Delicious Vegan Molasses Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious, vegan-friendly dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season, look no further than these vegan molasses cookies. This recipe offers a deliciously spiced treat that’s soft and chewy, making it a family-friendly favorite for all occasions.
Molasses is often overlooked as a key ingredient in baking, but it adds an irresistible depth of flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The spices–clove, ginger, and cinnamon–create warmth and comfort while the brown sugar gives them their chewiness. The result is a cookie that’s both sweet and tangy.
These vegan molasses cookies are perfect for anyone who loves gingerbread cookies but wants something with a richer flavor profile. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a surefire hit with everyone.
But why stop at just enjoying them yourself? Whip up a batch of these vegan molasses cookies to share with friends and family at your next gathering. They’ll be impressed by the deliciousness of this allergy-free treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For all the cookie lovers out there, this vegan Molasses Cookies recipe is a must-try. These deliciously spiced cookies are soft, chewy and irresistible. What makes them even more special is that they are vegan and allergy-free, making them accessible to everyone.
The first reason you’ll fall in love with this recipe is the combination of flavors you get with every bite. The sweetness of the sugar and molasses pairs perfectly with a touch of salt and spices like clove, ginger, and cinnamon. This blend of ingredients creates a deep, rich flavor that is unique to these cookies.
Another reason to make these cookies is that they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain or add some frosting to make them even more decadent. They pair well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them perfect for cozy nights in.
If you’re worried about the gluten factor, don’t be! This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Additionally, instead of using traditional butter or eggs found in most baking recipes – which contains animal products – this recipe uses vegan butter and an egg substitute made from flax seeds.
Lastly, these cookies are not only delicious but also ethical. Molasses does not contain any animal products, so you can be confident that every ingredient used in this recipe is 100% vegan-friendly. Additionally, using vegan butter and egg substitute means that no animals were harmed in the making of these cookies.
So go ahead and give these Vegan Molasses Cookies a try! They’re sure to become your new favorite treat – soft, chewy, deliciously spiced and completely guilt-free!
Ingredient List
Here are the necessary ingredients to bake a dozen Soft and Chewy Vegan Molasses Cookies:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground clove
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of vegan butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup of dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup of molasses
- 1 tbsp of flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, left to sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Note: For gluten-free vegan molasses cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum.
Alternatively, almond flour could be used in this recipe for a deliciously spiced and allergy-free version. Molasses contain no animal products, making them suitable for vegans who avoid animal products in their diet. In addition to providing moisture and sweetness to these cookies, molasses also adds depth to their flavor.
The Recipe How-To
Before diving into the recipe, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup (170 grams) of softened vegan butter, 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of blackstrap molasses, 1/2 cup (100 grams) of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250 grams) of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) of baking soda, 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of ground ginger, 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of ground clove, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) of salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture in batches, stirring until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Scoop out spoonfuls of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon and roll them into balls between the palms of your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar until well coated on all sides. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2-inches apart.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes or till the cookies are set and lightly browned around the edges. Keep an eye on them carefully – you don’t want them to burn!
Once done, remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe will make about 24 deliciously spiced and soft molasses cookies. Enjoy with your favorite plant-based milk or pair it with our Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe for an extra indulgence!
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of cooking is that with a little creativity, you can modify a recipe to fit your dietary and taste preferences. This molasses cookie recipe can easily be tailored to meet vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-free diets. Here are some recommended substitutions and variations to consider:
– Vegan Butter: Instead of using traditional butter, opt for vegan butter made from plant-based oils. This substitution will yield soft, chewy vegan molasses cookies.
– Gluten-Free Flour: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that different flour blends may produce varying textures of cookies; almond flour is a great option for producing a crispy cookie with a nutty flavor.
– Egg Replacements: Since this recipe does not require many eggs, try using a plant-based egg substitute like applesauce or flax eggs. Applesauce, in addition to adding moisture to the cookie dough, imparts a subtle sweetness to the cookies. Flax eggs provide structure and are an excellent binder.
– Different Sugars: Though brown sugar works well in this recipe due to its molasses content, you could experiment with other sugars like coconut sugar or maple syrup for those who prefer their cookies less sweet.
– Spices Variations: The warm spices cinnamon, clove and ginger give this cookie an irresistible flavor profile but feel free to adjust the ratio depending on your preferred level of spiciness or add cardamom or nutmeg.
– Frosted Molasses Cookies: For an extra indulgent treat, spread some vegan frosting on top of cooled cookies such as maple frosting or gingerbread flavored frosting.
Remember that these substitutions are merely suggestions – it’s up to you to customize based on your personal preferences!
Serving and Pairing
Vegan molasses cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. These chewy, soft cookies make the perfect snack with a cup of tea or coffee, and they are equally delicious when paired with a glass of cold almond milk. With their deliciously spiced flavor, they can also be served as a dessert, either on their own or frosted with your favorite icing.
For an added touch of sweetness, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or some whipped coconut cream. The soft texture and rich flavor will take your taste buds on a journey to cookie heaven.
If you’re feeling creative, try adding chunks of vegan chocolate to the recipe and serving them warm for an indulgent twist on traditional cookies. You could also try pressing small pieces of candied ginger into the top of each cookie before baking them for extra spice.
These cookies are especially popular around the holidays and make an excellent gift from the heart. Consider creating a colorful array of them arranged in a reusable container or gifting your vegan friends with a small batch that they will love to indulge in.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these chewy vegan molasses cookies are sure to please everyone who tries them.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making these vegan molasses cookies ahead of time is a smart move if you’re pressed for time or would like to have fresh-baked goodies at any given moment. You can make the cookie dough and shape it into cookie balls, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. When you’re ready to bake them, simply take them out of the fridge, let them come to room temperature and pop them in the oven. It’s like having your own little batch of ready-to-go homemade cookies!
If you’re looking to store your freshly baked vegan molasses cookies, wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep them soft and chewy. They should last for up to five days at room temperature, but honestly, these cookies will probably disappear faster than that.
Another way to enjoy these cookies is through reheating. Soften up these babies by popping them in the microwave or oven at a low temperature (about 180°C) for a few minutes until they’re warm and gooey again. Trust me, they’ll be just as delicious as when you first made them.
So go ahead and make some extra batches of these soft, chewy vegan molasses cookies – because once everyone gets a taste of these delectable treats, they’ll be begging for more!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking vegan molasses cookies, there are some tips that can help guarantee you achieve the perfect results. First and foremost, make sure you are following the recipe measurements closely. Using too much or too little of an ingredient can throw off the balance of the cookie dough and cause your cookies to turn out dry, overly moist or flat.
Moreover, always use room temperature ingredients. Cold ingredients may not combine well enough, resulting in a lumpy dough. Additionally, using vegan butter that is slightly softened but not melted will help achieve the perfect texture for soft, chewy vegan molasses cookies.
Another tip for perfecting this recipe is to use unsweetened applesauce in place of a portion of the vegan butter. This will keep your cookies moist without making them too greasy. It serves as a healthy yet effective substitution that works well with this recipe.
In order to make gluten-free vegan molasses cookies, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free one at a 1:1 ratio. You can use any gluten-free flour blend you prefer for this recipe; just make sure it has xanthan gum in the mixture.
One crucial factor to keep in mind when baking vegan molasses cookies is that overbaking will result in hard and crispy rather than chewy deliciously-spiced treats. The key is to watch the oven temperature closely and adjust if needed, then bake until the edges begin to brown but the center remains soft.
Finally, do not skip chill time for these vegan ginger molasses cookies if you want truly soft and thick cookies. After mixing up your cookie dough, chill it covered in cling wrap for at least an hour before baking it off for optimal results.
FAQ
As with any recipe, questions may arise during the preparation and cooking process. Here we have gathered some frequently asked questions about these Vegan Molasses Cookies. From ingredient substitutions to storage methods, to baking techniques, we’ve got you covered so that you can make these cookies with confidence and ease. Read on for answers to the most common queries and doubts about this recipe.
What does molasses do for cookies?
Molasses plays a crucial role in cookie making by providing an abundance of flavor and some sweetness. It also contributes to the creation of a beautiful brown hue in the cookie dough due to its moisture content.
Why are my molasses cookies so hard?
It’s essential to strike the right balance between flour and moisture in your dough because it affects the cookie’s shape. If your dough has too little flour or excessive moisture, it can result in the cookie losing its shape. To avoid this, gradually add a tablespoon of flour at a time, or reduce the liquid quantity by one or two tablespoons, which in this recipe is molasses.
What is the difference between gingerbread cookies and molasses cookies?
When it comes to ginger cookies, the traditional gingerbread ones are usually thin and crispy, while molasses cookies tend to have a chewier texture. If you’re specifically after the thin, crisp texture, you might want to try my recipe for Healthier Easy Gingerbread Cookies.
What makes molasses cookies crack on top?
To achieve the perfect cookie, it is vital to take certain measures. First, make sure to apply a coat of sugar to dry the cookie’s surface before baking. Also, ensure that you use enough leavening agent to promote a rise in the cookie dough. Finally, bake the cookie in an adequately heated oven. Cracking issues can arise if these measures aren’t appropriately taken or due to expired or insufficient baking powder or soda.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a deliciously spiced and chewy vegan molasses cookies recipe, this is it! It’s a great addition to any cookie plate and perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store and contains no animal products, making it suitable for vegans and those with food allergies.
With soft molasses and brown sugar flavors and a hint of ginger, cinnamon, and clove, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re also versatile enough to substitute ingredients and customize to your liking.
Plus, with tips for perfect results such as using room temperature butter and lining baking sheets with parchment paper, you can guarantee your cookies will come out soft and chewy every time.
So why not try this vegan molasses cookies recipe today? Whether you make it for yourself or share it with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
Vegan Molasses Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (145 grams)
- 2 tablespoons flour (145 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (2.5 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (2.5 ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon clove (1.25 ml)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (.6 ml)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (99 grams)
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil (90 ml)
- 2 tablespoons molasses (30 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar, for rolling
- 1 tablespoon course sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F or 165 degrees Celsius.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
- In a second bowl, mix brown sugar, vegetable oil, molasses, vanilla and apple sauce.
- Add flour mixture to brown sugar mixture and stir until mixed. Using a tablespoon measure, scoop up dough and form nice mounds. Place the mounds about 2 ½ inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet (Silpat is okay) and sprinkle tops with sparkly sugar (I actually rolled the dough into balls and rolled them in sugar. When i put my cookies on the baking sheet i pressed them down with my fingers). Bake for 13-16 minutes. Let cool for 2 minute on sheet, then transfer to wire rack to cool.
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.