Effortless Indulgence: 3-Ingredient Vegan & Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies with Prosecco

Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies that are entirely vegan and gluten-free, crafted with just three simple ingredients. These dairy-free delights are the perfect accompaniment to a crisp glass of Prosecco, creating an elegant and accessible treat for any celebration.

Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures and Sweet Celebrations

Recently, I reached out to my community on Instagram, asking everyone to share one positive highlight from the past year. The response was truly heartwarming and incredibly vast.

I was moved to tears reading countless messages detailing beautiful life events: weddings, engagements, the joy of new births, academic graduations, significant personal triumphs, rekindled friendships, and cherished family moments. These stories painted a vibrant picture of resilience and hope.

Even amidst the global challenges of 2020, our community found so many reasons to smile, to connect, and to celebrate. It reminded me that even in the toughest times, there are always glimmers of positivity worth acknowledging. I felt such immense joy and pride for each and every one of you and your remarkable achievements.

It’s clear that despite all the hardships we’ve faced, life continues to offer abundant reasons for celebration. And I know just the way to honor these moments, big or small. It’s time to pop open some bubbly and whip up a batch of the easiest, most delicious 3-ingredient shortbread cookies you’ll ever make. This pairing of Vegan Shortbread Cookies and a crisp Prosecco is the perfect duo to toast to successes and embrace joy, whether you’re wrapping up a year or simply enjoying a quiet moment.

The Magic Behind These 3-Ingredient Vegan & Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies

Do you remember the classic shortbread cookies from your childhood – perhaps Lorna Doones or Walkers? Their rich, buttery taste was an absolute delight, often enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or coffee. This recipe aims to recreate that cherished experience, but with a modern, inclusive twist. Our version delivers that same flakey, tender, and mildly sweet perfection, but is entirely vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible for even more people to enjoy.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. You only need three core ingredients to achieve a genuinely authentic shortbread experience, proving that dietary restrictions don’t mean compromising on flavor or texture. These cookies are not just a delicious treat; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

What You’ll Need for Your Vegan Shortbread

Crafting these delectable shortbread cookies requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. Here’s a closer look at the three stars of this recipe:

• Vegan Butter: This is the foundation of our “buttery” shortbread. Opt for a high-quality, solid vegan butter stick rather than a tub variety, as it will provide the best texture and structure. Ensure it’s left at room temperature for 1-2 hours, making it easier to cream smoothly. The right vegan butter will mimic the rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality of traditional shortbread.
• Cane Sugar or Granulated Sugar: For that perfect balance of sweetness and a fine crumb, cane sugar or standard granulated sugar works best. While other sugars like coconut sugar can be used in some recipes, for shortbread, we want the specific crystalline structure of cane or granulated sugar to achieve the desired consistency and crispness.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: A good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend is crucial here. Look for one that specifically states it’s for baking and contains a mix of starches and gums (like xanthan gum) to help bind the dough. This ensures your cookies hold their shape and have that delicate shortbread texture without being crumbly.

That’s truly all you need! With these three simple ingredients, you’re on your way to baking a batch of irresistible vegan and gluten-free shortbread.

Crafting Your Perfect Vegan Shortbread: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

One of the many reasons I adore this recipe is its incredible simplicity. You won’t need any specialized kitchen gadgets or heavy-duty mixers. All you need are your hands and a whisk, which means no wrestling with large appliances stored in an overflowing closet upstairs. This keeps the baking process enjoyable and stress-free.

The method begins with gently creaming together the softened vegan butter and sugar. A hand whisk is perfectly sufficient for this, incorporating air and lightness into the mixture. Once that’s beautifully combined, you’ll gradually add the gluten-free flour. At this stage, your hands become your most important tool. Work the flour into the butter and sugar mixture, kneading it gently until it transforms into a soft, pliable dough. It might seem a bit dry or crumbly at first, but with a minute or two of gentle kneading, the warmth of your hands will help the butter and flour come together, creating a smooth and cohesive dough.

A Quick Tip for Success: As mentioned, cane sugar or granulated sugar is recommended over alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar. This is because these sugars contribute significantly to the desired texture and consistency of traditional shortbread. If, for any reason, your dough feels excessively dry and resists coming together, simply knead in an additional tablespoon of room-temperature vegan butter. This small adjustment can make all the difference.

Once your dough is perfectly formed, transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and chill it for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling step is absolutely crucial and should not be skipped. It allows the vegan butter to firm up, making the dough much easier to handle and shape, ensuring your cookies maintain their form during baking and achieve that desirable crisp texture.

While your dough is chilling, take a moment to prepare your baking station. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This non-stick surface will prevent your cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Using a cookie scoop for uniform size, or simply your hands, form 16-18 small balls from the dough. Place these dough balls onto your prepared parchment-lined tray, leaving a little space between each. Gently flatten each ball with your hands to create neat, round discs. For a classic shortbread look, you can also use a fork to pierce the cookies several times in the center, creating a charming dotted pattern.

Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; they are ready when they turn a pale, golden brown underneath and around the edges. It’s important not to over-bake shortbread, as this can make them tough. You want them to be tender and slightly crisp. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking tray. They will continue to crisp up as they cool, developing that iconic shortbread texture.

The Ultimate Pairing: Vegan Shortbread with Sparkling Prosecco

Now that your exquisitely simple vegan shortbread cookies are baked to golden perfection and cooled, it’s time to elevate the experience. There’s no better way to enjoy these tender, buttery bites than with a refreshing glass of 90+ Cellars Lot 50 Prosecco. This pairing creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making any moment feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Serve Your Vegan Shortbread Cookies

For a truly festive touch, why not leave some out for Santa this holiday season, perhaps alongside a glass of Prosecco instead of traditional milk? I’m quite sure he would heartily approve! Cheers to simple pleasures and delicious moments!

Discover More Delightful Vegan & Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these simple vegan shortbread cookies, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our plant-based, often gluten-free, cookie creations. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a sweet craving, these recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures.

• Flourless Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Raspberry-Beet Almond Flour Cookies

• Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies

• Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

• Salted Cashew Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Cinnamon SunButter Star Cookies

• Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Tahini Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

• Dark Chocolate Chunk Muesli Snack Cookies

• Almond Butter Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Almond Flour Cashew Butter Snickerdoodles

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

• SunButter Sugar Cookies

• Orange Hazelnut Cookies

• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

• Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate “Kiss” Cookies

• 4-Ingredient Maple Sesame Tahini Cookies

We Want to Hear From You!

If you decide to make this delightful Vegan Shortbread Cookies recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your experience!

We’d love for you to leave a comment below, along with a star rating and a review. Your feedback is invaluable as it helps us continue to create more delicious and inspiring recipes for our community.

Also, be sure to give us a shout-out on Instagram! Use #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations – we love seeing what you bake!

For more plant-based recipes and culinary inspiration, check out our Pinterest page and pin your favorites to make later.

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XO Lauren

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