Imagine the tender, buttery bite of classic shortbread, made entirely plant-based and infused with fresh thyme. Now add a citrusy pink grapefruit glaze that’s tangy, floral, and sweet—but not overpowering. The result? A stunning, bakery-worthy treat that’s perfect for spring brunches, elegant tea parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something a little special.

Vegan Thyme Shortbread with Pink Grapefruit Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: a tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread and a bright, zesty glaze. The thyme offers subtle herbaceous notes that play beautifully with the tartness of grapefruit. Even better, it’s completely vegan and doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients.

Whether you’re serving it for a bridal shower, gifting it during the holidays, or simply enjoying it with your afternoon tea, this shortbread is an instant conversation starter.

Ingredients

Tip: You can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

For the Shortbread

1 cup vegan butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Pink Grapefruit Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh pink grapefruit juice
½ teaspoon grapefruit zest
Pinch of salt
Extra thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the vegan butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add flour, cornstarch, thyme, and salt. Mix until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Prick the surface gently with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
While cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, grapefruit juice, zest, and salt.
Pour the glaze over the slightly warm shortbread and spread it evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Let the glaze set for 5 minutes, then score the shortbread into triangles or squares (this helps it slice cleanly later).
Cool completely before cutting and separating the pieces. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired.

Variations

Citrus Swap: Try orange, lemon, or blood orange juice in place of pink grapefruit.
Herb Twist: Use rosemary or lavender instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of dairy-free dark chocolate on top of the glaze once it’s set.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

Heating & Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Avoid freezing once glazed—freeze unglazed shortbread, then glaze after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular butter if I’m not vegan?

Yes! Replace vegan butter with regular unsalted butter in equal amounts.

What kind of vegan butter works best?

Stick-style vegan butters tend to perform best for baking (e.g., Earth Balance, Miyoko’s).

Can I skip the thyme?

Absolutely. The thyme adds a unique twist, but the shortbread is still delicious without it.

Is the glaze super sweet?

The glaze is sweet but balanced by the tart grapefruit juice. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.

What does cornstarch do in this recipe?

It gives the shortbread a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I use bottled grapefruit juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor and brightness, but high-quality bottled juice will work in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking time slightly (check around 35-40 minutes).

How do I get clean cuts with the glaze?

Score the glaze while it’s still slightly warm, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

What can I do if I don’t have pink grapefruit?

Regular grapefruit works too; you may want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for making a day ahead. The flavors deepen as it rests.

Conclusion

This Vegan Thyme Shortbread with Pink Grapefruit Glaze is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a perfectly balanced, flavorful, and unique treat that adds a touch of elegance to any table. It’s proof that vegan baking can be both beautiful and crave-worthy. Whether you’re entertaining or indulging in a moment of calm, these delicate shortbread slices are sure to delight.