Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that brings the warmth of the holiday season into your kitchen. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for decorating, sharing as gifts, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. With their rich spices and sweet aroma, they create a festive atmosphere that everyone loves. Plus, they can be crafted to your liking—soft or crunchy, it’s all up to you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe suitable for bakers of all levels.
- Customizable: Adjust the thickness and shapes of the cookies to create fun designs for any occasion.
- Great for Gifting: Decorated cookies make thoughtful and delicious gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
- Deliciously Spiced: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and other spices delivers a warm flavor that’s perfect for winter.
- Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these cookies cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking fun!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; they provide a flat surface that ensures your cookies cook evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier; it allows cookies to bake without burning on the bottom.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve uniform thickness in your cookie dough; this ensures consistent baking results.
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 Ingredients
Place the butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Add Spices and Soda
Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bicarbonate of soda to the melted mixture. Whisk until smooth; it will foam slightly.
Step 3: Combine Flour
Add flour to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until fully combined with no dry patches left. Wrap dough in clingfilm or an eco-friendly alternative. Refrigerate for about two hours until firm.
Step 4: Roll Out Dough
Roll out the dough on a floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper to about 3-5mm thick.
Step 5: Cut Cookie Shapes
Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Combine scraps into a ball and re-roll to cut additional shapes.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place cookies spaced apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. They will expand while cooking; ensure adequate space between them.
Step 7: Freeze Before Baking
Freeze trays with cookies for about 15 minutes until firm. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 during this time.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake cookies for about 8-12 minutes depending on desired texture. Smaller shapes will cook faster than larger ones. Look for light browning around edges.
Step 9: Cool Cookies
Allow cookies to cool on trays for a couple of minutes before transferring them carefully onto 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 but pourable.
Step 11: Decorate Cookies
Transfer icing into a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle. Decorate cookies according to your creativity!
Step 12: Dry and Store
Let decorated cookies dry flat for several hours before storing them in an airtight container.
Enjoy making your delicious Vegan Gingerbread Cookies! They are sure to bring joy this holiday season!
How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Vegan gingerbread cookies are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies can elevate your holiday experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of spiced chai or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Coffee: Enjoy them alongside a rich cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic combination; dunking these cookies into creamy hot chocolate adds an extra layer of indulgence.
As Edible Gifts
- Gift Boxes: Present your decorated cookies in festive boxes tied with ribbons for a thoughtful gift.
- Cookie Jars: Layer the cookies in a mason jar for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will love.
For Decorating
- Family Activity: Set up a decorating station with icing and toppings, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
- Table Centerpiece: Arrange decorated cookies on a platter as an eye-catching centerpiece during holiday meals.
How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Perfecting vegan gingerbread cookies is all about attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Use Chilled Dough: Refrigerate the dough before rolling it out. This helps maintain shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven baking.
- Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices according to taste. Adding more ginger or cinnamon can enhance flavor if you prefer a spicier cookie.
- Cut Uniform Shapes: Use cookie cutters of the same size for even baking and consistent appearance across your batch.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven when they are just starting to brown at the edges, as they firm up while cooling.
- Store Properly: Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and avoid them becoming hard.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
While vegan gingerbread cookies are delightful on their own, they can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their flavor profile.
- Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the spiciness of gingerbread.
- Fruit Compote: Serve with warm fruit compote made from apples or berries for a sweet-tart contrast.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream adds richness without dairy.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and additional flavors that pair well with sweet cookies.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A subtly sweet chia seed pudding offers texture and nutrition alongside your treats.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle dark chocolate sauce over your gingerbread cookies for an indulgent twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making vegan gingerbread cookies can be a fun experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold ingredients: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dough that is too dry or too wet. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.
- Bold dough temperature: If you don’t chill the dough, it may spread too much while baking. Refrigerate the dough for at least a couple of hours.
- Bold oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the right heat.
- Bold cookie thickness: Rolling the dough too thick or too thin affects texture. Aim for 3-5mm thickness for balanced cookies.
- Bold icing consistency: If the royal icing is too thick or runny, it won’t adhere well. Adjust with lemon juice or icing sugar until it’s just right.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store vegan gingerbread cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
- Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
- To freeze unbaked dough, wrap tightly in clingfilm and place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
- Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes. This helps maintain their texture.
- Bold Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious as they can become chewy quickly.
- Bold Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan on low heat for a few minutes, covering with a lid to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making vegan gingerbread cookies.
Can I make Vegan Gingerbread Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends specifically designed for baking.
How do I make Vegan Gingerbread Cookies soft?
To achieve softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly and consider adding a little more golden syrup or treacle.
What can I use instead of aquafaba in Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?
You can replace aquafaba with extra lemon juice or water as needed without compromising the recipe’s integrity.
How should I decorate my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?
Use royal icing made from icing sugar and lemon juice, or try vegan chocolate melts for a different look and flavor.
Can I add other spices to my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, cardamom, or even chili powder for added warmth and depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
These vegan gingerbread cookies are not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can customize them by adjusting spices or decorations according to your preference. Whether you’re sharing them as gifts or using them as festive decorations, they are sure to delight everyone!
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Vegan gingerbread cookies are the perfect festive treat, bringing a cozy warmth to your holiday celebrations. These delightful cookies are easy to make and can be customized with various shapes and decorations, making them ideal for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. With their rich blend of spices, including ginger and cinnamon, these cookies emit an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and creates a cheerful atmosphere. Whether you prefer them soft or crunchy, this recipe allows you to tailor the texture to your liking.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 150 g (1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp) vegan block butter
- 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)
Instructions
- Melt the vegan butter, sugar, golden syrup, and treacle in a saucepan over low heat; stir until combined.
- Add ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bicarbonate of soda; whisk until smooth.
- Stir in all-purpose flour until no dry patches remain; wrap dough and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Roll out dough to 3-5mm thickness on a floured surface; cut shapes with cookie cutters.
- Place cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper; freeze for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake cookies for 8-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool cookies on wire racks before decorating with royal icing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: To achieve softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added flavor. Store decorated cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.