🌼 Dandelion Magic: Vegan & Gluten-Free Shortbread to Celebrate Spring 🌼
As the earth begins to warm and stir from her slumber, golden dandelions bloom like little suns on the ground. These humble flowers — so often dismissed as weeds — are actually some of the first healers of spring, rich with nutrients and steeped in folklore.
At Three Mystics, we believe in listening to the earth’s quiet invitations. The appearance of dandelions calls us to slow down, forage gently, and craft with intention. And what better way to honour the season than with a lovingly made treat that’s both nourishing and beautiful?
Today we’re sharing a special recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Dandelion Shortbread, sweetened naturally with agave and infused with the golden petals of springtime’s most generous bloom. These cookies are perfect with a cup of tea and a moment of stillness.
🍪 Vegan & Gluten-Free Dandelion Shortbread with Agave
🌿 Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened (we love Earth Balance or Miyoko’s)
- ¼ cup agave syrup
- 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum)
- ¼ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot for corn-free option)
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup dandelion petals (just the yellow — remove green parts)
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest or culinary lavender buds
🌼 Harvesting Dandelions Mindfully:
Pick your dandelions from a clean, unsprayed area. Offer gratitude before you gather. Snip off the bright yellow heads and gently pull the petals free. You’ll need about half a cup for this recipe. Children often love this part — invite them into the magic.
🌞 Instructions:
- Cream Together Butter and Agave
In a medium bowl, beat the softened vegan butter. Add agave and vanilla, mixing until smooth. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour and cornstarch. Slowly add to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. - Add Dandelion Petals
Gently fold in the petals and optional lemon zest or lavender. The dough will look like sunshine. - Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough and chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape. - Preheat and Shape
Heat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thick or form small rounds by hand. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, just until the edges begin to turn golden. Allow cookies to cool fully on the sheet before moving them — they’re tender and delicate, just like early spring.
These cookies are not only delicious, they’re an act of connection. Every petal is a reminder that healing and sweetness grow close to the ground, where our feet meet the earth. When shared with a friend, they become a ritual of hospitality and warmth.
As we gather tonight for service, or sit quietly in our own sacred spaces, may these golden bites be a prayer of gratitude for the gifts that return year after year — unbidden, wild, and full of light.
With love,
The Three Mystics Community