When it comes to Christmas, baking cookies is a tradition for many. But for those following a vegan diet, it might seem challenging to recreate those classic holiday cookies without traditional ingredients like butter, milk, or eggs.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make vegan Christmas cookies that are just as festive, delicious, and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts. Here we’ll explore a variety of vegan cookie recipes that capture the spirit of the holiday season.
1. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless favorite, and they’re surprisingly easy to make vegan. Swap out the usual dairy butter for vegan butter and use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. The result is a chewy, gooey, chocolatey cookie perfect for cozying up by the fire.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Coconut sugar or regular sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Flour, baking soda, and salt
- Dark chocolate chips
Tips: Use coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor and add a dash of cocoa powder for extra richness. These chocolate chip cookies can also be formed into dough balls and frozen, so you can bake a few fresh whenever you like.
2. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are an easy crowd-pleaser. Their naturally nutty flavor pairs well with a pinch of salt and a little coconut sugar, making for a deliciously chewy treat.
Ingredients:
- Peanut butter
- Coconut sugar
- Vegan butter or oil
- Flour and baking soda
Tips: For an extra festive touch, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt or chopped peanuts. This adds both flavor and a decorative look.
3. Classic Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are essential to any Christmas cookie platter. Made with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, they bring a warm holiday aroma to the kitchen. These vegan gingerbread cookies retain their classic taste and structure without the need for dairy or eggs.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Brown sugar and molasses
- Spices: ginger, cinnamon, cloves
- Flour, baking soda, and salt
Tips: Roll the dough out and use festive cookie cutters to create gingerbread men, trees, or stars. For extra flair, decorate with vegan royal icing made from powdered sugar and a touch of soy milk.
4. Vegan Thumbprint Cookies With Jam
Thumbprint cookies, filled with sweet jam, make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie tray. These cookies can be made vegan by using vegan butter, and you can fill them with your favorite jam, like cranberry or raspberry.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Sugar (coconut sugar or regular sugar)
- Flour and salt
- Your choice of jam (cranberry, raspberry, or strawberry)
Tips: Make an indentation in the dough ball with your thumb before baking and add a dollop of jam. These cookies also look stunning with a sprinkling of powdered sugar after baking.
5. Vegan Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are known for their buttery flavor and crisp texture. You can achieve the same delightful crumb using vegan butter.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Flour, sugar, and salt
Tips: After baking, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate or sprinkle with coconut sugar for added texture. For a holiday twist, you can add a bit of peppermint extract to the dough or even dip them in melted chocolate with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy.
6. Vegan Lemon Cookies
Lemon cookies add a refreshing twist to the usual holiday cookie assortment. Their bright, zesty flavor cuts through the richness of other cookies on the tray.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Coconut or regular sugar
- Lemon zest and juice
- Flour, baking soda, and salt
Tips: Mix in a bit of dairy-free buttercream frosting with lemon zest to make a light, tangy topping, or keep them simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
7. Vegan Linzer Cookies With Cranberry Jam
Linzer cookies are beautiful, delicate, and a holiday classic. Filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar, these sandwich cookies look festive and taste delicious.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Flour, almond flour, and sugar
- Cranberry or raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Tips: Use cookie cutters to create a small window in the top layer of the sandwich so the jam is visible. For a unique twist, try cranberry jam, which has a tartness that complements the sweet cookie dough perfectly.
8. Vegan Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are chewy, hearty, and comforting. Adding cranberries makes them even more seasonal and festive, while using vegan butter and coconut sugar keeps them entirely plant-based.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Oats, flour, and coconut sugar
- Dried cranberries
- Baking powder and salt
Tips: For added depth, include a dash of cinnamon and a sprinkle of coconut flakes or even dark chocolate chips.
9. Vegan Crinkle Cookies
Crinkle cookies are known for their cracked, powdered sugar-covered appearance, which resembles freshly fallen snow. These chocolate crinkle cookies are rich and indulgent without using dairy or eggs.
Ingredients:
- Vegan butter
- Coconut sugar and cocoa powder
- Flour, baking powder, and salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Tips: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking to create the iconic crinkle look. Add a hint of peppermint extract to the dough for a holiday twist.
Conclusion
These vegan Christmas cookies prove that a plant-based holiday baking experience can be every bit as festive and flavorful as traditional baking.
Whether you’re serving up peanut butter cookies, decorating gingerbread men, or savoring a soft lemon cookie, each of these recipes offers something unique and memorable. Plus, they’re made with love and compassion, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit with everyone—vegans and non-vegans alike.
FAQs
1.Can I Substitute Regular Butter In These Vegan Recipes?
No, for a truly vegan cookie, you need to use vegan butter to avoid animal products. There are many great options available at most grocery stores.
2.Are These Vegan Cookies Also Gluten-Free?
Most recipes above use flour, but you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Adjustments may be needed for texture.
3.What’s The Best Plant-Based Milk To Use In These Recipes?
Soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk all work well. Choose the one that best suits your preference or dietary needs.
4.Can I Freeze The Dough For Later Baking?
Yes, most vegan cookie doughs can be frozen. Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in an airtight container.
5.How Long Will These Vegan Cookies Stay Fresh?
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
Meet Joseph Bryant, the creative force behind Foodsguider. As a self-taught chef and passionate food explorer, Joseph Bryant invites you to savor the journey through delightful recipes and the stories that accompany them. From kitchen adventures to the joy of sharing, join Foodsguider in celebrating the magic of good food and lasting memories.