Vegan Gingerbread Cookies: A Holiday Classic
These plant-based gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. Perfectly spiced, soft in the center, and crisp around the edges, they’re ideal for sharing with family and friends. Decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain—they’re delicious either way!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Icing (Optional):
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1–2 tbsp plant-based milk
– 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
– In a large bowl, beat the coconut oil and brown sugar until creamy. Add the molasses, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Roll and Cut:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake:
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Decorate (Optional):
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to decorate the cooled cookies as desired. Let the icing set before serving.
These gingerbread cookies are not only plant-based but also easy to make and full of festive flavor. They’re great for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of warm plant-based milk.
Happy Holidays from Food Yoga International! 🎄
