Need a last minute Christmas cookie?! Look no further!
Happy Christmas Eve Eve! I can't believe Christmas is already upon us, and I still haven't binged on all of the Christmas movies I love so much. Guess I know what my plans will be for tomorrow ;)
What's everyone got planned? Any WHAT is on the menu?! I'm going to be at my younger sisters apartment for a brunch/lunch chow down, and my older sisters house for dinner. I KNOW this will be a day of feasting (aka shoving our faces in so much food), but I still have yet to decide what dishes I'll be bringing. Hmmmm
Anyways, I have exciting news for you gingerbread cookie lovers! ANNDDD for anyone looking for a last minute dessert to bring to Christmas dinner. I found the most AMAZING gingerbread cookie sandwich recipe that will surely knock your socks off! With a nice layer of fresh vanilla bean buttercream. Ugh. Drooling forever. Because this recipe make a ton and I am in full holiday jolly spirit, I gave these little cookies out to some of my friends and colleagues, and everyone was also quite pleased! Are you looking for another way to spread Christmas cheer? Baking the best goodies for all your friends & fam!
By the way, did you know you could make buttercream totally vegan? I didn't until now! I always assumed you had to make a "butter"cream with a fake butter alternative, which to me, did not sound appetizing. BUT this buttercream is made with coconut oil and almond milk. Did I mention theres an actual vanilla bean included?! YEHP. No vanilla extract, so it's that much better. Loving it <3
Thank you to Hot For Food, for yet another amazing recipe! Hope everyone has a healthy & happy holiday weekend, whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or Christmahanakwanza. :) ENJOY! xx S
| Vegan |
I N G R E D I E N T S
- 3 cups of all purpose flour
- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed!
- 3 tsp of ground ginger
- 2 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 tsp of ground cloves
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- 1/4 tsp of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil, melted & slightly hot
- 1/2 cup of almond milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup of un-sulphured molasses
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup of cane sugar, or a granulated sugar for rolling the cookies!
VANILLA BEAN BUTTERCREAM - 3 cups of powdered sugar
- 3 Tbs of coconut oil, softened
- 2 Tbs of almond milk
- 1 vanilla bean!
BEGIN: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, sift your flour, spices + sea salt. Mix and set aside. In another large bowl, add your brown sugar, coconut oil, almond milk, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix super well to combine. IF you the coconut is solidifying into little chunks throughout it, just pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, mix well, and repeat until oil is melted throughout and all you can see is the brown sugar granules in your wet mixture. Pour into your dry mixture and fold until it makes a nice soft but firm dough. If it's a bit soft, just pop it in the fridge for a few.
ROLLIN: When you're about ready to make the cookies, take out your baking sheet or parchment paper! Scoop a small amount of dough at a time and roll into small balls- about an 1" wide in size. Roll them in the cane sugar to coat. Now, press down gently so they're slightly flat disks. You'll probably have to do this in batches because there is a lot of dough, so be patient! Pop the first batch in the oven and cook for 12 minutes. Let them cool entirely on a wire rack.
BUTTERCREAM: While the cookies are cooling, time to make the buttercream! Add your coconut oil, milk, and 1 cup of powdered sugar to a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer until combined. Add your second cup of powdered sugar and beat again. It's okay if it looks a little crumbly. It'll come together! Now, scrape the inside of your vanilla bean and add to the bowl, along with your last cup of powdered sugar. Beat until a buttercream forms, and if it's looking too dry, add the tiniest amount of milk. TRUST ME! A little goes a long way so maybe like a half a teaspoon while beating until it reaches your desired consistency.
COOKIES!: Once your buttercream is complete and cookies are cooled, spread some icing between two cookies and sandwich them together to finish. Mmmm fini!