Healthy Vanilla Vegan “Buttery” Shortbread
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free, Simple-Ingredient, Melt-In-Your-Mouth
There’s something so comforting about a classic shortbread cookie, especially around the holidays. I grew up having afternoon tea and shortbread with my Nana and Papa, so this flavour is deeply nostalgic for me, truly my childhood in cookie form. This version keeps that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love, but it’s made with simple, whole-food ingredients that are easier on digestion and support steadier blood sugar. Almond flour provides healthy fats and naturally gluten-free structure, coconut flour adds gentle fibre, and melted coconut oil steps in for that silky, buttery feel without any dairy. Lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and infused with warm vanilla, these cookies bake up tender, delicate, and beautifully crumbly. They still feel like the real thing, just made with ingredients your body recognizes. 6 simple & nourishing ingredients! They’re the kind of cookie you can pair with a cozy tea, bring to a holiday gathering, or gift to someone you love Xx
Ingredients (Makes 12–16 Cookies)
1 cup almond flour
½ cup coconut flour
¼ cup melted coconut oil (refined for a neutral flavour)
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of fine sea salt
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, and sea salt until smooth.
Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Rest the dough for 2 to 3 minutes so the coconut flour can hydrate.
Shape into a log or press into a rectangle and slice into shortbread-style rectangles or rounds.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping the cookies pale—they should be set but not golden.
Let cool fully before handling so they firm into soft, buttery-textured cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with peppermint or chai tea
Dip one end in dairy-free dark chocolate
Sprinkle with flaky salt while warm for sweet-salty balance.
Recipe by Taylor Robinson – Holistic Health & Wellness Nurse | Nutrition Specialist