Vegan Gingerbread Cookie Recipe for Perfect Holiday Treats

As the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies filling your kitchen. But if you’re following a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to enjoy a delicious treat without any animal products, this vegan gingerbread cookie recipe is the perfect choice.

These cookies are soft yet sturdy enough for decorating, packed with classic holiday spices, and naturally sweetened to satisfy your festive cravings. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these cookies will bring joy and comfort with every bite.

Not only are these cookies delightful, but they’re also made with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about. Plus, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Ready to bake some vegan gingerbread magic? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan gingerbread cookie recipe combines all the classic flavors of gingerbread with a vegan twist that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. You’ll appreciate how these cookies hold their shape beautifully, perfect for cutting into festive shapes and decorating with vegan icing or sprinkles.

Using ingredients like molasses and warm spices, these cookies have a rich depth of flavor that truly embodies the holiday spirit. The recipe also avoids eggs and dairy, using plant-based alternatives that keep the cookies tender and chewy without any fuss.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy night in, or gifting, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy them days after baking or share with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk and wooden spoon or electric hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie cutters (optional, for festive shapes)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg). Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the melted coconut oil and brown sugar. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the molasses, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour — this helps the dough firm up for easier rolling.
7. Once chilled, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use cookie cutters to cut into your favorite shapes or slice into squares using a knife.
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers still look slightly soft. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
12. Decorate as desired once cooled with vegan icing, powdered sugar dusting, or enjoy plain.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly soft cookies, don’t skip chilling the dough — it makes rolling and cutting so much easier!

• For a nuttier flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to the dry ingredients for extra fiber and nutrients.
• If you prefer crisper cookies, bake for an additional 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Replace molasses with maple syrup for a lighter, sweeter variation, though it will alter the traditional flavor slightly.
• Decorate with vegan royal icing made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and aquafaba (chickpea water) for a festive touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan gingerbread cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, vegan hot chocolate, or a comforting latte. For holiday parties, serve them on a decorative platter alongside other festive treats like vegan sugar cookies and fruitcake.

Consider packaging these cookies in cute holiday tins or clear bags tied with ribbon to give as thoughtful, homemade gifts. You can also use them as edible decorations by hanging gingerbread shapes on your Christmas tree with a little ribbon looped through a hole.

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with your favorite vegan cream cheese frosting or nut butter for an indulgent dessert bite!

Conclusion

Baking vegan gingerbread cookies is a joyous way to celebrate the holidays with delicious, cruelty-free treats that everyone will love. This recipe is both simple and rewarding, delivering the perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and chewy texture.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore more plant-based delights on our site, like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet companion to your cookies, or warm up with savory dishes like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

For a tasty baking staple, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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