These vegan molasses cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with warm spices, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season or any time of year. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create delicious cookies that everyone will love. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar (packed)
• 6 tablespoons (84g) coconut oil (or another neutral oil)
• 6 tablespoons (132g) molasses (not blackstrap for a milder flavor)
• 1 chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes)
• Optional: 1–2 tablespoons orange zest for added flavor
• Optional: 3 tablespoons raw sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chia Egg:
   • In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted coconut oil. Mix until smooth.
   • Add the molasses and chia egg to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the orange zest.
6. Chill the Dough (Optional):
   • If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to help firm it up.
7. Shape the Cookies:
   • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. If desired, roll each ball in raw sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Flatten each ball slightly with your palm.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool:
   • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
• Customization: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor!
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend if needed; ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

These vegan molasses cookies are sure to be a hit! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family during the holidays!