Holiday Glow Caramel Frost Vegan (Print Version)
Soft spiced vegan treats with luscious caramel frosting for festive gatherings.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Cookies
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 3/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
08 - 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
09 - 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
10 - 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Caramel Frosting
12 - 1/2 cup vegan butter
13 - 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
15 - 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of sea salt
# Step-by-step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
03 - In a separate large bowl, mix coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Melt vegan butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add coconut sugar and plant-based milk, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
08 - Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt until thick and spreadable.
09 - Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies. Allow frosting to set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They're soft and cake-like inside, with edges that crisp just enough to give you that perfect textural contrast.
- The caramel frosting tastes indulgent but comes together in under five minutes with simple pantry staples.
- You can make the whole batch in less than an hour, including cooling time, so they're perfect for last-minute gatherings.
02 -
- Don't skip cooling the frosting mixture slightly before whisking in the powdered sugar—if it's too hot, you'll end up with a runny glaze instead of a spreadable frosting.
- Overmixing the dough even slightly will make these cookies tough and cake-like instead of tender, so stir just until the streaks of flour disappear and then stop.
- These cookies are delicate and actually taste better the next day, so bake them a day ahead if you're serving at a gathering.
03 -
- Brown your vegan butter in the saucepan for 30 seconds before adding the sugar—it deepens the caramel flavor and makes the frosting taste more sophisticated.
- If your frosting breaks or looks grainy while whisking, add one teaspoon of plant-based milk at a time until it comes together smoothly again.