As winter approaches, spice takes over the baking world. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger – all these warm flavours are essential. If you want to switch things up this festive season, you can’t miss out on these spiced cookie sandwiches. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these vegan delights are the perfect Christmas treat. To make this recipe, all you need are the basic ingredients, a few bowls, an electric hand whisk, and an oven. If you want to get fancy, a piping bag and a few nozzles wouldn’t hurt!

INGREDIENTS (COOKIES)

• 2tbsp ground flaxseed
• 6tbsp cold water
• 115g chilled vegan butter
• 160g brown sugar (I use demerara)
• 30g caster sugar
• 240g self-raising flour
• 1tsp ground cinnamon
• 1tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp mixed spice
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 300g chocolate chips (optional)

INGREDIENTS (BUTTERCREAM)

• 200g icing sugar
• 90g vegan butter
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS: SPICED COOKIES

1. In a small bowl, take your flax and cold water and mix them until combined. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add vegan butter and sift in both sugars. With an electric hand whisk, beat for a few minutes until light, creamy, and fully combined.
3. Add the flax mixture and beat again for 30 seconds.
4. Sift self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and spices to the mix. Beat until combined, but careful not to overmix. Add spice to your preference.
5. Fold chocolate chips into the dough with a spoon (optional).
6. With a tablespoon, scoop heaps of dough and roll into balls. You should end up with 8-12 cookies.
7. Place the doughballs on baking paper and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This will allow the dough to firm up, so the cookies maintain their shape.
8. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
9. Place the cookie dough on a sheeted baking tray and bake for 15-18 mins. The cookies should be golden on top with a cracked surface and a softer middle, but adjust time to your preferred texture. Sprinkle over cinnamon sugar for added flavour.
10. 10 (optional): For your cookies to be perfectly symmetrical, use a glass to cut them while the dough is hot.
11. Allow to cool completely before you make your buttercream.

INSTRUCTIONS: SPICED BUTTERCREAM

1. Sift icing sugar into a bowl and add vegan butter, salt, and spices.
2. Using an electric hand whisk, beat the ingredients together on a slow speed until combined. Gradually increase speed to thicken the buttercream. If the mixture tastes too buttery, balance with more sugar.
3. Place in the fridge to chill for 10 minutes before assembling.

ASSEMBLY

1. Flip half the cookies upside down so that their smooth bottoms are facing up.
2. Pipe your spiced buttercream over half the cookies. I prefer using a star-shaped nozzle, but any shape will do.
3. Place another cookie on top and press down to make your sandwich!
4. Use excess buttercream to pipe designs on top of the sandwiches.
5. Store in an airtight container or place in the fridge, where they will last up to five days.

Happy baking!

Evan Baxter-Carr

My name is Evan (he/him). I am currently studying English and journalism at Strathclyde University, and regularly host a show as part of the Fusion Radio society. Outside of Strath, I write novels and run Doombox Music, a music journalism website where I write weekly reviews and conduct interviews with up-and-coming musicians.