Let's whip up a batch of delightful vegan gingerbread men that are bursting with flavor and free from refined sugar. This recipe uses a combination of natural sweeteners for a complex and nuanced taste, while the real ginger and spices add a warm, festive kick.
Ingredients:
- 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
-
Prep the flax egg: Combine the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
-
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened vegan butter, coconut sugar, molasses, and maple syrup until light and fluffy.
-
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the flax egg, almond milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix!
-
Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to roll out.
-
Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
-
Cut out gingerbread men: Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread men shapes. Transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for spreading.
-
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before decorating.
Decorating:
You can decorate your vegan gingerbread men however you like! Get creative with vegan royal icing made from powdered sugar, vegan butter, and plant-based milk. Or, use melted vegan chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even dried fruit.
Tips:
- For a chewier gingerbread man, add 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce to the wet ingredients.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon or two more flour, but be careful not to overmix.
- To make sure your gingerbread men keep their shape during baking, roll out the dough fairly thin.
- Store leftover gingerbread men in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy these delicious and festive vegan gingerbread men! They're sure to be a hit with everyone, regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Bonus: Add a little extra Christmas spirit by infusing the maple syrup with a cinnamon stick for a few hours before using it in the recipe.
I hope this recipe brings you some holiday cheer!