Nothing brightens up a baking session like the delightful burst of flavor from the Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe. These cookies perfectly balance zesty lemon and sweet blueberries in tender, gluten-free almond flour dough, finishing with a charming crinkle effect dusted in powdered sugar. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, vegan, or simply chasing a refreshingly fruity treat, this recipe is your new go-to for sharing smiles and sunshine on any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting the perfect cookie. From the rich almond flour base to the zingy lemon zest and juicy dried blueberries, every component contributes to the cookie’s irresistible taste, texture, and vibrant appearance.
- Almond Flour: Provides a naturally gluten-free, nutty base with a moist, tender crumb.
- Cornstarch: Helps give the cookies a delicate, soft texture and perfect crinkle.
- Baking Soda: The leavening agent that ensures just enough rise for light, airy bites.
- Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness and citrus flavors.
- Cashew Butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle nutty richness that ties everything together.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that complements lemon and blueberry without overpowering.
- Lemon Juice: Infuses bright acidity for that unmistakable fresh lemon zing.
- Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon fragrance and flavor, making each bite lively.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Almond Extract: Enhances the almond flour’s natural notes, boosting complexity.
- Dried Blueberries: Chewy pockets of sweet-tart goodness that pop with every bite.
- Powdered Sugar: For that classic crinkle cookie look and an extra touch of sweetness on the outside.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by gathering all your ingredients because having everything ready makes baking so much smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation that shapes your cookie’s texture and ensures even flavor throughout.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the cashew butter, maple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pro tip: zest your lemon before cutting it, so you don’t miss out on that fragrant zest.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring until you form a slightly sticky dough. This is where the magic begins to take shape as flavors meld and textures start to come alive.
Step 5: Fold in Dried Blueberries
Gently fold the dried blueberries into your dough, distributing them evenly without breaking them apart. These blueberries add that lovely chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor that sets these cookies apart.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Use a cookie scoop (around 1 ¾ inch) or a spoon to portion your dough into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until evenly coated. This step is key to achieving the classic crinkle cookie look and an extra sugary touch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the coated dough balls on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 16-18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the cookie tops show those signature cracks. You’ll end up with 10-12 beautiful cookies, depending on your scoop size.
How to Serve Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving can brighten the presentation and enhance the sweet-tart flavor. For a fun twist, add a thin slice of lemon or a few fresh blueberries on the side for a colorful, edible accent.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold almond milk. Their refreshing lemon notes complement light beverages perfectly, making snack time something to truly savor.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange your Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe on a pretty platter lined with lemon leaves or edible flowers to elevate the experience. You can also stack them in a clear jar or gift box tied with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. Avoid refrigeration to keep their perfect cookie texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months — just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh your cookies’ soft texture after storage, warm them briefly in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat brings back that freshly baked feel to every bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute cashew butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond or sunflower seed butter works well, though it can slightly change the flavor and texture. Just choose a creamy version for the best dough consistency.
Are fresh blueberries okay instead of dried?
Fresh blueberries have more moisture, which can affect the dough. If you want to use fresh, reduce the lemon juice slightly and maybe add a bit more almond flour to maintain the dough’s firmness.
Is it possible to make these cookies soy-free?
This recipe is naturally soy-free as it uses almond flour and nut butters. Just double-check your extracts and dried blueberries to ensure no hidden soy ingredients.
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
You can, but it will no longer be gluten free. Using all-purpose flour will produce a different texture—chewier and less tender. For true Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe results, almond flour is best.
How do I get the signature crinkle effect on these cookies?
Rolling the slightly sticky dough balls generously in powdered sugar before baking creates that iconic cracked surface as the cookies expand and bake.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a cookie that’s vibrant, delicious, and friendly to a variety of diets, the Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe is a must-try. The combination of bright lemon, juicy blueberries, and tender almond flour dough makes for an unforgettable treat that’s easy to whip up and impossible not to love. Give this recipe a whirl and let these cookies add a zingy touch of joy to your day!
PrintVegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies (Gluten Free) Recipe
These Vegan Lemon Blueberry Crinkle Cookies are a delightful gluten-free treat bursting with fresh lemon zest and tangy dried blueberries. Made with almond flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these cookies are perfectly soft with a crackled powdered sugar exterior, ideal for a light, refreshing snack or dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Almond Flour (6 oz or 170 grams)
- ½ Tablespoon Cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Cashew Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest (about 1 large lemon)
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Almond Extract
Add-ins and Coating
- 3 ounces Dried Blueberries (about a heaping ½ cup)
- ½ cup Powdered Sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare and preheat: Gather all your ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to create a smooth base for the dough.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the cashew butter, maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and well incorporated. This step helps distribute flavors evenly throughout the dough.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and stir gently until a uniform, slightly sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate dried blueberries: Fold the dried blueberries carefully into the dough to distribute them evenly without breaking them, adding delightful bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Shape and coat cookies: Using a cookie scoop (about 1 ¾ inch) or spoon, portion the dough into individual balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated to create the signature crinkle effect after baking.
- Bake: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until edges turn golden and the cookie surfaces crack. Let cool before serving for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure to zest the lemon before juicing for maximum flavor without waste.
- If you don’t have cashew butter, almond butter or another nut butter can be substituted, keeping the same quantity.
- For a sweeter cookie, adjust maple syrup slightly upward but be cautious as too much can affect texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Be gentle when folding in dried blueberries to prevent crushing and discoloring the dough.