These Vegan Gingerbread Cookies are soft, chewy and packed with warm and flavorful spices. They’re delicious on its own and sturdy enough to decorate!
Have you ever wondered how to make your house smell like Christmas? I can help you with that. Just bake a batch of these Gingerbread Cookies and your house will smell not only like Christmas but also like Heaven. Yes, these cookies smell and taste heavenly!
Ingredients
And the best part is that you only need a bunch of ingredients I’m sure you already have in your pantry right now:
Flour. Plain all-purpose flour is what I usually use here. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour for all-purpose gluten-free flour at a ratio of 1:1.
Sugar. You can either use brown or cane sugar. I love both. They’re less processed than white sugar and keep their molasses content.
Dairy free butter. I used margarine. Any plant based butter will work great for this recipe.
Molasses. If you ran out of molasses, you can substitute them for dark corn syrup, maple syrup or, even, agave syrup. They have a milder flavor but a similar consistency.
Cinnamon. It’s basically the combination of these four spices what gives this recipe its characteristic flavor.
Ginger. Cinnamon and ginger are the two main spices in this recipe.
Cloves. Optional. Cinnamon and ginger are the most commonly used for gingerbread cookies but I can’t help to add cloves and nutmeg, their deep flavour
Nutmeg. Optional too. Anyway, ¼ teaspoon of that spice won’t hurt your cookies, trust me.
Baking soda. It serves to lift your cookies during baking.
Baking powder. With the addition of baking powder, you get fluffier and softer cookies.
How to make Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Full instructions and measurements can always be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. This is just a summary of the process.
Those Gingerbread Cookies are one of the easiest cookies on Earth, believe me. They can be made in one bowl and with no electric mixer. In case you haven’t got one, you can use a wooden spoon or a spatula. Nevertheless, using a hand or stand mixer will make the job easier for you.
And now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the gingerbread making:
- First, you have to mix the butter and the sugar. Whisk it well until it gets paler and fluffier.
- Then, sift in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Combine everything.
- Add the molasses and mix again. At that point the dough can be a bit thick, use your hands to mix everything well.
- Let the dough chill for 3-4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Preheat the oven, line a baking sheet, roll the dough ⅙ inch thick (4mm) and cut out the cookies. Once baked they’re ⅕ inch thick (5mm), which is thick enough for my taste.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. Let them cool down completely before removing from baking sheet.
Tips to Make the Best Cookies
MAKE AHEAD: You can make the dough ahead and keep it in the fridge. Form a ball and wrap it with cling film or roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper and refrigerate. Also, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it.
Once you’re ready to use it, taw it in the refrigerator for a few hours, or on the counter for 1-2 hours. Cut out the cookies when the dough is still cold, it’s easier that way.
DON’T OVER BAKE: Bake for 12 minutes if you like chewy cookies or 15 minutes if you prefer crispier ones .
GLUTEN-FREE: To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour for AP gluten-free flour mix at a ratio of 1:1.
RECIPE
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable butter room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup molasses
Instructions
- In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and the sugar. Beat until it gets paler and fluffier. Scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice.
- Then, sift in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the molasses and keep beating on low speed until just incorporated. At that point the dough can be a bit thick, beat on high speed until everything is well combined.
- Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper, divide the dough in half and form two ball. Flatten each ball and refrigerate. Let the dough chill for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
- Line a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350º F/ 175º C. Unwrap the dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll the dough ⅙” thick (4 mm) and cut out the cookies. Once baked they’re ⅕ inch thick (5mm).
- For thinner cookies, roll the dough to ⅛” inch thick. If you aim to create a gingerbread house, roll it to ¼” inch thick.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cut out cookies. Bake for about 12 -15 minutes. Let them cool down completely before removing from baking sheet.
Notes
Nutrition
Additional Info
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Banana Bread
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More vegan treats from favorite blogs:
Gingerbread House Recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction
Tristin
We loved this vegan gingerbread cookie recipe. It was easy to follow and they tasted just like regular gingerbread cookies, no one guessed that they were vegan!
Natalia
Thank you for sharing your review Tristin! I’m glad the cookies were a hit!
Amanda Dixon
These vegan gingerbread cookies came out so good! I just love how soft and chewy they were, and the spice kick was perfect. Thanks for sharing!
Natalia
You’re welcome Amanda! I’m happy you love the cookies. Thanks for the feedback!
Ann
A holiday cookie must have! I have not tried a vegan version of a gingerbread cookie yet, but I think I need to give it a try!
Natalia
Hi Ann, you must try these cookies then. You can’t even tell they’re vegan! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Jamie
This gingerbread cookie is so great and very cute! It looks delicious and very yummy too! Plus it’s vegan which is added healthy points for everyone!
Natalia
Thank you, Jamie! I do agree, vegan cookies are really a healthier option.
Erin
These vegan gingerbread cookies were so fun to make! My son helped and we both loved them. Thanks for sharing that easy and amusing recipe!
Natalia
Hi Erin, you’re welcome! I’m so happy you and your son had fun making these cookies! Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Dennis
These cookies look amazing! I’m going to make them with my vegan granddaughter this weekend.
Natalia
I’m sure she will enjoy making gingerbread cookies, they’re great to make with children. Thanks for commenting, Dennis!
Sharon
I love this vegan upgrade to traditional gingerbread cookies. A great treat to share with those who follow a vegan diet.
Natalia
Yes, it is Sharon. These are a family favourite around here too.
Amy Liu Dong
These vegan gingerbread cookies are so cute and look really delicious.
I love that this is a vegan cookie. Perfect for dessert or gifting!
Natalia
I’m so happy you love the cookies, Amy! Let me know how they turn out when you make them.
Veronika
Who would’ve thought vegan gingerbread cookies could be so delicious and easy to make! They held together really well and came out perfectly. Can’t wait to decorate them later today!
Natalia
Hi Veronika, I’m thrilled that you loved the cookies! Thank you for taking time to share your fabulous feedback!
veenaazmanov
These vegan gingerbread cookies are surely a burst of spices. Cute and very creative patterns and cuttings. Perfect for this festive season and gifting option too.
Natalia
Thank you Veena, I love decorating them. Hope you have a chance to make them!
Lauren Michael Harris
Such an easy swap to use vegan butter – these tasted just as good as the “regular” gingerbread cookies – the kids loved them too!
Natalia
Thank you so much, Lauren! I’m super excited to hear that you and your kids loved these cookies.
Megane
These vegan gingerbread cookies are delicious! They will be a regular for us now.
Natalia
Hi Megane! I’m so glad! Thanks for commenting.