Dive into the world of holiday baking with these easy vegan gingerbread cookies. Perfectly spiced and delightfully soft, they’re sure to become a winter favorite. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe provides a fun and festive way to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Photos of Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Some ingredients you may not have at home include molasses and vegetable shortening. Molasses adds a deep, rich sweetness that you won’t get from other sweeteners, and it can usually be found in the baking aisle. Vegetable shortening helps to give the cookies their tender texture and is often located near the oils or baking supplies.
Ingredients For Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
molasses: A thick, dark syrup made from sugarcane or sugar beets, adding depth and sweetness.
brown sugar: Provides sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor, aiding in cookie softness.
vegetable shortening: A fat used to create tender and flaky cookies.
cold water: Helps to bring the dough together smoothly.
all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies, giving them body and texture.
baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
ground cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
ground cloves: Contributes a strong, sweet-spicy kick.
ground allspice: Imparts a rich mix of flavors that complement the other spices.
ground ginger: Provides a sharp, spicy undertone typical of gingerbread.
salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
cooking spray: Used to prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
One reader, Elliot Ritchie says:
These easy vegan gingerbread cookies are fantastic! The spices blend perfectly, and the texture is just right. They were a hit with my family, and I loved how simple the recipe was to follow. Perfect for holiday baking!
Techniques Required for Making Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
How to beat with an electric mixer: Use an electric mixer to combine ingredients until they are smooth and creamy. How to sift dry ingredients: Use a sifter or a fine-mesh sieve to combine and aerate the dry ingredients. How to shape dough into balls: Use your hands to form the dough into round shapes. How to roll dough: Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to the desired thickness on a lightly floured surface. How to cut out cookies: Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into cookies. How to bake cookies: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until the edges are firm. How to transfer cookies to a wire rack: Use a spatula to move the cookies from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool.
How To Make Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
In this vegan gingerbread cookies recipe, molasses are the main source of sweetness with a bit of earthiness to it. The shortening makes the cookies lighter
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsmolasses
- 1cupbrown sugar,packed
- ⅓cupvegetable shortening
- ⅔cupcold water
- 6cupsall-purpose flour
- 2tspbaking soda
- 1tspground cinnamon
- 1tspground cloves
- 1tspground allspice
- 1tspground ginger
- 1tspsalt
- cooking spray
Instructions
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Combine molasses, brown sugar, and shortening in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add cold water and blend until smooth.
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Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to molasses mixture, blending until incorporated and dough is soft.
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Shape dough into 2 balls and place in the refrigerator until chilled, 10 to 15 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
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Working in batches, place one ball of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll to ¼-inch thickness, or ½-inch thickness for softer cookies.
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Cut out cookies with desired cookie cutters and place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
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Bake cookies in the preheated oven until edges are firm, 12 to 13 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack immediately after baking to cool. Allow to cool completely if frosting.
Nutrition
- Calories: 154.22kcal
- Fat: 2.62g
- Saturated Fat: 0.55g
- Trans Fat: 0.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.77g
- Carbohydrates: 30.64g
- Fiber: 0.64g
- Sugar: 14.46g
- Protein: 2.17g
- Sodium: 107.67mg
- Calcium: 36.92mg
- Potassium: 235.34mg
- Iron: 1.69mg
- Vitamin A: 0.03µg
- Vitamin C: 0.02mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Making Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
When rolling out the dough, use parchment paper on both the top and bottom to prevent sticking and ensure an even thickness. This also makes it easier to transfer the cookies to the baking sheet without losing their shape.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during preparation.
Chill dough quickly: Place the dough in the freezer for 5-7 minutes instead of the refrigerator to chill it faster.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Batch rolling: Roll out larger portions of dough at once to cut out more cookies in fewer batches.
Electric mixer efficiency: Use an electric mixer to combine ingredients quickly and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
molasses - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative for molasses in vegan gingerbread cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar texture and sweetness level, and it adds a slight caramel flavor that complements the spices in gingerbread cookies.
vegetable shortening - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based fat that works well in baking, providing a similar texture and richness to vegetable shortening.
cold water - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk adds a bit more flavor and richness compared to water, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a bit more fiber and nutrients, and it can be used in a 1:1 ratio for all-purpose flour in most baking recipes.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Baking powder will help the cookies rise similarly to baking soda.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice contains cinnamon along with other complementary spices, adding a more complex flavor to the cookies.
ground cloves - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cloves, making it a good alternative in gingerbread cookies.
ground allspice - Substitute with ground nutmeg and cinnamon: A mix of nutmeg and cinnamon can mimic the flavor profile of allspice.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh grated ginger: Fresh grated ginger provides a more intense and aromatic ginger flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity as regular salt, providing the same flavor enhancement.
cooking spray - Substitute with parchment paper: Parchment paper prevents sticking without the need for additional fat, making it a healthier and equally effective alternative to cooking spray.
Presenting These Delightful Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that all molasses, brown sugar, vegetable shortening, all-purpose flour, and spices like ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground ginger are of the finest quality to enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
Chill the dough properly: After combining the molasses mixture and flour mixture, shape the dough into two balls and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Roll the dough evenly: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a uniform thickness of ¼-inch for crispier cookies or ½-inch for softer cookies. This ensures even baking and a consistent texture.
Use elegant cookie cutters: Select sophisticated and intricate cookie cutters to create visually appealing shapes. This adds a touch of elegance and professionalism to the presentation.
Bake to perfection: Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 12 to 13 minutes. Ensure the edges are firm but not overbaked to maintain a tender center.
Cool on a wire rack: Transfer the baked cookies immediately to a wire rack to cool. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their shape.
Decorate with finesse: Once completely cooled, decorate the cookies with vegan royal icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. Use piping bags to create intricate designs and patterns, adding a touch of artistry to each cookie.
Plate with precision: Arrange the decorated cookies on a pristine white platter, spacing them evenly. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint or edible flowers to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve with complementary beverages: Pair the cookies with a selection of fine teas or a warm cup of spiced almond milk. This enhances the overall dining experience and complements the flavors of the gingerbread cookies.
Essential Tools for Making Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Electric mixer: To beat the molasses, brown sugar, and shortening until smooth and creamy.
Large bowl: For combining the molasses, brown sugar, and shortening.
Measuring cups: To measure out the molasses, brown sugar, vegetable shortening, cold water, and flour.
Measuring spoons: To measure out the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and salt.
Sifter: To sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, and salt.
Refrigerator: To chill the dough balls for 10 to 15 minutes.
Oven: To bake the cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Baking sheet: To place the cookies on for baking.
Cooking spray: To spray the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Rolling pin: To roll the dough to the desired thickness.
Cookie cutters: To cut out the cookies into desired shapes.
Wire rack: To cool the cookies immediately after baking.
Spatula: To transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack.
Lightly floured surface: To roll out the dough without it sticking.
Storing and Freezing Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Once the gingerbread cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their crisp texture, place a piece of bread in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are frozen solid (about 2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen gingerbread cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer to serve them warm, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
If you plan to decorate the cookies with icing or frosting, it's best to do so after thawing them. This will ensure that the decorations adhere properly and maintain their appearance.
How To Reheat Leftover Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
To reheat gingerbread cookies in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy around the edges. This method works best for larger batches of cookies.
For a quick and easy way to reheat a few gingerbread cookies, use the microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become too soft or chewy.
If you want to restore the moisture in your gingerbread cookies, wrap them in a damp paper towel before microwaving. This will help soften the cookies and make them taste fresher.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, try reheating your gingerbread cookies in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your gingerbread cookies. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy.
For a fun twist, try crumbling your leftover gingerbread cookies over a bowl of vanilla ice cream or yogurt. The warm, spicy flavors of the cookies will complement the cool, creamy texture of the ice cream or yogurt.
Interesting Fact About Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
A random fact about this recipe is that gingerbread cookies have been a holiday tradition for centuries, with their origins tracing back to medieval Europe. The use of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves was believed to have medicinal properties, making these cookies not only a festive treat but also a remedy for various ailments.
Is Making Vegan Gingerbread Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This easy vegan gingerbread cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour are pantry staples and relatively inexpensive. The use of vegetable shortening and common spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and ginger further keeps costs low. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are These Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The vegan gingerbread cookies recipe, while delicious and festive, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content: The recipe includes a significant amount of molasses and brown sugar, which can contribute to excessive sugar intake.
- Refined flour: All-purpose flour is a refined carbohydrate that lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
- Vegetable shortening: Although vegan, vegetable shortening is high in saturated fats and may contain trans fats, which are linked to adverse health effects.
However, the recipe does incorporate some beneficial spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and ginger, which offer antioxidants and potential health benefits.
To make the recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of molasses and brown sugar, or replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like date paste or applesauce.
- Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, oat flour, or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content.
- Replace the vegetable shortening with coconut oil, which is a healthier plant-based fat option.
- Experiment with adding finely grated zucchini or carrots to the dough for added moisture, fiber, and nutrients.
- Opt for a dark chocolate drizzle or a sprinkle of chopped nuts instead of frosting to reduce added sugar.
Editor's Opinion on This Vegan Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
This vegan gingerbread cookie recipe is well-balanced, offering a delightful blend of spices that evoke classic holiday flavors. The use of molasses and brown sugar ensures a rich, deep sweetness, while the vegetable shortening keeps the cookies tender. Chilling the dough is a smart step for easier handling and better shape retention. Baking at 350°F for 12 to 13 minutes yields cookies with firm edges and a soft center, perfect for decorating. Overall, it's a straightforward and reliable recipe that should satisfy both novice and experienced bakers.
Enhance Your Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Why trust this Easy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe:
This vegan gingerbread cookies recipe is a must-try for its simplicity and delightful flavor. Using molasses and brown sugar ensures a rich, deep sweetness, while the blend of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and ginger creates a perfectly spiced treat. The vegetable shortening keeps the cookies tender, and the easy-to-follow steps make it accessible for bakers of all levels. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy festive flavors without any animal products.
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