Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for decorating, making them ideal for festive gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. Their warm spices and sweet flavors create a comforting experience, while their versatility allows you to customize them for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, these cookies can be prepared quickly, even by novice bakers.
• Customizable: Adjust the thickness and shapes to suit your preference or occasion.
• Perfect for Decorating: Use royal icing to create beautiful designs that will impress friends and family.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them in decorative boxes as thoughtful presents during the holidays.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made without animal products, these cookies cater to a variety of dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. This ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing dough; it provides better control than electric mixers.
• Baking sheets: Help distribute heat evenly while baking, ensuring consistent results.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 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 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 vegan block butter, light brown soft sugar, golden syrup, and black treacle in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until everything is melted together. Once combined, remove from heat.

Step 2: Add Spices and Soda

Add the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, and bicarbonate of soda into the melted mixture. Whisk until smooth—be aware that it may foam up a bit!

Step 3: Combine with Flour

Gradually add the plain flour into the mixture. Use a wooden spoon to stir until no dry flour remains. Wrap the dough in clingfilm or an eco-friendly alternative and refrigerate for about two 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. The thickness can be adjusted based on how you like your cookies.

Step 5: Cut Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Gather any scraps, re-roll them into a ball, and cut out more shapes.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are well spaced apart since they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place the trays in the freezer for about 15 minutes until firm while preheating your oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake your gingerbread cookies for about 8-12 minutes depending on size and desired texture—soft or crunchy. They will firm up as they cool but may appear soft initially.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on their 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 stirring sifted icing sugar with lemon juice and aquafaba in a bowl until thick but pourable. Adjust consistency as necessary by adding more lemon juice or icing sugar.

Step 11: Decorate Cookies

Transfer icing into a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle and decorate your cooled cookies as desired.

Step 12: Allow Icing to Set

Leave decorated cookies flat for several hours until fully dried before storing them in an airtight container.

Enjoy your delicious vegan gingerbread cookies! Perfectly spiced and beautifully decorated, they’re sure to be a hit this festive season!

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are not just a tasty treat; they can also be served in various delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your holiday experience.

As Festive Dessert Plates

• Arrange a selection of decorated cookies on a decorative plate for an eye-catching centerpiece at your holiday gatherings.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair the cookies with warm drinks like almond milk hot chocolate or spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

As Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes with ribbons, making them perfect gifts for friends and family during the festive season.

Decorated Cookie Tree

• Create a cookie tree by stacking decorated cookies on a stand. This makes for a stunning display and an enjoyable centerpiece.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station at your holiday party where guests can personalize their own vegan gingerbread cookies with icing and toppings.

How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

To achieve the perfect vegan gingerbread cookies, consider these essential tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor profile. Invest in high-quality ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a more robust taste.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps develop flavors and makes it easier to roll out. Aim for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.

• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. For softer cookies, remove them from the oven when they are still slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.

• Experiment with shapes: Use different cookie cutters to create fun shapes that appeal to both kids and adults. Don’t hesitate to mix sizes for visual interest.

• Make icing thick but pourable: The right consistency of royal icing is crucial for decorating. If it’s too thick, it won’t spread well; if too runny, it will lose its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies can be accompanied by several delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that pairs beautifully with the spiciness of gingerbread.

2. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from apples or berries adds a sweet-tart element that balances the richness of the cookies.

3. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and savory contrast to the sweetness of gingerbread.

4. Cheese Alternatives: Serve with creamy plant-based cheeses that offer a rich flavor contrast to the sweet cookies.

5. Herbal Tea: A cup of herbal tea, such as peppermint or chamomile, offers a soothing pairing after enjoying these sweet treats.

6. Dried Fruits: Dried figs or apricots add natural sweetness and chewy texture, complementing the crunchiness of gingerbread.

7. Yogurt Dip: A vegan yogurt dip infused with spices can serve as an excellent accompaniment for dipping your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan gingerbread cookies is fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong flour: Always use plain (all-purpose) flour for the best texture. Gluten-free alternatives may alter the cookie’s structure.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for proper ratios to ensure consistency.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: Chilling the dough is crucial for better shaping and less spreading in the oven. Don’t rush this step!
• Overbaking cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft when you take them out, as they will firm up while cooling.
• Ignoring icing consistency: The royal icing should be thick yet pourable. Adjust with lemon juice or powdered sugar until you reach the right texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer; once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 150°C/300°F and warm for about 5-10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to dry them out.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making vegan gingerbread cookies.

Can I substitute the butter in Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

You can use any plant-based butter alternative that works well in baking. Make sure it’s solid at room temperature.

How can I customize my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips into the dough before baking for added flavor and texture.

What is the best way to decorate Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Use royal icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a smooth finish. Get creative with colors and patterns!

How do I ensure my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies stay soft?

Underbake slightly and store them properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

Final Thoughts

Vegan gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different spices or decorations to suit your taste. Whether you’re making them as gifts or festive treats, these cookies will become a holiday favorite!