Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season. These cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for decorating during the holidays. Whether you’re looking to gift them or use them as festive decorations, they can be customized to your liking. With their rich flavors and wonderful aroma, these cookies will surely impress everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create delicious vegan gingerbread cookies.
• Customizable: You can adjust the thickness and shapes of the cookies, making them unique for every occasion.
• Perfect for Decorating: These cookies are ideal for holiday decorating, allowing you to unleash your creativity.
• Wonderful Aroma: The combination of spices fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting scent.
• Great Gift Idea: Packaged nicely, these cookies make thoughtful gifts that friends and family will adore.

Tools and Preparation

To create your vegan gingerbread cookies efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Baking parchment

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Cookie cutters: Help create fun shapes for your gingerbread cookies, adding to their festive appeal.
• Baking sheets: Provide a flat surface for baking multiple cookies at once, ensuring even cooking.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 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)

For the Royal Icing

• 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 Base Ingredients

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

Step 2: Mix in Spices and Bicarbonate

1. Add ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bicarbonate of soda.
2. Whisk until smooth; expect some foaming.

Step 3: Combine with Flour

1. Gradually add plain flour using a wooden spoon.
2. Stir until well combined with no dry patches.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Wrap the dough in clingfilm or an eco-friendly alternative.
2. Refrigerate for a couple of hours until firm enough to roll out.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

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

Step 6: Cut Shapes

1. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
2. Re-roll scraps to cut more shapes as needed.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

1. Place cutouts on baking sheets lined with baking parchment, spaced apart.
2. Freeze trays for about 15 minutes while preheating oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Step 8: Bake

1. Bake cookies for approximately 8–12 minutes depending on desired texture.
2. They will firm up as they cool; look for browning around edges.

Step 9: Cool Down

1. Let cool on trays for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare Royal Icing

1. In a bowl, combine sifted icing sugar with lemon juice and aquafaba until thick yet pourable.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice or icing sugar as necessary.

Step 11: Decorate

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

Step 12: Dry & Store

1. Allow decorated cookies to dry flat for a few hours before storing in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delightful vegan gingerbread cookies! They’re sure to bring joy during any festive occasion or simply as a sweet treat any time of year!

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Warm Beverage

• Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Enjoy with spicy chai tea to complement the warm spices in the cookies.

As Festive Decorations

• Use them to decorate your holiday table, adding a festive touch with their charming shapes.
• Hang them on your Christmas tree as edible ornaments for a whimsical display.

Gift Packaging

• Package them in decorative tins or boxes to give as homemade gifts during the holidays.
• Tie with ribbon for an extra special presentation that friends and family will appreciate.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing your favorite vegan ice cream between two cookies.
• Roll the edges in crushed nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.

How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

To achieve the best results with your vegan gingerbread cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your ground spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Old spices lose potency and can dull the taste of your cookies.
• Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.
• Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales for precise measurements, especially for flour, as too much can lead to dry cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Pay close attention while baking; smaller cookies will cook faster than larger ones. Remove them when they just start to brown at the edges.
• Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating. This prevents icing from melting and ensures beautiful designs.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies can be paired with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy topping that adds richness without dairy.
2. Fruit Compote: A sweet and tangy fruit sauce that complements the spices in gingerbread beautifully.
3. Spiced Tea: A warm beverage infused with cinnamon, cloves, and ginger pairs wonderfully with these cookies.
4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and can be served alongside cookie crumbles in parfaits.
5. Vegan Cheese Platter: A selection of plant-based cheeses offers a savory counterbalance to the sweetness of gingerbread.
6. Candied Nuts: Sweetened nuts provide a crunchy snack option that works well with holiday treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan gingerbread cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the chilling step – Failing to refrigerate the dough may cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least a couple of hours.
• Bold phrase: Not measuring ingredients accurately – Incorrect measurements can affect the texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts.
• Bold phrase: Ignoring baking times – Overbaking or underbaking can ruin your cookies. Keep an eye on them, especially if they vary in size.
• Bold phrase: Using stale spices – Old spices can diminish the flavor of your cookies. Always check your spice freshness before starting.
• Bold phrase: Forgetting to prepare the baking sheets – If you don’t line your baking sheets, cookies may stick and break apart. Use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Bold phrase: Not allowing cookies to cool properly – Transferring hot cookies too soon can cause them to crumble. Let them sit on the tray for a couple of minutes before moving them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 175°C (350°F) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about vegan gingerbread cookies answered.

How do I make Vegan Gingerbread Cookies softer?

To achieve softer vegan gingerbread cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Can I decorate these Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for decorating with royal icing or plant-based frosting. Get creative with designs!

What can I use instead of aquafaba?

If you prefer not to use aquafaba, additional lemon juice or water works well as alternatives in royal icing preparation.

How long do Vegan Gingerbread Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to 1 week at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make these Vegan Gingerbread Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Final Thoughts

These vegan gingerbread cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for festive occasions. Customize them with your favorite spices or decorations, making them perfect gifts or delightful treats. Try this recipe and spread some holiday cheer!

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Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Vegan Gingerbread Cookies are the perfect festive treat that embodies the warmth and spirit of the holiday season. These delightful, spiced cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile, allowing for creative decorations that will impress family and friends alike. With a rich aroma filling your kitchen, these cookies can be enjoyed as sweet treats or beautifully packaged gifts. Customize them to your heart’s content and experience the joy of baking this seasonal favorite!

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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 flour
• 300 g icing sugar
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp aquafaba

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Stir in spices and bicarbonate of soda until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in plain flour until combined.
4. Chill dough wrapped in cling film for at least 2 hours.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 3–5mm thick.
6. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
7. Place on lined baking sheets and freeze for 15 minutes before baking.
8. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–12 minutes until edges are firm.
9. Cool then decorate with royal icing made from sifted icing sugar, lemon juice, and aquafaba.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Refrigerate the dough to prevent sticking when rolling out. Adjust baking time based on cookie size for best results.