Description
Enjoy easy Summer Sugar Cookies with bright citrus and vanilla flavors and a tender, buttery (plant-based) texture perfect for sunny days and gatherings. These cookies are simple to make, versatile for customization, hold their shape well for decorating, and bring a refreshing treat to any warm weather celebration or everyday snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (plant-based), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup almond milk (plant-based)
Toppings and Variations (Optional)
- Natural colored sprinkles
- Finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or mint
- Toasted chopped almonds or pistachios
- Vegan glaze made with powdered sugar (natural), lemon juice, and natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter (plant-based) with the granulated sugar (natural) until fluffy. Then mix in the vanilla extract (natural), lemon zest, and almond milk (plant-based).
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into one inch diameter balls and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to firm up. Add any desired toppings or decorations while warm, such as a light dusting of powdered sugar (natural) or edible flower petals.
Notes
- Use softened room temperature butter (plant-based) for smooth dough and tender cookies.
- Chilling dough helps cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
- Fresh lemon zest provides the brightest citrus flavor.
- Remove cookies from oven when edges are lightly golden to keep centers soft and chewy.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cookies in sealed containers for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheat gently in a low oven for 3-5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: summer cookies, sugar cookies, plant-based cookies, citrus cookies, vegan cookies, easy baking, summer treats
