Vegan Yuzu Vanilla Sugar Cookies (Print Version)

Soft, fragrant cookies with bright yuzu citrus and warm vanilla. Easy plant-based treats perfect for tea time.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking soda
03 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
04 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
07 - 1/4 cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)
08 - 2 tbsp yuzu juice
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
10 - 1 tbsp yuzu zest (about 1 yuzu)
11 - 1/4 cup plant-based milk (soy, almond, or oat)

→ For Rolling

12 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

# Step-by-step Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add the oil, yuzu juice, vanilla extract, and yuzu zest to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until incorporated.
05 - Stir in the plant-based milk until fully combined with the wet mixture.
06 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Do not overmix.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into smooth balls, and coat each ball generously in granulated sugar.
08 - Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing approximately 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
09 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should remain slightly soft.
10 - Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The yuzu creates this impossibly bright fragrance that fills your entire house while baking
  • These cookies manage to be both comforting and sophisticated at the same time
  • They stay soft for days which is dangerous because you will want to eat them all
02 -
  • Underbaking slightly is better than overbaking. These continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
  • If you cannot find yuzu, a mix of lime and grapefruit juice gets you close but the real thing is worth seeking out.
  • The dough benefits from 30 minutes in the fridge if it is too warm to handle.
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients make a huge difference in how the dough comes together
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing. This ensures even baking.

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