There’s something truly comforting about a warm, chewy molasses cookie fresh from the oven. When you combine the deep, rich flavors of molasses with the warm spices of ginger and cinnamon, you get a cookie that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
This vegan molasses cookie recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a classic treat without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking to try something new, these cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and full of cozy flavor.
Not only are these cookies easy to make, but they also use simple pantry staples and wholesome ingredients. Plus, they’re great for sharing with family and friends during the holidays or any time you crave a sweet, spiced snack.
So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake some magic with this delightful vegan molasses cookie recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it perfectly balances the bold, robust taste of molasses with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The cookies come out chewy yet tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice.
Best of all, it’s entirely plant-based, using natural ingredients and no eggs or dairy.
The dough is easy to mix, requiring no fancy equipment or unusual ingredients. These cookies hold their shape well, making them perfect for rolling in sugar before baking — a little technique that adds a delightful sweet crunch on the outside.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or a newbie, you’ll appreciate how forgiving and straightforward this recipe is.
Finally, these cookies store well and even taste better the next day, making them perfect for batch baking ahead of time. If you love other vegan baked goods, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for more plant-based treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for rolling sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the melted coconut oil and brown sugar until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add molasses, applesauce, and vanilla: Pour in the molasses, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix — the dough should be slightly thick and sticky.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Shape and roll cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar, coating evenly. Place the dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have developed a crackled appearance. The centers will remain soft but cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breaking and helps them firm up.
- Enjoy: Serve these delightful vegan molasses cookies with a warm cup of tea or your favorite plant-based milk. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
“For extra chewiness, try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water as an additional binder.”
If you want to add a little twist to this classic recipe, here are some ideas:
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and texture.
- Mix in vegan chocolate chips or raisins for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a lighter, more subtle flavor.
- Try experimenting with spices — a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can add a unique depth.
- Make it gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
For a festive look, you can dust the cookies with powdered sugar after baking or drizzle with a simple vegan glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 16 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugars | 9 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Sodium | 90 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan molasses cookies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and snacks. Serve them warm with a cup of your favorite herbal tea, such as chai or cinnamon spice, to enhance their warming spices.
For a cozy afternoon treat, enjoy them alongside a glass of almond or oat milk. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday cookie platter or a sweet snack for school or work.
Pairing them with fresh fruit preserves or vegan cream cheese spread can elevate the experience for more sophisticated palates.
Looking for other wholesome vegan dessert ideas? Try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or explore creative plant-based meals with Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Conclusion
This vegan molasses cookie recipe offers a perfect combination of rich flavor and simple ingredients that anyone can enjoy. Its chewy texture and warm spice profile make it a fantastic treat for those chilly days or holiday gatherings.
By using wholesome plant-based ingredients, these cookies prove that delicious baking doesn’t need butter or eggs.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy sweet cravings. Plus, with easy substitutions and variations, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.
For more delightful vegan recipes, be sure to visit our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and keep exploring the wonderful world of plant-based cooking.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Molasses Cookie
Description: These soft and chewy vegan molasses cookies are rich in warm spices and sweet molasses. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
- In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, brown sugar, molasses, applesauce, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Scoop dough and roll into balls, then roll in granulated sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Molasses Cookie”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These soft and chewy vegan molasses cookies are rich in warm spices and sweet molasses. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “24 cookies”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 teaspoon baking soda”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “2 teaspoons ground ginger”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cloves”, “3/4 cup coconut oil, melted”, “1 cup brown sugar, packed”, “1/4 cup molasses”, “1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce”, “1 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, brown sugar, molasses, applesauce, and vanilla.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Scoop dough and roll into balls, then roll in granulated sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place on baking sheet and flatten slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “1 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}