Vegan Molasses Sugar Cookies

‘Tis the season for DESSERTS.

Though, to be honest, in my world, it’s always the season for desserts. I mean, who wouldn’t want vegan molasses sugar cookies all year round??

As usual, my awesome sister-in-law has found a way to make delicious, Insta-worthy cookies without most of the unhealthy junk that usually goes in them.

In fact, these cookies are packed with nutrients (a fact that you can calmly explain to your housemates when they become concerned that you’re about to eat your twelfth one). This recipe calls for blackstrap molasses, which:

• Contributes to bone health due to its iron, calcium, selenium, and copper
• Promotes heart health thanks to its potassium content
• Contains more antioxidants than honey and other natural sweeteners

Besides this, part of the oil in these cookies is replaced with unsweetened applesauce, a much healthier alternative.

So look at these little babies! They’re basically multivitamins!

Okay, I may be slightly exaggerating.

Okay, all jokes aside — we live in the real world, so it’s still not a great idea to overindulge in sugar (even the “healthy,” less-refined varieties like molasses and coconut sugar).

While these cookies pack a more nutritious punch with their whole-food alternatives to standard dessert ingredients, it’s still not an excuse to overeat. I am one of the worst offenders when it comes to eating too much sugar, so this holiday season, I’ve made a list of tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Don’t make rules. It might just be me, but I’m a huge rebel, so anytime I make a “rule” about my diet, I immediately want to break it. Instead, I focus on making choices in the moment that reflect my values.
• Practice mindful eating. Our brains can tune out and we can go on autopilot when we eat, causing us not to notice when we’re full until it’s too late. Practice removing distractions and reconnecting with your senses while you eat. Savor each bite!
• Find healthy alternative treats. Make a plan in advance for things that bring you joy — without hurting your body. What about sparkling water, herbal tea, or a bubble bath?
• You don’t have to eat when others do. You know what? People probably won’t notice how much you’re eating or if you partake when they do. If someone grabs a dessert or treat and offers you one, you’re free to turn it down with a smile and no other explanation. What a freeing realization!

Vegan Molasses Sugar Cookies: A Heartwarming Holiday Treat

Now that we’re all experts in moderation (😉), let’s get down to the details on how to make these lovely cookies:

1. Mix dough. In a large bowl, beat the applesauce, coconut oil, coconut sugar, molasses, and flax egg until well combined. Add baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Mix well, then mix in the flour half cup at a time the dough is until well-combined.
2. Chill dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Once the dough is chilled, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Form cookies. Using your hands, roll about one tablespoon of dough into a ball, roll in sugar, and place it on a greased cookie sheet. Continue with the remainder of the dough.
4. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool and enjoy!

And there you have it! I hope these little treats will be the delight of your Christmas season. Give them a try and, as always, rate and review below and tag us on Insta @plum_savory!

Season’s Greetings from your Savory Sisters (too cheesy? DON’T CARE),
Nicole and Elana 🎄