Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not only easy to make but also ideal for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with family and friends. With their warm spices and sweet flavors, they bring a cozy feel to any occasion. These Vegan Gingerbread Cookies can be made soft or crunchy according to your preference, making them versatile for all taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Perfect for Decoration: Their sturdy texture makes them ideal for decorating with icing or festive toppings.
• Versatile Flavors: Customize the spices or add nuts and dried fruits to match your personal taste.
• Great for Gifting: Packaged nicely, these cookies make thoughtful and delicious gifts during the holiday season.
• Family Fun: Involve kids in the decorating process for a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious vegan gingerbread cookies, gather the necessary tools. This will streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need on hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for combining your dough thoroughly without damaging it.
• Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness when rolling out cookie dough for uniform baking.

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 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 everything is melted together. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Add Spices and Soda

Add in the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and bicarbonate of soda. Whisk until smooth; you’ll notice some foaming.

Step 3: Combine with Flour

Stir in the plain flour using a wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. Wrap the dough in cling film or an eco-friendly alternative. 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 parchment paper, roll out the dough to about 3-5mm thick.

Step 5: Cut Out Shapes

Use your choice of cookie cutters to shape as many cookies as possible. Gather scraps into a ball, re-roll, and cut out more shapes.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Space cookies apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. They will spread slightly while baking, so ensure there is enough room between them.

Step 7: Freeze Before Baking

Place 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 the Cookies

Bake cookies for about 8-12 minutes based on desired texture—little ones bake quicker! They will be soft initially but harden as they cool.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let them cool on trays briefly before transferring them 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 until thick but pourable. Adjust consistency if necessary.

Step 11: Decorate

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle to decorate cookies as desired.

Step 12: Dry and Store

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

These vegan gingerbread cookies are not just tasty; they embody the spirit of warmth and joy that comes with sharing food during festive times! Enjoy making memories as you bake!

How to Serve Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions.

As a Festive Dessert

• Serve with dairy-free whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Pair with a scoop of vegan ice cream for an indulgent treat.

With Hot Beverages

• Enjoy with spiced chai tea to complement the warm spices in the cookies.
• Pair with a rich hot chocolate for a cozy winter experience.

As Gifts

• Package them in decorative boxes or jars for a charming homemade gift.
• Add a personal note or tag to make it extra special.

On a Cookie Platter

• Arrange alongside other festive cookies for a beautiful dessert display.
• Include fresh fruits like sliced oranges or pomegranates for color.

How to Perfect Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

To ensure your vegan gingerbread cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures shape retention during baking.
• Use quality spices: Fresh, high-quality spices will enhance the flavor and aroma of your cookies.
• Measure accurately: Weighing your ingredients can lead to more consistent results compared to using cups.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; smaller shapes will need less time than larger ones.
• Cool completely: Allow cookies to cool fully before decorating to prevent icing from melting.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Pairing your vegan gingerbread cookies with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some options that work wonderfully together.

1. Coconut Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds creaminess without dairy.
2. Fruit Compote: A warm fruit sauce made from apples or berries offers a sweet-tart contrast.
3. Spiced Nut Mix: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg provide crunch and flavor balance.
4. Vegan Cheese Platter: Serve with an assortment of plant-based cheeses for a savory touch that contrasts the sweetness.
5. Herbal Tea: Choose calming herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint to cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Dairy-Free Milk: Almond or oat milk makes for a creamy side that pairs well with the spices in the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making vegan gingerbread cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold phrase: Using the wrong type of flour – Always use plain (all-purpose) flour to ensure your cookies have the right texture. Other flours may alter the structure and taste.
• Bold phrase: Skipping chilling the dough – Refrigerating the dough is essential for achieving the best results. It firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
• Bold phrase: Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to avoid too dry or too wet cookies.
• Bold phrase: Overbaking the cookies – Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft when taken out of the oven, as they will firm up upon cooling.
• Bold phrase: Ignoring icing consistency – The royal icing should be thick yet pourable. Adjust with lemon juice or icing sugar to get the perfect consistency for decorating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Ensure cookies are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking.

Reheating Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 150°C (300°F) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individually on a low setting for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Vegan Gingerbread Cookies special?

These cookies are not only vegan but also versatile, allowing you to adjust spices and sweetness according to your taste.

Can I customize my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or alternative spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.

How do I know when my Vegan Gingerbread Cookies are done?

The edges should start browning slightly, while the center remains soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

What should I do if my royal icing is too thick?

Add a drop more lemon juice gradually until you reach the desired consistency without making it too runny.

Final Thoughts

These vegan gingerbread cookies are not just simple and delicious; they’re perfect for decorating during festive times. Their versatility means you can easily customize them with your favorite flavors and decorations. Enjoy making these delightful treats!