Vegan Christmas Gingerbread Men
VEGAN HEALTHY CHRISTMAS COOKIES
These are not necessarily just for Christmas, make these anytime of year!
This is my take on a little bit healthier version of the classic gingerbread men. I use spelt flour here for a healthier flour alternative (I’m still trying to master a gluten free version), and I love adding hemp seeds for some texture and added nutrients.
Yields: 25-30 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
50g vegan butter
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp molasses
1/2 tsp vanilla paste
1 flax egg (1.5tsp ground flax + 3tbsp water)
2 cups spelt flour
3 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp clove
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup hemp seeds
For the Icing
Healthier option;
1/2 cup coconut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla paste
1 tbsp plant milk
Traditional;
1/2 cup icing mixture
1 tbsp hemp milk
DIRECTIONS
With an electric whisk, beat the butter and sugar together until smooth.
Add in the maple, molasses, vanilla and flax egg and stir to combine.
Sift in the flour and spices.
Fold with a spatula and then mix with your hands to combine. Dough should be moist but not too sticky, add a little more flour if too sticky.
Fold in the hemp seeds with a spatula or hands.
Cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour to firm up.
Pre-heat oven to 180C/350F.
Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 5mm thickness (make sure to flour your rolling pin).
Cut out gingerbread men or other desired shapes with cookie cutter.
Transfer to a lined baking tray.
Bake in oven for 10 minutes.
Remove and transfer to cooling rack to cool completely before applying icing.
See below for icing recipe.
Transfer icing into a piping bag, and decorate your shapes.
These are best consumed on the same day, but otherwise store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
For the Icing
Whisk together in a bowl until smooth
Traditional;
Sift the icing mixture into a bowl. Add in plant milk and whisk together until smooth - should be quite thick , if too runny add some more icing mixture.