Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the festive season. These easy-to-make cookies not only taste amazing but also offer a fun opportunity for decorating during Special Occasion. Whether you want to gift them or use them as holiday decorations, their versatility shines through. You can prepare these cookies soft and chewy or crunchy, depending on your preference, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Customizable Decor: Perfect for decorating with icing, these cookies can become a personal artistic expression.
• Great for Gifting: Beautifully decorated vegan gingerbread cookies make thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
• Delicious Flavors: With warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, every bite is packed with festive flavor.
• Versatile Texture: Enjoy them soft or crunchy according to your taste; the choice is yours!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious vegan gingerbread cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine ingredients without spilling.
• Cookie cutters: They allow you to shape your cookies into fun designs that are perfect for decoration.
• Baking sheets: Using baking sheets lined with parchment paper ensures easy removal of cookies after baking.

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

Step 2: Add Spices and Bicarbonate of Soda

Add the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bicarbonate of soda. Whisk everything together until smooth; expect some foaming.

Step 3: Combine Flour

Stir in the flour using a wooden spoon until it’s well combined with no dry patches remaining. 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

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of baking parchment to about 3–5mm thick based on desired cookie thickness.

Step 5: Cut Out Shapes

Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gather scraps into a ball, re-roll, and cut out additional shapes.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place cutouts spaced apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space is important as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Freeze Before Baking

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

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for about eight to twelve minutes depending on size and desired texture. Smaller shapes will cook quicker than larger ones; look for browning around the edges.

Step 9: Cool Down

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

Step 10: Make Royal Icing

In a bowl, stir together sifted icing sugar, lemon juice, and aquafaba until you achieve a thick but pourable consistency. Adjust with lemon juice or icing sugar as needed.

Step 11: Decorate Cookies

Transfer icing into a piping bag fitted with a small round writing nozzle to decorate cookies as desired.

Step 12: Dry Icing

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade vegan gingerbread cookies!

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

These delightful vegan gingerbread cookies can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your holiday experience. Whether as a sweet treat or part of an elaborate dessert display, they are sure to impress.

As Festive Gifts

• Wrap them in decorative bags or boxes for a charming gift.
• Add a personal touch by including a handwritten recipe card.

With Hot Beverages

• Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy pairing.
• Consider pairing with spiced chai for added warmth and flavor.

On Dessert Platters

• Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday treats.
• Include fruits and nuts for a colorful and diverse display.

For Decorating

• Use them as beautiful decorations on your holiday table.
• Attach ribbons or edible glitter to make them stand out.

How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

To ensure your vegan gingerbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use quality ingredients: Opt for fresh spices and high-quality vegan butter for the best flavor.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain the shape while baking.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be soft when you take them out of the oven.
• Experiment with shapes: Use various cookie cutters to create fun designs for different occasions.
• Adjust icing consistency: Make sure your icing is pourable yet thick enough to hold its shape for decorating.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Pairing your vegan gingerbread cookies with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vegan Hot Chocolate
   A rich, creamy beverage that pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors of gingerbread.
2. Coconut Whipped Cream
   Light and fluffy, this topping adds a delightful contrast to the dense cookies.
3. Fruit Compote
   A tangy fruit compote can balance the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite refreshing.
4. Spiced Tea
   A warm cup of spiced tea enhances the festive spirit and complements the cookie’s flavors perfectly.
5. Nutty Granola
   This crunchy addition provides texture and pairs nicely with any hot beverage served alongside.
6. Candied Citrus Peel
   The zesty sweetness of candied citrus peel offers a bright note that balances the rich flavors of gingerbread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan gingerbread cookies is a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Bold ingredients: Using the wrong types of sugar can alter the flavor and texture. Stick with light brown soft sugar for the best results.
• Bold measuring errors: Accurately measuring flour is crucial. Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Use a scale or spoon the flour into your measuring cup without packing it down.
• Bold dough chilling: Skipping the chilling step can lead to spread-out cookies. Always refrigerate the dough until firm before rolling it out.
• Bold baking time: Overbaking can result in hard cookies. Keep a close eye on them; they should be soft when you take them out and will firm up as they cool.
• Bold icing consistency: If your royal icing is too thick or too runny, it won’t decorate properly. Adjust the lemon juice or icing sugar until you reach a pourable, yet thick consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a couple of minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about vegan gingerbread cookies, here are some common questions and answers.

What makes these Vegan Gingerbread Cookies special?

These vegan gingerbread cookies are flavorful and easy to make without any animal products. They’re perfect for holiday decorating!

Can I customize my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Yes! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or spices according to your taste preferences. Experimenting with flavors makes them unique!

How do I store Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer preservation.

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

Absolutely! Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but be aware that texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Vegan gingerbread cookies are not only festive but also versatile! You can decorate them beautifully or enjoy their rich flavor plain. Try customizing them with your favorite spices or add-ins. Enjoy making this delightful treat for yourself or as gifts this holiday season!