Introduction

These soft and chewy vegan gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a spiced treat. Made gluten-free with simple ingredients, they offer a delightful texture and rich flavor that everyone will love.

A group of gingerbread cookies shaped like little people are spread out on crumpled brown paper. Each cookie is golden brown with smooth, slightly grainy texture and decorated with white icing lines making simple smiling faces, buttons, and zigzag patterns on arms and legs. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup (218 g) all-purpose flour or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup (113 g) vegan butter, room temperature
1/4 cup (80 mL) molasses
1/3 cup (70 g) unsweetened dairy free yogurt, room temperature
1 batch vegan royal icing

Instructions

Step 1: Measure out all ingredients to have everything ready before starting.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, and sea salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the vegan butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Add molasses and dairy-free yogurt to the butter and sugar mixture, then beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Step 6: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin, then roll the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 8: Using lightly floured cookie cutters, press shapes into the dough. Re-roll scraps as needed to use all the dough.
Step 9: Place the cut cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the fridge while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 10: Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes until they are slightly puffy and firm to the touch but not soft.
Step 11: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before decorating.
Step 12: Prepare vegan royal icing following the recipe instructions, then pipe your desired designs onto each cookie.
Step 13: Let the icing set for about 10 minutes before serving and enjoying your festive treats.

Tips & Variations

For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cloves or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Use coconut oil instead of vegan butter for a slightly different texture and taste.
If your dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for a few extra minutes before rolling out.
Decorate with natural food coloring to keep the cookies vibrant and vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store the gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If decorated with icing, allow the icing to dry completely before storing to prevent sticking. You can also freeze undecorated cookie dough wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw and roll out when ready to bake. Reheat cookies by warming briefly in the oven or enjoy them at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows many brown gingerbread man cookies spread out on crumpled brown parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is decorated with simple white icing, forming eyes, smiley faces, buttons, and zigzag lines on arms and legs. The cookies vary in size but all have clear, smooth edges with a soft and chewy texture. The background colors and texture contrast softly with the warm brown of the cookies and bright white icing, creating a cozy, inviting feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This recipe is designed to work well with either option.

How do I make vegan royal icing?

Vegan royal icing typically uses aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites, combined with powdered sugar and lemon juice or cream of tartar. Whip these ingredients until stiff peaks form for a perfect decorating icing.