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Vegan Lemon Curd Shortbread Cookies

These Vegan Lemon Curd Shortbread Cookies bring bright lemon flavor and a tender crunch in a plant-based treat that's guilt-free and gluten-free.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Curd
  • cup canned coconut milk (reduced fat) Full fat will also work.
  • cup organic cane sugar
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter
  • pinch turmeric for color Can omit.
For the Shortbread Cookies
  • 1 cup vegan butter (softened)
  • cup organic powdered sugar + more for dusting.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cup gluten free all purpose baking flour + more for dusting (measure for measure).
  • ¼ tsp finely ground salt

Method
 

Lemon Curd
  1. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a splash of the canned coconut milk to make a smooth slurry.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the remaining coconut milk, organic cane sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk to combine.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
  4. Cook over low heat, whisking, until the mixture thickens and holds on the spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tbsp vegan butter and a pinch of turmeric if using. Let cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge to firm up.
Shortbread Cookies
  1. In a bowl, beat 1 cup softened vegan butter with ⅔ cup powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Add 2 tsp vanilla extract and beat to combine.
  3. Slowly mix in 2 cups gluten free all purpose baking flour and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. If dough feels dry, add a teaspoon of coconut milk.
  4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to about ¼ inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut rounds.
  5. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm the butter.
  6. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just golden. Let cool on a rack.
  7. Once cookies cool, spoon a small dollop of chilled lemon curd on one cookie and top with another to make a sandwich or make thumbprint cookies by pressing a small well in each cookie and filling with curd.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

For a balanced snack, pair a cookie with a small handful of almonds or a cup of plain soy yogurt for extra protein. Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days if filled with curd. For longer life, freeze unfilled shortbread layers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then fill with chilled lemon curd when ready to serve.