly cookies could be a sign of over-mixing the dough or not chilling it long enough. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you achieve your desired texture.

Now that you’re a vegan shortbread expert, go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills! And if you’re looking for other delightful vegan treats to whip up, be sure to check out our guide on how do i make vegan ice cream. Happy baking!