Vegan Orange Vanilla Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Bright vegan sugar cookies with orange zest and vanilla. Tender centers and crisp edges; makes 24.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1/2 cup melted coconut oil or softened vegan butter
06 - 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
09 - 1 tablespoon orange zest
→ For Rolling
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the melted coconut oil or vegan butter, non-dairy milk, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
04 - Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
05 - Scoop dough using a tablespoon measure, roll each portion into a ball, then coat in the reserved granulated sugar.
06 - Arrange dough balls on prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Gently press each ball flat with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
07 - Bake 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft.
08 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- When you bite in, the orange zest comes alive in a way that feels like a little kitchen secret.
- They're tender, gently crisp at the edges, and stay soft enough to tuck into lunchboxes or share at a last-minute coffee catchup.
02 -
- If you bake these too long, you lose their magical softness—set a timer, trust the pale color.
- When I finally tried freshly zested orange instead of bottled juice, it made all the difference in fragrance and flavor.
03 -
- Measuring flour lightly—never packed—makes the difference between dense and dreamy.
- Rolling the cookies in sugar before flattening is the secret to their signature crackled appearance.