Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie! These Lemon Sesame Cookies are a delightful surprise, blending bright, zesty lemon with the nutty, toasted notes of sesame. But the real secret? Soft tofu! It creates an unbelievably moist, cake-like texture that’s completely vegan and utterly irresistible. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with tea, a light dessert, or a special lunchbox treat, these cookies are a unique and delicious twist on a classic.
Ingredients
• Makes 36 cookies
• 2 cups / 500 mL unbleached or whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons / 10 mL baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon / 2 mL salt
• 1 package (12.3 ounces / 349 g) soft tofu, drained
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL sunflower oil
• 1/2 cup / 125 mL maple syrup
• 1/4 cup / 60 mL brown sugar or other dry sweetener
• 2 teaspoons / 10 mL grated lemon peel
• 1 1/2 teaspoons / 7 mL lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon / 5 mL vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. Lightly oil two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sesame seeds, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the soft tofu, sunflower oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, grated lemon peel, lemon extract, and vanilla extract. Mash with a fork or whisk until the mixture is well-combined and relatively smooth.
4. Pour the wet tofu mixture into the dry flour mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
5. Drop the batter by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
• Per cookie
• Calories: 96
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Sodium: 43 mg
• Percentage of calories from protein 8%, fat 44%, carbohydrate 48%
Pro Tips
• For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden before adding them to the flour mixture.
• To ensure a soft, cake-like texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry . Mix only until no dry flour streaks remain.
• For a slightly different texture, you can use silken tofu. It will create an even smoother, moister cookie batter.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of tofu for these cookies
A: Yes, you can substitute silken tofu for the soft tofu as suggested in the pro tips. Silken tofu will create an even smoother and moister batter, resulting in a very tender, delicate cookie. However, avoid using firm or extra-firm tofu, as it won’t blend as smoothly and will result in a denser, less cake-like texture.
Q: Are these lemon sesame cookies a good source of vegetarian protein
A: While these cookies do contain some plant-based protein from the tofu and sesame seeds (about 2 grams per cookie), they are primarily a treat. Tofu is a great source of complete protein in vegetarian diets, but in this recipe, its main role is to provide an incredibly moist, cake-like texture rather than to make it a high-protein snack.
Q: What can I use instead of sunflower oil
A: You can substitute any neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil. For a richer flavor, you could also use melted coconut oil or a melted vegan butter substitute. The key is to use a liquid fat to maintain the moist, tender texture created by the tofu.
Q: How should I store these vegan tofu cookies
A: Store the completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Because they are very moist due to the tofu, they will last longer—up to a week—if you store them in the refrigerator. They are delicious straight from the fridge or you can let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
