Vegan Ginger Cookies

We’re a few days away from hosting our family holiday celebration and there’s just something about this season that calls for warm spices and the familiar scent of cookies baking in the oven. These Vegan Ginger Cookies are our plant-based take on a classic holiday favorite—comforting, nostalgic, and made with intention. While ginger cookies have long been a staple on cookie platters and dessert tables this time of year, this version leans fully into a vegan, plant-based approach without sacrificing flavor, texture, or that unmistakable festive feel.

Our favorite part of making these vegan ginger cookies is that we use freshly grated ginger in addition to the traditional ground spices, and it makes all the difference. The fresh ginger adds a subtle heat and brightness that lifts the cookie, balancing beautifully with the deep sweetness of molasses and brown sugar. It’s that little extra spark that makes these cookies feel special—perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or quiet evenings at home with a cup of tea or mulled wine.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. There’s no need for eggs, butter, or dairy, yet the cookies still bake up soft and chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges. Plant-based baking can feel intimidating, especially during the holidays when traditions run deep, but this recipe proves that vegan desserts can be just as indulgent, festive, and crowd-pleasing as their conventional counterparts.

These cookies fit seamlessly into a holiday season filled with celebration—whether you’re baking with family, gifting homemade treats, or simply carving out a slow afternoon to enjoy the ritual of baking. They’re a reminder that plant-based recipes can honor tradition while gently evolving it, creating space at the table for everyone. Warm, spiced, and deeply comforting, these Vegan Ginger Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the holidays—one cozy bite at a time.

Vegan Ginger Cookies

Makes: about 18–20 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes

Ingredients

Dry

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet

• ¾ cup organic brown sugar (or coconut sugar for deeper flavor)

• ⅓ cup molasses (unsulphured)

• ½ cup neutral oil (avocado, grapeseed, or melted coconut oil)

• ¼ cup non-dairy milk (oat or almond works well)

• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For rolling (optional but recommended)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat & prep
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix wet ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, molasses, oil, non-dairy milk, fresh ginger and vanilla until smooth and glossy.

4. Combine
   Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Let dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate.

5. Shape cookies
   Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Roll in sugar if using. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

6. Bake
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops are crackled but centers remain soft.

7. Cool
   Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They will firm up slightly as they cool.

Tips & Variations

• Crispier cookies: Bake 1–2 minutes longer and flatten dough balls slightly before baking.

• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Storage: Keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

As the holiday season unfolds, these Vegan Ginger Cookies offer a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate with warmth, intention, and flavor. Baking them is about more than just making a dessert—it’s about slowing down, filling your home with the comforting aroma of ginger and spice, and embracing moments of connection during an often busy time of year. With each batch, the familiar becomes new again, elevated by the addition of fresh ginger and a fully plant-based approach that feels both nourishing and festive.

These cookies are a reminder that holiday traditions don’t have to remain static to be cherished. By choosing vegan, plant-based ingredients, you’re creating a dessert that’s inclusive and welcoming, one that can be shared with friends and family regardless of dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, packaging them up as homemade gifts, or enjoying one straight from the cooling rack, they carry the kind of comfort and joy that defines the season.

The balance of warm spices, rich molasses, and bright fresh ginger makes these cookies feel timeless yet thoughtful—perfect for pairing with a hot mug of tea, coffee, or dairy-free hot chocolate. They fit beautifully alongside twinkling lights, handwritten notes, and the quiet rituals that make the holidays feel personal and grounded.

Ultimately, these Vegan Ginger Cookies are an invitation to celebrate the season in a way that aligns with your values while still honoring tradition. They prove that plant-based baking can be festive, satisfying, and deeply comforting. However you choose to share them, may they bring a little extra warmth, sweetness, and joy to your holiday table.