If you love the bright and zesty flavor of lemon, these vegan lemon cookies are sure to become your new favorite treat! With a soft and buttery texture, these cookies are infused with fresh lemon juice and zest, making them incredibly refreshing. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to whip up the best vegan lemon cookies ever!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• ½ cup (110g) vegan butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 medium lemon)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons soy milk (or any non-dairy milk)

For the Lemon Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Lemon Flavor:
   • Mix in the lemon extract and lemon zest until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough may seem crumbly at first, but it will come together. If needed, add the soy milk gradually until you achieve a dough that holds together.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand or a fork.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
   • While the cookies cool, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
9. Glaze the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle or spread the lemon glaze over each cookie.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    • These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for both juice and zest.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in both the cookies and glaze based on your taste preferences.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.

These vegan lemon cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying a refreshing twist! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for an extra delightful treat!