If you love citrusy desserts with a hint of warmth, these Vegan Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies will become a new favorite. They’re soft, chewy, and infused with fresh orange zest and fragrant cardamom, making every bite feel special.
These cookies are perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or any time you want a cookie that’s a little different but incredibly delicious.
This recipe quickly became a staple in our house because it’s easy to make, completely plant‑based, and always impresses guests.
The combination of orange and cardamom creates a bright yet cozy flavor that works year‑round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Vegan Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of vibrant flavor. The citrusy orange zest balances beautifully with the warm, slightly floral cardamom, creating a cookie that feels both refreshing and comforting.
They’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, freeze well, and are perfect for gifting or adding to a holiday cookie platter. Plus, they’re egg‑ and dairy‑free without sacrificing texture or taste.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Pro Tips
- Rub zest into the sugar before mixing—this releases more orange oils for flavor.
- Slightly underbake for a soft, chewy texture.
- Chill dough for 15 minutes if it feels too sticky to roll.
- Roll in sugar before baking for a sparkly, crackly finish.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten‑free: Use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
- Extra flavor: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a bakery‑style twist.
- Iced cookies: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Less sweet: Replace part of the sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Make‑Ahead Tips
- The cookie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Scoop dough balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
How to Make Vegan Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, beat vegan butter, sugar, and orange zest together until fluffy. Mix in orange juice, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and salt.
4. Make the Dough
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. If dough is too soft, chill for 15 minutes.
5. Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon‑sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in sugar if desired. Place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly soft.
6. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Benefits
These cookies are plant‑based and made with antioxidant‑rich orange zest and cardamom, which has anti‑inflammatory properties.
They’re lower in saturated fat than traditional cookies but still soft, chewy, and full of flavor.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the cookies a brighter, more natural flavor. Bottled juice can sometimes taste a bit muted or overly sweet.
2. How can I make these gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still turn out soft and chewy with a slight texture variation.
3. What can I add for more texture or flavor?
You can mix in chopped pistachios, walnuts, or vegan white chocolate chips. These pair beautifully with the orange and cardamom combination.
4. Why chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps control spread and makes the dough easier to roll. It’s especially useful if the dough feels sticky or warm.
5. How do I get that bakery-style crackly top?
Roll the dough balls in sugar before baking and gently press them down. This helps create that signature sparkly, crinkled finish.
Bright, Citrusy, and Full of Cozy Spice
These Vegan Orange Cardamom Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful, and easy to make.
With their refreshing citrus flavor and warm cardamom spice, they’re perfect for any season and sure to impress.