Here’s a delightful recipe for vegan crispy gingerbread cut-out cookies that are easy to make and perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are spiced just right and can be decorated for festive occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Flax Egg:
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 2.5 tablespoons water
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2/3 cup molasses
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Icing (Optional)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons plant milk of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Flax Egg:
- In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseeds with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients:
- In another large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the flax egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick but should hold together well.
Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to prevent spreading during baking.
Roll Out and Cut Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes for crispy cookies or until they are firm around the edges. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate (Optional):
- To make icing, whisk together powdered sugar, plant milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Decorate cooled cookies as desired.
Tips
- For extra crispy cookies, ensure you bake them longer but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- If you prefer softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly.
- Feel free to customize spices or add decorations like vegan sprinkles or melted chocolate.
These vegan gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but also a fun activity for family gatherings during the holiday season!