20 Easy Vegan Christmas Cookie Recipes for the Holidays
The holiday season is here. What’s a festive celebration without the sweet smell of vegan Christmas cookies from the kitchen? Plant-based diets are more popular, so we need tasty holiday baking options for everyone.
Are you a vegan or just want to please your friends and family? Our plant-based desserts will wow everyone. You’ll find classics like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and chocolate treats. These festive vegan treats are great for gifts, parties, or enjoying with hot cocoa.
Key Takeaways
- Explore 20 simple and delicious vegan Christmas cookie recipes.
- Discover practical tips for holiday baking and ingredient substitutions.
- Find the perfect plant-based desserts for gift-giving and festive gatherings.
- Learn how to make traditional holiday cookies without animal products.
- Enjoy a variety of textures and flavors in our collection of vegan Christmas treats.
The Joy of Vegan Holiday Baking
Vegan baking at holidays is more than treats. It’s about making memories with loved ones. We share stories and laughter, and our treats become part of those memories.
Vegan holiday baking has changed a lot. Now, we have many plant-based ingredients. This makes it easy to make tasty holiday treats. We have plant-based milks and vegan-friendly baking chips to choose from.
Baking is a joy for the senses. The smell of spices fills the kitchen. We enjoy rolling out dough and decorating cookies. It’s a fun experience for everyone, no matter their diet.
Baking vegan cookies can also teach others. It shows them vegan food is tasty and good for the planet. It’s a way to share the joy of plant-based eating.
| Traditional Ingredient | Vegan Alternative | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Butter | Plant-based butter or coconut oil | Reduces saturated fat, cruelty-free |
| Eggs | Flaxseed or chia seed eggs | Lower cholesterol, rich in omega-3 |
| Sugar | Organic cane sugar or coconut sugar | Less processed, lower glycemic index |
Vegan holiday baking is more than treats. It’s about making a better world. It’s a way to honor traditions and care for our planet.
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Christmas Cookies
To make tasty vegan Christmas cookies, pick the right ingredients. Many plant-based options are now easy to find. This makes baking vegan treats during the holidays simple.
Plant-Based Butter Alternatives
Vegan baking has found great substitutes for butter. Brands like Earth Balance and Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter are favorites. Coconut oil is also popular, especially for its unique flavor.
Think about the cookie type when picking a butter substitute. Some work better for crunchy cookies, while others are perfect for chewy ones.
| Brand | Best for | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Balance | Crispy cookies | Neutral |
| Miyoko’s | Chewy cookies | Rich, cultured |
| Coconut Oil | Shortbread, Snaps | Coconut |
Egg Replacements for Baking
Finding egg substitutes is key in vegan baking. Flax eggs and aquafaba are top picks. Commercial egg replacers like Bob’s Red Mill also work well.
Choose an egg substitute based on the cookie type. Flax eggs are great for dense cookies, while aquafaba is best for meringues.
Vegan-Friendly Sweeteners and Flours
Vegan bakers have many sweetener options. Organic cane sugar, coconut sugar, and date sugar are favorites. They each add a unique taste.
For flours, all-purpose flour is a go-to. But, whole wheat pastry flour, almond flour, and gluten-free blends offer variety. Remember, substituting flours might need adjusting ratios and adding xanthan gum for texture.
Classic Christmas Cookies Made Vegan
Our vegan Christmas cookie recipes give a new twist to old favorites. They bring back memories of family and joy. You can still enjoy these treats even if you’re vegan. We have vegan versions of sugar cookies, gingerbread, snickerdoodles, shortbread, and spritz cookies.
Vegan Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
To make vegan sugar cookies, use plant-based butter and sugars. Add vanilla and almond extracts for flavor. For royal icing, use aquafaba instead of eggs. You can color it with natural ingredients like spirulina and beetroot powder.
| Ingredient | Vegan Alternative |
|---|---|
| Butter | Plant-based butter |
| Egg Whites | Aquafaba |
| Food Coloring | Natural dyes (spirulina, turmeric, beetroot powder) |
Plant-Based Gingerbread People
Our vegan gingerbread uses molasses for flavor and color. It has spices like cinnamon and ginger. Use coconut oil or vegan butter for the best taste. Chilling the dough helps keep the shapes clean.
“Gingerbread cookies are a holiday tradition that can easily be made vegan. The key is in the spices and the molasses.”
Dairy-Free Snickerdoodles
Vegan snickerdoodles use cream of tartar for flavor. Vegan butter and flax egg make them chewy. Chilling the dough helps with texture. Try cinnamon sugar and spices like nutmeg for extra taste.
- Use vegan butter for the best results
- Don’t overmix the dough
- Chill the dough before baking
Vegan Shortbread Stars
Good vegan butter is key for shortbread. Use all-purpose and rice flour for a soft texture. Keep it simple for tender shortbread. Try lemon or herbs for different flavors.
Tips for making perfect shortbread:
- Don’t overwork the dough
- Use high-quality vegan butter
- Chill the dough before cutting
Eggless Spritz Cookies
Getting the dough right is important for spritz cookies. Vegan butter should be soft but firm. Aquafaba is great for binding without changing the taste.
- Prepare the cookie press with the desired tip
- Press the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake until lightly golden
Chocolate Vegan Christmas Cookies
Enjoy the rich taste of vegan chocolate cookies this holiday. Chocolate and veganism might seem odd, but plant-based stuff makes cocoa taste better. Non-dairy milks and vegan butter let chocolate’s deep flavors shine.
Chocolate ingredients like cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and chips make cookies different. Chilling dough and using the right cocoa powder make chocolate taste stronger. These cookies are tasty and make the holiday season happier.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These vegan double chocolate cookies with peppermint are a holiday favorite. Cocoa powder and vegan chocolate chips make chocolate taste intense. Peppermint adds a cool touch. Getting the right texture is all about baking time and temperature.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cocoa Powder | 1 cup |
| Vegan Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
| Peppermint Extract | 1 tsp |
For more peppermint, add crushed candy canes or vegan peppermint candies. Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with peppermint after baking.
Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Vegan chocolate crinkle cookies have a soft inside and a powdered sugar outside. They look like snow. Cocoa powder and melted chocolate make the dough rich. Applesauce replaces eggs and adds moisture.
Chill the dough well for the right texture. Roll it in powdered sugar to get the crinkly look.
Chocolate-Dipped Almond Crescents
These vegan almond crescent cookies dipped in chocolate are fancy. Ground almonds add texture and a nutty taste. Almond extract makes them smell great.
Make them look like crescents by handling the dough gently. Use tempered vegan chocolate for a smooth finish.
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Vegan chocolate thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam are a hit. Cocoa powder makes the cookies tender. The jam adds a sweet and tangy touch.
Make a hole for the jam without it leaking. Choose the right jam and fill the cookies right.
No-Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan chocolate chip cookies made with oil are easy and cheap. Coconut oil or vegetable oil make them chewy. Brown sugar adds a special flavor.
Baking soda and apple cider vinegar help them rise without eggs. Use vegan chocolate chips for the best taste.
Fruit and Nut Vegan Holiday Cookies
Holiday cookies with fruits and nuts are tasty and healthy. They add sweetness and texture. Plus, they’re good for you, making them perfect for the holidays.
Exploring Fruit and Nut Combinations You can mix many flavors in vegan cookies. Cranberries and apricots are sweet. Almonds and pecans are crunchy. They make cookies tasty and healthy.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Cranberry orange cookies are tangy and sweet. They have orange zest and dried cranberries. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of vegan butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of zest, and 1 cup of cranberries.
Tips for Preparation Spread cranberries evenly for the best taste. Bake at the right temperature for soft centers and crisp edges.
Almond Snowballs
Almond snowballs are tender and rich. They have ground almonds and vegan butter. Mix 1 cup of almonds, 1/2 cup of vegan butter, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Double-Rolling Technique Roll cookies in powdered sugar when warm and again when cool. This makes them look like snow and taste great.
Lemon Coconut Cookies
Lemon coconut cookies are bright and tropical. They have lemon zest and coconut. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of vegan butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of zest, and 1/2 cup of coconut.
Enhancing Flavor Add more coconut on top before baking. A lemon glaze after cooling adds citrus flavor.
Maple Pecan Cookies
Maple pecan cookies are rich and indulgent. They use maple syrup and toasted pecans. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of vegan butter, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of pecans.
Tips for Toasting Pecans Toasting pecans makes them taste nutty. It’s key for the best flavor in these cookies.
Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cookies
Spiced apple oatmeal cookies are hearty and wholesome. They have grated apple, oats, and spices. Mix 1 cup of oats, 1/2 cup of vegan butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of apple, and 1 teaspoon of spices.
Choosing the Right Apples Use apples that keep their shape when baked. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are good. They add sweetness and moisture.
20 Easy Vegan Christmas Cookie Recipes for the Holidays
Get ready to deck the halls with our collection of 20 easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes. They are as simple as they are scrumptious. The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and of course, baking.
These recipes are quick, simple, and accessible, even for novice bakers. We’ve curated a selection of cookies that require minimal ingredients and equipment. This makes them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
Start with our no-bake peanut butter cookies, a classic treat that’s easy to make. They require no oven time. These chewy cookies combine the richness of peanut butter with the sweetness of sugar, all without turning on the oven.
To make, simply boil a sugar mixture, mix with peanut butter and oats, and portion onto a baking sheet. Tips for perfecting the texture include precise timing for boiling the sugar mixture and troubleshooting tips for cookies that are too soft or too dry.
| Cookie Type | Prep Time | Bake Time |
|---|---|---|
| No-Bake Peanut Butter | 10 minutes | No baking |
| 5-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons | 15 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Easy Vegan Pfeffernüsse | 20 minutes | 12 minutes |
5-Ingredient Coconut Macaroons
Next up are our 5-ingredient coconut macaroons, a simple yet impressive cookie. They are perfect for holiday gatherings. These chewy treats use aquafaba as an egg substitute, making them vegan-friendly.
To make, whip aquafaba with sugar, then fold in shredded coconut. Tips for achieving the perfect texture include whipping the aquafaba to soft peaks and gently folding in the coconut.
Easy Vegan Pfeffernüsse
For a traditional German spice cookie, try our easy vegan pfeffernüsse recipe. This simplified version captures the distinctive flavor profile of these cookies. It includes the characteristic “pepper nuts” taste from black pepper.
To make, mix together a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend with additional pepper and anise for authenticity. Tips for achieving the perfect texture include proper measurement of ingredients and baking time.
Simple Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Our simple jam thumbprint cookies are a holiday classic that’s easy to make vegan. These cookies use a shortbread-like dough as the perfect vehicle for showcasing vibrant fruit preserves.
To make, mix together a simple dough, create indentations with the back of a measuring spoon, and fill with jam. Tips for perfecting the cookies include selecting the right jam consistency and warming thick jam for easier filling.
Quick Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers
Finally, our quick cinnamon sugar palmiers are an elegant French cookie that’s surprisingly easy to make. Using store-bought puff pastry, these cookies require minimal effort but look impressive.
To make, simply fill puff pastry with cinnamon sugar, fold, and bake until caramelized. Tips for achieving the perfect caramelization include proper baking temperature and time.
Tips for Successful Vegan Cookie Baking
To make your vegan cookies perfect, follow these tips. It’s key to know what traditional ingredients do. This helps when picking vegan substitutes.
Different egg replacers do different things. They can bind, leaven, or add moisture. Measuring flour and vegan butter right is also crucial.
Using the right mixing method is important. For tender cookies, mix little. For chewy ones, mix a lot. Keep an eye on the temperature of your ingredients and oven.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines
Storing and freezing vegan cookies right keeps them fresh. Store crisp and soft cookies apart. Use bread or apple to keep them moist.
For dough and baked cookies, freezing times vary. Knowing how to store them helps you bake ahead. If cookies get too hard, try oven reheating or adding bread to soften them.
Gift Packaging Ideas
When packaging vegan cookies as gifts, look good and practical. Use tins, boxes, or eco-friendly jars. Place sturdy cookies at the bottom and delicate ones on top.
Add personal touches like recipe cards and custom labels. Decorate with orange slices or cinnamon sticks. For shipping, use the right materials and plan ahead.
Conclusion
Vegan holiday baking has grown a lot. It now offers many tasty Christmas cookie recipes. These recipes fit different tastes and diets.
The 20 easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes in this article show how plant-based desserts can be just as good as traditional ones. They prove you can enjoy old favorites without using animal products.
These desserts honor holiday baking traditions and fit today’s values of health, environment, and kindness. Whether you’re experienced or new to baking, vegan holiday baking is fun and easy. Many recipes need just a few ingredients and simple steps.
Sharing vegan cookies can help change how people see plant-based eating. It also makes new holiday memories. Plus, you can freeze them ahead of time and give them as gifts. Vegan holiday baking is a wonderful way to connect with others and bring joy during the holidays.
