Vegan Vanilla Citrus Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Soft vanilla cookies with bright citrus zest, perfect for plant-based baking.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup refined coconut oil, melted and cooled
07 - 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
08 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tbsp vanilla extract
10 - 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
11 - 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
→ For Rolling
12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, melted coconut oil, plant-based milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest until well combined and slightly creamy.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in the extra sugar to coat evenly.
06 - Place balls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Gently press to flatten slightly.
07 - Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until edges are set and tops look matte. Do not overbake for soft texture.
08 - Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The citrus and vanilla dance together in a way that feels bright without being overwhelming
- These stay soft for days, making them perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself
02 -
- Melted coconut oil can seize if cold ingredients hit it too quickly, so let everything come to room temperature before mixing
- These continue baking on the hot sheet, so pulling them out when centers still look soft is the right move
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the coconut oil from solidifying into tiny lumps
- Use a microplane or fine grater for zest, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath