“These Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies are a delightful fit for any occasion, balancing sweetness with a nutty crunch.”
When I first tasted vegan shortbread cookies, I was pleasantly surprised by their rich flavor and delightful texture. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, bringing together the tartness of cranberries and the nuttiness of almonds. With simple ingredients and an effortless preparation method, these treats will quickly become a favorite in your household!
Table of Contents
Why Should You Try Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies This Season?
“These cookies are not only delicious but also a healthy option for your next dessert.”
This recipe for Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies is worth trying right now due to its comforting blend of flavors and perfect crunchy texture. The marriage of sweet cranberries with crunchy almonds and vegan butter creates a delightful treat that’s ideal for holidays or gatherings. Plus, they are made with wholesome ingredients, providing an indulgence that feels guilt-free. Each bite brings warmth and joy, encouraging you to share them with loved ones at your next family gathering. Try these delicious cranberry bites too!
What Makes This Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Unique?
“Unlike traditional shortbread, this version uses vegan butter and features sweet cranberries.”
Vegan Butter Benefits
The use of vegan butter in this recipe not only provides a dairy-free option but also helps in achieving that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of shortbread cookies. It gives a rich flavor without any animal products, making these cookies accessible for everyone.
Highlighting Cranberries
Cranberries complement the sweetness of the powdered sugar and add a lovely burst of flavor in every bite. Their natural tartness balances the richness of the dough, creating a delightful contrast that’s sure to please any palate.
Texture and Flavor Balance
This cookie balances a crumbly texture with a satisfying crunch from the finely chopped almonds. They add nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste, ensuring that each cookie has a perfect combination of sweetness and nuttiness. Learn more about the benefits of almonds.
What Ingredients Do You Need for These Delightful Cookies?
“Gather these ingredients to make your own batch of delicious vegan cookies.”
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Salted Vegan Butter | 12 tbsp, room temperature |
| Powdered Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Almond Extract | 3/4 tsp |
| Chopped Almonds | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped Cranberries | 3/4 cup |
| All-purpose Flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| Vanilla Extract (Optional) | 1/2 tsp |
Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the flavorful depth of these cookies. Vegan butter is the star here, offering a buttery consistency without dairy. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. Almonds give texture and flavor, while cranberries introduce a tart contrast that brightens the overall sweetness, making each bite delightful!
How Do You Make Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies Step-by-Step?
“Following these steps will ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time!”
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a medium-sized bowl, cream the vegan butter and the powdered sugar together until you achieve a light and fluffy consistency. This is crucial for the cookie’s texture!
Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the almond extract, followed by the all-purpose flour, stirring until the mixture takes on a crumbly consistency.
Step 3: Incorporate Cranberries and Almonds
Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds and cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Press the dough gently into a ball.
| Measure | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 mins |
| Cook Time | 11 mins |
| Chill Time | 30 mins |
| Nutritional Values (per cookie) | Approx. 90 calories |
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured or parchment-lined surface. Roll the dough into a log shape about 12 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. If the dough feels too crumbly, using plastic wrap can help form the log.
Wrap the log tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for convenience. This step is crucial for cutting smooth cookie slices.
Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Unwrap the dough and slice it into ½ inch wide discs, producing about 18-24 cookies. Place them about 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them; you want the edges to be just lightly golden. If you prefer a crisper cookie, bake them for up to 13 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar just before serving! Explore more delicious cookie recipes!
How Can You Customize Your Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies?
“There’s plenty of room for creativity in this recipe!”
Dietary Swaps
You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to create a gluten-free version of these cookies. This allows everyone to enjoy them without any dietary restrictions.
Flavor Variations
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for wonderful warmth that perfectly complements the cranberries and almonds. You could also replace the cranberries with chopped dried apricots or dates! Check out this delicious dessert recipe.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are perfect with a cup of herbal tea or coffee and make an excellent addition to dessert platters at gatherings. You could also pair them with a vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
| Serving Ideas | Pairing Suggestions |
|---|---|
| With herbal tea | Smoothies |
| As dessert on plate | Fruit Salad |
Final Thoughts on Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
These Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies deliver a sweet and nutty experience that’s hard to resist. They’re simple to make, with ingredients that enrich both flavor and texture. I encourage you to bake a batch for family gatherings, bring them to holiday parties, or simply enjoy them with a warm cup of tea at home. Looking for more festive treats? Explore my collection of the 10 best Christmas desserts to bake this season.
Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest! Check out my Pinterest for more baking ideas!
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of vegan butter?
Yes, margarine can be used instead of vegan butter in this recipe. However, ensure that it is labeled vegan and check the ingredients for any animal products. Margarine tends to have higher water content, which can lead to a slightly different texture, so keep that in mind when making the swap.
What can I substitute if I don’t have powdered sugar?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until fine. Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar, but it might give a slightly different flavor.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies can last in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. For extended freshness, consider storing them in the refrigerator, where they can last about two weeks.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and cut the cookies as per the instructions.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavors by adding spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the taste. You can also try using different extracts like vanilla or lemon to create unique flavor profiles.
Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
Vegan Cranberry Almond Shortbread Cookies with holiday spices and a perfect crunch.
- Total Time: 71 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- Salted Vegan Butter – 12 tbsp, room temperature
- Powdered Sugar – 1/2 cup
- Almond Extract – 3/4 tsp
- Chopped Almonds – 1/4 cup
- Chopped Cranberries – 3/4 cup
- All-purpose Flour – 1 3/4 cups
- Vanilla Extract (Optional) – 1/2 tsp
Instructions
- Cream the vegan butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add almond extract and stir in the all-purpose flour until crumbly.
- Fold in the chopped almonds and cranberries, then form the dough into a ball.
- Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the dough into discs and place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Customizations include adding spices or using gluten-free flour.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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