Soft Gingerbread Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Soft Gingerbread Cookies {vegan, gluten free}

I’m so excited to share this recipe! I’ve been testing it for a while and it’s everything you want a ginger biscuit to be: soft, sweet, festive and perfectly spiced. They’re completely vegan and gluten free; and the ultimate christmas biccie! You’re gonna love these.

Make sure you tag your Instagram images with @ginabnutrition or hashtag #ginabnutrition so I can see your creations!

gingerbread cookies

How To Make My Soft Gingerbread Cookies

Here’s all the ingredients you’ll need to make my gingerbread cookies

Dry Ingredients:

  1. Buckwheat Flour: Buckwheat flour adds a unique flavor and texture to the cookies. It’s gluten-free and has a slightly nutty taste. It also provides a good source of dietary fiber, which can help create a more satisfying and filling cookie.
  2. Ground Almonds: Ground almonds add moisture, texture, and a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies. They also contribute healthy fats and protein, enhancing the overall nutritional profile of the cookies.
  3. Demerara Sugar: Demerara sugar is a type of raw cane sugar with larger crystals. It adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookies. The larger crystals might also provide a slight crunch to the texture.
  4. Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the cookies. It complements the ginger and molasses, creating a classic gingerbread flavor.
  5. Ground Ginger: Ground ginger is the star of gingerbread cookies, providing that characteristic spicy and warming flavor. It’s the key ingredient that gives these cookies their unique taste.
  6. Salt: Salt is a flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the cookies. It can also help to round out the flavors of the spices.

Wet Ingredients:

  1. Flax Egg: The flax egg acts as a binding agent in place of traditional eggs, making the cookies suitable for vegans or those with egg allergies. It also contributes to the softness and structure of the cookies.
  2. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil adds moisture to the cookies and helps create a tender texture. It also contributes a subtle coconut flavor that can complement the spices and molasses.
  3. Blackstrap Molasses: Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread cookies, providing a rich, deep flavor and dark color. It adds sweetness along with a slightly bitter and complex undertone that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  4. Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a sweet and aromatic note that complements the spices and molasses.
  5. Non-Dairy Milk: Non-dairy milk adds additional moisture to the dough, contributing to the soft and chewy texture of the cookies. It also helps bring all the ingredients together into a cohesive dough.
gingerbread cookies

What Makes Gingerbread Cookies Hard or Soft?

The texture of gingerbread cookies can be influenced by various factors in the recipe and baking process. Here are some key factors that contribute to whether gingerbread cookies turn out hard or soft:

  1. Flour: The type of flour used can impact the texture. All-purpose flour tends to produce cookies with a crisper texture, while using a mix of all-purpose and a portion of cake flour or softer flours can yield softer cookies.
  2. Fat: The type and amount of fat used in the recipe affect the cookie’s texture. More fat, such as butter or oil, usually results in softer cookies. In contrast, less fat or using a fat with a higher melting point (like shortening) can lead to crisper cookies.
  3. Liquid Content: The liquid content in the dough affects the moisture level of the cookies. More liquid generally leads to softer cookies, while less liquid can produce drier and crisper cookies.
  4. Sugar: The amount and type of sugar used can impact both sweetness and texture. More sugar typically results in cookies that are softer and moister, as sugar attracts and retains moisture. Brown sugars, like molasses or Demerara sugar, also contribute to softer cookies due to their moisture content.
  5. Egg: The presence of eggs contributes to moisture and structure in cookies. Recipes with more eggs or egg yolks tend to produce softer cookies.
  6. Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that can affect the cookies’ texture. Too much leavening can cause cookies to rise more and be softer, while too little can lead to denser and crisper cookies.
  7. Mixing: Over-mixing the dough can develop gluten and result in tougher, less tender cookies. Mixing the dough until just combined can help maintain a softer texture.
  8. Baking Time and Temperature: Baking cookies for a shorter time at a lower temperature generally yields softer cookies. Conversely, baking for a longer time at a higher temperature can make cookies crispier.
  9. Cooling: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack can help them retain moisture and remain softer.
  10. Storage: How cookies are stored after baking can also impact their texture. Storing them in an airtight container can help maintain softness, while exposure to air can lead to cookies becoming drier and harder.
Soft Gingerbread Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Soft Gingerbread Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Georgina Burgess
I'm so excited to share this recipe! I've been testing it for a while and it's everything you want a ginger biscuit to be: soft, sweet, festive and perfectly spiced. They're completely vegan and gluten free; and the ultimate christmas biccie! You're gonna love these.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Buckwheat Flour
  • 3/4 Cup Ground Almonds (grind almonds in a blender)
  • 1/4 Cup Demerara Sugar
  • 1-2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 2-3 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1 Pinch Salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 Flax Egg 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water and left to set for 5-10 mins
  • 1/3 Cup Coconut Oil
  • 3 tbsp Blackstrap Molasses
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tbsp Non Dairy Milk

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating the oven to 180c
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Heat up your coconut oil in a small saucepan until liquified
  • Take off the heat and whisk in the flax egg, molasses and vanilla extract until well combined
  • (In a medium sized mixing bowl) Add all the dry ingredients and stir
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl and stir well
  • A thick, doughy mixture should start to form
  • At this point, add in the plant milk and use your hands to properly form the dough
  • It should be a dense, slightly sticky mixture
  • If the mixture is too dry, add in more milk
  • Scoop out handfuls of the dough and roll into a ball with your hands and flatten slightly, then place on the tray
  • Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown
  • They should be soft on the inside
Keyword vegan dessert, vegan snacks

 

Are Gingerbread Cookies Healthy For You?

Gingerbread cookies, while undoubtedly delicious, are not typically considered a health food due to their composition. They often contain significant amounts of added sugars and fats, which can contribute to excess calories and potentially lead to weight gain if consumed excessively. Additionally, traditional gingerbread recipes may lack essential nutrients and dietary fiber.

However, some healthier variations can be made by incorporating whole grain flours, natural sweeteners in moderation, and using healthier fats. Such modifications can enhance the nutritional profile by adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals. While ginger itself has potential health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties, the overall healthiness of gingerbread cookies depends on the specific ingredients and quantities used. Enjoying gingerbread cookies in moderation as an occasional treat can be part of a balanced diet, but for those seeking healthier options, considering alternative ingredients and mindful portion control is advisable.

gingerbread cookies

Love These? Why Not Try My Tahini Cookies (sounds weird, I know…)

Easy Vegan Tahini Cookies (Vegan and Gluten Free)
If you're a tahini lover, you're going to adore these Easy Vegan Tahini Cookies. They're a super easy bake and take no time at all! Curl up with a cup of tea, a good book, and one of these delicious cookies. Oh, and they're great for dunking!
Check out this recipe
vegan tahini cookies
gingerbread cookies

Are Gingerbread Cookies British?

Gingerbread cookies have a history that spans across various cultures, and their origins are not exclusively British. While gingerbread as a concept dates back to ancient times, the use of gingerbread for cookies or biscuits has been found in many European traditions.

In medieval Europe, gingerbread was often made into elaborate shapes, such as animals or figures, and was used for special occasions and festivals. The use of ginger and other spices in baked goods became more widespread during the Middle Ages due to the spice trade.

In England, gingerbread has been enjoyed in various forms for centuries, including both soft and hard versions. It was often sold at fairs and markets, and the tradition of gingerbread figures and houses became popular. Queen Elizabeth I is credited with the creation of the gingerbread man shape, as she allegedly had them made to resemble important guests at her court.

Gingerbread cookies also have strong ties to German and Dutch baking traditions, where they are known as “Lebkuchen” and “Pepernoten,” respectively. These spiced cookies have been enjoyed during holidays and festivals for generations.

So, while gingerbread cookies have been embraced by various cultures, including the British, their origins and variations can be found in many parts of Europe and beyond. The specific way gingerbread cookies are made and enjoyed may vary from country to country, but they are a delightful treat that transcends borders.

Why Not Try These?

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