Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, making them an excellent choice for Special Occasion celebrations. With their warm spices and inviting aroma, they create a festive atmosphere in any kitchen. Not only are they easy to make, but they can also be customized in various shapes and decorations, making them ideal for gifting or adding a personal touch to your festive décor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Customizable – You can shape and decorate these cookies however you like, allowing for creative expressions and personal touches.
• Deliciously Spiced – The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and other spices ensures a rich flavor profile that will warm your heart.
• Vegan-Friendly – Made without animal products, these cookies cater to vegan diets while still being incredibly tasty.
• Perfect for Gifting – These cookies make thoughtful gifts during the holiday season or any special occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable, gather the right tools before you start. Having everything prepared will help you stay organized.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack
• Piping bag (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl – A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Medium Saucepan – This is essential for melting the butter and combining wet ingredients evenly while controlling heat.
• Cookie Cutters – They provide fun shapes for your cookies, enhancing both presentation and enjoyment.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 150 g (1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp) vegan block butter (I use Naturli Vegan Block)
– 120 g (2/3 cup) light brown soft sugar
– 100 g (3 ½ oz) golden syrup
– 50 g (1 ¾ oz) black treacle (or molasses)
– 3 ½ tsp ground ginger
– 3 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp ground allspice
– 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
– 380 g (3 cups + 2 Tbsp) plain (all-purpose) flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 300 g (2 ½ cups) icing (powdered) sugar (sifted)
– 1 Tbsp lemon juice (plus extra as needed)
– 2 Tbsp aquafaba (or use extra lemon juice or water instead)

How to Make Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Step 1: Melt the Ingredients

Place the butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Add Spices and Baking Soda

Add the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bicarbonate of soda to the melted mixture. Whisk until smooth; expect some foaming action.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Add the plain flour gradually while stirring with a wooden spoon until well combined. Wrap the dough in clingfilm or an eco-friendly alternative. Refrigerate for a couple of hours until firm enough to roll out.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of baking parchment, roll out the dough to about 3–5mm thick.

Step 5: Cut Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Gather scraps into a ball and re-roll as needed.

Step 6: Prepare Baking Sheets

Place cookies well spaced apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. They will spread during baking.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Put the trays in the freezer for about 15 minutes until firm. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for about 8–12 minutes depending on size preference. Smaller cookies will cook faster than larger ones. They should slightly brown around edges but remain soft in center.

Step 9: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on trays for a couple of minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make Royal Icing

Once cooled, prepare royal icing by mixing sifted icing sugar with lemon juice and aquafaba in a bowl until thick yet pourable. Adjust consistency as necessary with additional lemon juice or icing sugar.

Step 11: Decorate Cookies

Transfer icing into a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle. Decorate cookies creatively as desired.

Step 12: Dry Icing

Leave decorated cookies flat for several hours to dry before storing them in an airtight container.

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair with hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Enjoy alongside herbal tea to balance the spices.

As Festive Gifts

• Package cookies in decorative boxes for thoughtful presents.
• Tie with ribbons for an extra special touch.

At Holiday Parties

• Arrange cookies on a festive platter for sharing.
• Create a cookie decorating station for fun interactions.

With Fruit and Nuts

• Serve with fresh fruit like apple slices or oranges for brightness.
• Include nuts for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Decorated as Ornaments

• Hang decorated cookies on the tree as edible ornaments.
• Use them to enhance your holiday decor while inviting guests to enjoy them.

How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Creating the ultimate vegan gingerbread cookies is easy with a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking experience.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to cut shapes without sticking.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your taste; more ginger or cinnamon can enhance flavor.
• Use quality ingredients: High-quality vegan butter and sugars make a noticeable difference in texture and taste.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be soft when you take them out but will firm up as they cool.
• Decorate creatively: Let your imagination guide you—try different icing patterns or use edible glitter for festive flair.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies pair well with various sides that complement their rich flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Coconut Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, this topping adds a creamy element that balances the spiciness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Compote – A warm fruit compote brings sweetness and acidity, enhancing each bite of cookie.
3. Spiced Almond Milk – Serve chilled or warm; it’s a comforting drink that echoes the spices in the cookies.
4. Cranberry Sauce – This tart sauce provides a refreshing contrast, perfect for holiday gatherings.
5. Nut Butter Spread – Spread almond or cashew butter on top of a cookie for added richness and nutrition.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and is perfect for dessert lovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan gingerbread cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill the dough for at least a couple of hours before rolling it out.
• Using old spices: Expired spices can dull the flavor of your cookies. Check the freshness of your ground ginger, cinnamon, and other spices before use.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Incorrect measurements can affect texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour and sugar.
• Overbaking: Baking for too long will result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they start to brown around the edges.
• Ignoring icing consistency: Icing that is too thick or too runny won’t decorate well. Adjust with lemon juice or powdered sugar until you achieve a pourable consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to three months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to two months. Ensure they are completely cool before freezing.

Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds, checking often.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about vegan gingerbread cookies.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

How can I customize my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to enhance flavor and texture. Spices can also be adjusted based on your preference.

What is the best way to decorate Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Use royal icing made from powdered sugar, aquafaba, and lemon juice for detailed and beautiful designs that set well.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cookies store well and can be made ahead of time. Just ensure they are properly stored in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

Vegan gingerbread cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you choose to decorate them for Special Occasion or enjoy them as a snack throughout winter, this recipe allows for customization based on your taste preferences. Give these delicious treats a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, spiced goodness of Vegan Gingerbread Cookies, a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not only easy to make but also customizable, allowing you to create festive shapes and decorations that will impress your family and friends. With rich flavors from ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, each bite offers a cozy embrace that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Perfect for gifting or decorating your holiday table, these vegan cookies ensure everyone can enjoy a sweet moment without compromising on dietary preferences.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150 g vegan block butter
• 120 g light brown soft sugar
• 100 g golden syrup
• 50 g black treacle (or molasses)
• 3 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 3 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 3/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 380 g plain (all-purpose) flour
• 300 g icing (powdered) sugar
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp aquafaba

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the vegan butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle. Remove from heat.
2. Whisk in the spices and baking soda until smooth.
3. Gradually add flour while stirring until combined. Wrap dough in clingfilm and refrigerate for a couple of hours.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 3–5mm thick.
5. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place them on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill trays in the freezer for about 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 180°C/350°F.
7. Bake for 8–12 minutes until edges are slightly browned but centers remain soft.
8. Cool on wire racks before decorating with royal icing made from icing sugar, lemon juice, and aquafaba.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie approximately 20g
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg