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We have a few cherished holiday traditions in our home. Decorating the Christmas tree and walking in our neighborhood, that is filled with lights and decorations, are at the top of the list. Another tradition that brings us so much joy is baking vegan gingerbread cookies with our young children. Cookies are such an easy way to get them involved and learn some basic math skills too! And when you have super fun holiday cutouts it makes it even more exciting. Our two-year-old loves sampling everything along the way, while our newly five-year old loves mixing and cutting out shapes. Sharing these precious moments together makes the holidays that much more special.
We hope this recipe brings you and your family together for some fun and joy in the kitchen this holiday season. These cookies may not be heart healthy, but they definitely make our hearts happy and are oh so worth the time! They are also perfect for those of you just like us - without fancy cooking tools and with little helper hands!
Vegan Gingerbread Cookie Ingredients:
1/2 cup melted vegan butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup maple syrup (or molasses)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2.5 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Vanilla Frosting Ingredients
1/2 cup melted vegan butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup oat milk (or plant-based milk of your choosing)
2.5-3 cups powdered sugar
Steps
Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients together: melted vegan butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients together: all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt
Step 3: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stirring well, or using hand mixer. Mix until all clumps are smooth.
Step 4: Knead the dough. Form into a ball. Cover in bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step 5: Remove dough from fridge and roll out dough. Get it about 1/4 inch thick so you end up with a crispy cookie. If you prefer them a bit thicker and softer, then roll to about 1/2 inch.
Step 6: Cut them into the shapes you prefer.
Step 7: Place on baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes at 350°F.
Step 8: Make the frosting. Mix together: melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, and oat milk. Then slowly add in powdered sugar. Mix until clumps are smooth and you have the consistency you prefer. Place to the side until the cookies are ready to be frosted.
Step 9: Remove from oven and allow them to completely cool. Once cooled, frost them.
Step 10: Enjoy!