Delicious Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Vegan gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines the aromatic spices of traditional gingerbread with a plant-based twist. Perfect for festive occasions, these cookies are crafted with wholesome ingredients such as almond flour, dates, and coconut oil, making them both healthy and delicious. Using natural sweeteners like maple or birch syrup, they offer a subtle sweetness that complements the rich spices. Preparing these cookies involves a rewarding process of mixing, chilling, and baking that fills your home with a wonderful aroma. The dough, infused with the flavors of gingerbread spices, is easy to handle and can be rolled out to create various festive shapes. Baking them at a gentle 150 degrees ensures they turn golden brown without burning. These cookies are not only a treat for vegans but also for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier version of a traditional Christmas favorite. Perfect on their own or as a complement to your holiday spread, these gingerbread cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're serving them with a hot beverage or giving them as a gift, their delightful taste and aroma make them a memorable treat.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

150 g almond flour
150 g ground dates
130 g spelt wheat flour
120 g coconut oil
110 ml maple or birch syrup

Spices:

2 tbsp ground gingerbread spice mix
1/2 tsp baking powder

Preparation Time

Total time: 999 minutes (includes preparation and chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground dates with almond flour. Mix well to ensure the dates are evenly distributed.
Add room temperature coconut oil and your choice of syrup, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine the spelt wheat flour with baking powder and the gingerbread spice mix, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly to form a consistent dough.
Knead the dough thoroughly until it reaches a pliable and smooth consistency.
Wrap the dough in baking paper or cling film, and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. Chilling allows the spices to meld and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful cookie.
Preheat your oven to 150 degrees Celsius, ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before you bake.
Remove the dough from the fridge and let it soften slightly at room temperature if too hard to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
Using cookie cutters, press out shapes from the rolled dough and place them onto baking trays lined with parchment paper.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Watch them closely as almond flour has a tendency to brown quickly.
Once they achieve a light golden color, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack.
Allow the cookies to cool completely; during this time, they will harden slightly for the perfect crunchy texture.
Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade vegan gingerbread cookies warm or with a cool beverage of choice.
These cookies can also be adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vegan-friendly icing for a festive finish.

Tips

Substitutions: Use agave syrup if maple or birch syrup is unavailable.
Chilling: The longer the dough rests, the richer the flavor, but avoid exceeding a week to prevent spoiling.
Baking Tip: Almond flour browns quickly, so keep a close watch to avoid burning.

Nutritions

Calories per cookie: Approximately 90
Protein: 2g
Fats: 5g
Carbs: 10g

Variations

Incorporate chopped nuts for added texture.
Use gluten-free flour instead of spelt wheat for a gluten-free option.
Add finely chopped candied ginger to the dough for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a hot cup of herbal tea or a plant-based milk latte.
Arrange on a festive plate and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Pair with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Best Places

Cafe Gratitude - A cozy restaurant offering plant-based indulgences in the heart of the city. Location: 639 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.

Manna - A London gem serving up some of the best vegan dishes, including aromatic spiced treats. Location: 4 Erskine Road, London, UK.

Plant Food + Wine - This spot combines vibrant flavors with beautiful settings for an unforgettable dining experience. Location: 105 NE 24th St, Miami, USA.

Crossroads Kitchen - Known for its delicious plant-based cuisine, perfect for those looking to enjoy vegan gingerbread cookies. Location: 8284 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, USA.

VeganBurg - Located in sunny California, this fun and laid-back place offers a variety of vegan treats. Location: 1466 Haight St, San Francisco, USA.

Loving Hut - A quiet corner café ideal for sampling vegan delights with a cozy atmosphere. Location: 1801 S Dairy Ashford Rd Ste 110, Houston, USA.

Govinda's Natural Foods - A popular haunt for those who love organic, plant-based foods. Location: 212 N 25th St, Philadelphia, USA.

El Huerto - Famous for its healthy plant-based menu in a vibrant city. Location: Providencia 2124, Santiago, Chile.

Daigo - Known for exquisite vegan cuisine that respects traditional flavors. Location: 2 Chome-3-1 Atago, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan.

Georges Garden - A delightful stop for vegan-friendly meals and enticing desserts. Location: 21st Jesmond Gardens, Newcastle, UK.