Vegan Holiday Cookies Recipes for Festive Treats

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around with loved ones, share stories, and, of course, enjoy delicious treats. Vegan holiday cookies bring a festive twist to traditional favorites, offering everyone—including those with dietary preferences—a chance to indulge in sweet, comforting delights.

These cookies are not only cruelty-free but also packed with wholesome ingredients that make every bite satisfying and guilt-free. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just exploring plant-based baking, these recipes are approachable, fun, and sure to impress your friends and family.

So, let’s dive into a collection of delightful vegan holiday cookie recipes that will make your celebrations extra special and full of joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan holiday cookies are crafted to be both delicious and inclusive. You’ll appreciate that they:

• Use simple, natural ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
• Are free from eggs, dairy, and other animal products but never compromise on flavor or texture.
• Include options for classic holiday flavors like gingerbread, peppermint, and cinnamon.
• Are perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday parties, making them a versatile choice.
• Offer variations to suit your taste, whether you prefer chewy, crunchy, or soft cookies.

Plus, baking these cookies is a joyful experience that fills your home with warm, festive aromas, setting the perfect holiday mood.

Ingredients

Classic Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Soft Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar (for sprinkling)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (optional but helpful)
• Whisk and spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling racks
• Rolling pin (optional for gingerbread shapes)
• Cookie cutters (holiday shapes for gingerbread)
• Small sieve or sifter (for powdered sugar)

Instructions

Classic Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, molasses, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It will be slightly sticky.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier rolling.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut festive shapes.
7. Place cookies on baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are firm but centers are still soft.
9. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and peppermint extract until combined.
4. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
7. Place the balls on baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cracks form but cookies remain soft.
9. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks.

Soft Vegan Cinnamon Roll Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Using a mixer or by hand, cream the vegan butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add applesauce and vanilla, mixing well.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until dough forms.
6. Using a teaspoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
7. Sprinkle coconut sugar and cinnamon over each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
9. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Tips & Variations

“Chilling your dough is essential for the best texture and easier handling.”

• Substitute flours: For gluten-free options, try a blend of gluten-free flour and almond flour, but expect a slightly different texture.
• Sweetener swaps: Use coconut sugar or date syrup instead of brown sugar or maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.
• Add nuts or dried fruits: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries to add crunch and festive color.
• Decorate: Use vegan royal icing or melted vegan chocolate to decorate gingerbread cookies for extra holiday flair.
• Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices by adding nutmeg or allspice for deeper complexity.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan holiday cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a variety of festive accompaniments:

• Serve with a warm cup of spiced herbal tea or vegan hot chocolate for cozy winter moments.
• Create a cookie platter combining all three recipes for a colorful, festive dessert table.
• Package cookies in decorative tins or jars to give as thoughtful, homemade holiday gifts.
• Pair gingerbread cookies with a vegan cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
• Try alongside other holiday favorites like your favorite vegan pumpkin pie or Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Conclusion

Making vegan holiday cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with kindness and deliciousness. These recipes prove that plant-based baking can be festive, flavorful, and fun.

Whether you choose the spicy warmth of gingerbread, the refreshing peppermint chocolate crinkles, or the soft sweetness of cinnamon roll cookies, you’re sure to delight your family and guests. Plus, these cookies are adaptable, so you can tweak them to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

As you bake, remember that the true magic of the holidays is about sharing joy and love. These cookies are the perfect vehicle for that spirit, bringing smiles and tasty moments to your celebrations.

For more inspiring vegan recipes to complement your holiday baking, explore Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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