It’s cookie time! Vegan, gluten free cookie time no less.
I have marveled at shortbreads for some time now, fearfully admiring their elusive technique and distinct texture/flavor profile. For some reason I doubted I’d ever be able to conquer such a feat as mastering the shortbread, but I was wrong.
Making shortbreads is EASY. Easier than most cookies, in fact. And making them vegan and gluten free AND without butter is even easier. You can trust me – I’m still kind of a cookie novice in the baking world. Pancakes and ice cream are more my game.
Origins of Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread is a buttery cookie that dates backs to the 12th century. It’s believed to have originated in Scotland. Mary, Queen of Scots is credited with perfecting and refining the recipe, but a published version of the recipe didn’t come until 1736.
The following is our plant-based, gluten-free version of this classic Scottish cookie.
These cookies fit the minimalist bill requiring just 7 simple ingredients, and they require just one mixing bowl and one baking sheet. Not bad for a seriously scrumptious, crispy, banana-infused cookie!
These cookies are lovely. They’re:
Crisp with a slight tenderness
Infused with banana
Subtly coconutty
Studded with pecans
Perfectly sweet
Charming
Delectable
Sturdy and portable (perfect for gifting + traveling)
& Highly shareable
As far as I’m concerned, these banana cookies are near perfection. I love that they have a slight bite with the perfect amount of tenderness, how the pecans toast up nicely to add a rich nuttiness to the overall flavor profile, and how how the banana isn’t overpowering. (And bonus, they don’t require butter, eggs or traditional flour!)
Hope you enjoy these beauties as much as I did. Cheers!
You know the drill. If you make these cookies – or any recipe from the blog – be sure to snap a photo and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! I love to see what you lovelies are cooking up. xo!
Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Pecan Shortbread (Butter-Free)
Vegan and gluten-free banana pecan shortbread cookies made with just 7 ingredients and 1 bowl. Perfectly crisp with a slight tenderness, perfectly nutty and sweet, and perfect for gifting or taking on road trips. Print SAVE SAVED
from votes Prep Time 25 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Total Time 45 minutes Servings 30 (cookies)Course DessertCuisine Gluten-Free, Scottish-Inspired, VeganFreezer Friendly 1 Month (cut & freeze dough)Does it keep? 3-4 Days
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric1 cup coconut oil (or sub vegan butter)1/3 cup mashed ripe banana (1 small banana yields ~1/3 cup)3/4 cup organic cane sugar or granulated sugar2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend or unbleached all-purpose flour*1 tsp pure vanilla extract1/4 tsp sea salt1/4 cup pecans (finely chopped)1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Cream oil, sugar and banana.Add vanilla, sea salt and blend.Add flour and blend.Add pecans and mix once more.Transfer to a large piece of parchment paper and roll into a tight log, ~ 2 inches wide. Freeze for 15 minutes to harden.Preheat oven to 350 degrees (175 C).Unroll paper and slice cookies into slightly less than 1/2 inch discs with a sharp knife. If the dough has become too hard, let it rest for a few minutes at room temp to soften. If it’s too soft, freeze longer.Place on an un-greased baking sheet. They won’t spread much, so they can be placed close together.Bake for 18-22 minutes or until light golden brown.
Notes
*You can substitute an equal amount of our NEW 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the DIY Blend in this recipe.
*Metric measurement for flour is based on using our DIY gluten-free flour blend. If using unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups = 340 grams.
*Adapted from Food Network
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 30 servings)
Serving: 1 cookies Calories: 130 Carbohydrates: 15 g Protein: 1.1 g Fat: 7.7 g Saturated Fat: 6.4 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 17 mg Fiber: 1.4 g Sugar: 5.2 g