Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that combines brightness, softness, and a hint of Mediterranean sunshine, these Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies are absolutely worth trying. Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and gently tender crumb, these cookies marry the richness of olive oil with the fresh zing of lemon in a way that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re vegan or simply love exploring different flavors, these cookies make for a vibrant, satisfying dessert or snack that’s easy to whip up and hard to forget.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies lies in their simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each component plays a special role, from the flour’s structure, to the olive oil’s silky fruitiness, and the lemon zest’s bright burst of citrus that wakes up your taste buds with every bite.
- 1½ cups flour: This forms the base and provides the tender structure for the cookies.
- ½ cup coconut sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a subtle caramel note enhancing the overall flavor.
- ⅓ cup olive oil: Gives moisture and a delicate fruity richness, replacing traditional butter beautifully.
- ¼ cup plant-based milk: Keeps the dough soft and blends all the ingredients perfectly.
- Zest of 1 lemon: The star ingredient that injects fresh, vibrant citrus aroma and tang.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring a light and soft texture.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors in the cookie.
How to Make Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake, giving your cookies an even, light golden color and a soft center.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and coconut sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients well helps distribute the rising agent and sweetness evenly throughout your dough.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil, Plant-Based Milk, and Lemon Zest
Pour in the olive oil, plant-based milk, and freshly grated lemon zest. Stir gently until everything comes together into a smooth, slightly sticky dough that holds well when shaped.
Step 4: Shape and Flatten the Cookies
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about the size of a walnut. Place them onto a baking tray lined with parchment, then gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to give them that classic cookie shape.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a subtle golden hue around the edges, signaling they’re perfectly baked while staying tender in the middle.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step is important as it helps them firm up just right and makes them easier to handle.
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies
Garnishes
Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by dusting the cookies lightly with powdered sugar or a zest of lemon right before serving. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint adds a refreshing twist that complements the lemon’s brightness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, which accentuate their fresh citrus character. Alternatively, a small bowl of fresh berries or a plant-based vanilla yogurt can make a delightful, light accompaniment to enjoy alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies with a layer of lemon-flavored vegan cream or cashew-based frosting in between to transform them into mini sandwich cakes for special occasions. Another fun idea is to dip half of each cookie into melted dark chocolate for an elegant and irresistible finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This locks in their moisture and keeps the lemon and olive oil flavors vibrant and fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours—they’ll taste just as delightful as fresh.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-baked softness, warm the cookies briefly in a low oven or microwave for just 10-15 seconds. This gentle heat brings back the olive oil’s natural fragrance and the cookies’ tender texture as if they were made moments ago.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sugar instead of coconut sugar?
Absolutely! While coconut sugar adds a lovely caramel undertone, you can substitute with brown sugar, maple sugar, or even regular granulated sugar. Just keep in mind that these may alter the flavor slightly.
What type of olive oil works best in these cookies?
For the best taste, choose a mild or medium-bodied extra virgin olive oil. Strong, peppery varieties might overpower the delicate lemon flavor, so a smoother oil is preferable.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe as is calls for regular flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make a gluten-free version. Just note the texture might vary slightly.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the dough?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in some finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds, or a handful of vegan chocolate chips for added texture and taste. Spices such as cardamom or a pinch of cinnamon also complement the lemon nicely.
How do these cookies compare to traditional butter cookies?
Thanks to the olive oil, these cookies have a tender crumb and a subtle fruity richness that’s different from butter-based cookies. They’re lighter, with a unique Mediterranean flair that’s wonderfully refreshing and less heavy.
Final Thoughts
If you love cookies that feel both comforting and refreshingly different, these Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cookies are a must-try. They’re simple to make, delicious to share, and offer a vibrant lemony twist perfect for any occasion. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll soon see why these have become such a personal favorite!
