Description
Summer Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy treats bursting with fresh citrus and natural vanilla flavors. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and zest, these plant-based cookies brighten warm weather gatherings with a delightful lemon and orange aroma. They are easy to make with simple pantry staples, adaptable to various flavor variations, and ideal for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- Pinch of Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Plant-Based Butter, softened
- ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (natural)
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- Zest of 1 Orange
- ¼ cup Plant-Based Milk
- 1 Plant-Based Egg Substitute (e.g., flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial replacer)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure out all ingredients carefully so everything is ready to combine.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the plant-based butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create that incredible chewy texture.
- Incorporate Flavors and Binding Ingredients: Add vanilla extract (natural), lemon zest, orange zest, and your plant-based egg substitute. Mix well before slowly stirring in the plant-based milk, ensuring a smooth batter consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Shape and Bake: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to place rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly and stay tender.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons and oranges for zest to maximize fragrant, bright citrus flavor.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients just until blended to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- Refrigerate your dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spreading.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly every time.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: summer sugar cookies, plant-based cookies, citrus cookies, vegan sugar cookies, soft chewy cookies
