Vegan Orange Zest Almond Cookies: Easy Recipe

Craving a cookie that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make?

Look no further! These Vegan Orange Zest Almond Cookies are the answer to your sweet tooth prayers. Bursting with bright citrus flavor and a delightful almond crunch, they’re perfect for any occasion and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re incredibly flavorful, combining the zesty tang of orange with the nutty goodness of almonds.
• The texture is absolutely divine – slightly crisp edges with a chewy center.
• They’re vegan, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions, but trust us, everyone will love them!
• Preparation is quick and easy, requiring minimal effort and ingredients.
• They’re beautiful enough to impress at a gathering, yet simple enough to bake anytime the craving hits.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe stands out for its perfect balance of flavors and textures achieved through a few key techniques. First, we use finely ground almonds, which contribute to a beautifully delicate crumb without relying on eggs. The generous amount of orange zest provides a vibrant citrus punch that complements the nutty base, creating a cookie that’s both sophisticated and comforting. And finally, we use a gentle bake, to ensure they get that perfect balance between crisp edges and chewy middles.

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (120g) All-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60g) Finely ground almonds (almond flour) – The almond flour adds a lovely, nutty taste and a delicate texture.
• ½ cup (100g) Granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) Vegan butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons Orange zest (about 2 medium oranges) – The zest is essential for the characteristic bright, citrus flavor
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon Baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Add the non-dairy milk, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
7. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your cookies to the next level? Try these delicious options:

• Orange Glaze: Whisk together ½ cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until a smooth glaze forms. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
• Chopped Almonds: Sprinkle chopped almonds on top of the cookies before baking for an extra nutty crunch.

Expert Tips

• Make sure the vegan butter is softened to ensure it creams easily with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy base.
• Don’t overmix the dough; this can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor, avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them; this helps them set and prevents them from breaking.
• For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them – the centers will continue to set as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute another type of flour for all-purpose flour? While all-purpose flour works best for this recipe, you can try using a gluten-free blend; however, you may need to adjust the liquid to get the right consistency.
• Can I use orange extract instead of fresh zest? While orange extract can work in a pinch, fresh zest provides the most vibrant and authentic orange flavor. We highly recommend using the zest.
• How should I store these cookies? Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
• My cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong? This is usually a result of using butter that’s too warm, or not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and try adding a tablespoon or two more flour. Chilling the dough before baking can also help.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative and experiment with these fun variations:

• Lemon Almond Cookies: Substitute lemon zest for orange zest for a different citrus twist.
• Chocolate Chip Orange Almond Cookies: Add ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips to the dough for an indulgent treat.
• Spiced Orange Almond Cookies: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warming flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These delightful Vegan Orange Zest Almond Cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re a lovely treat to share with friends, bring to a potluck, or enjoy as a sweet ending to a meal. They also make a wonderful addition to any brunch spread.

Conclusion

These Vegan Orange Zest Almond Cookies are a delightful treat that are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. They are the perfect balance of citrusy zest, nutty crunch, and chewy texture. Don’t wait any longer – grab your ingredients and whip up a batch of these delicious cookies today. We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and make sure to subscribe for more yummy recipes.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

• Vegan Chocolate Mint Cookies
• Vegan Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
• Vegan Apple Cinnamon Cookies

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