The holiday season brings with it the joy of festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and, of course, delicious treats. If you’re looking to add some plant-based magic to your Christmas celebrations, these vegan Xmas cookies recipes are sure to delight both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Crafted with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients, these cookies capture the essence of traditional Christmas flavors while being kind to animals and the planet. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging in a cozy moment by the fire, these vegan cookies offer a perfect blend of taste and tradition.
From classic gingerbread and spiced sugar cookies to rich chocolate crinkles and festive peppermint delights, this collection covers a range of textures and flavors. You’ll love how easy they are to make, requiring common pantry staples and simple techniques.
Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can prepare ahead and enjoy seasonal sweetness anytime. Let’s dive into these merry recipes that bring warmth, joy, and compassion to your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan Christmas cookies are more than just tasty treats—they’re a celebration of compassionate cooking. By swapping traditional dairy and eggs for plant-based alternatives, these recipes maintain all the richness and chewiness you expect from holiday cookies without compromising on flavor.
Healthier ingredients: Many recipes include whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and spices known for their antioxidant properties. This means you can indulge guilt-free!
Allergy-friendly options: Most of these cookies are free from common allergens like eggs, dairy, and sometimes nuts, making them perfect for diverse gatherings.
And best of all, they’re incredibly versatile. You can customize flavors or decorations to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
These cookies also make wonderful gifts, wrapped beautifully and shared with friends and neighbors.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (can substitute with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
- Ground ginger – 1 teaspoon
- Ground cloves – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Coconut oil (melted) – ¾ cup
- Brown sugar – 1 cup, packed
- Maple syrup – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Unsweetened applesauce – ½ cup (egg replacer and moisture)
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup (for icing)
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (for icing)
- Plant-based milk – 1-2 tablespoons (for icing)
- Vegan chocolate chips – ½ cup (optional)
- Crushed candy canes – ¼ cup (optional, for decoration)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (Christmas shapes like stars, trees, and bells)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
- Small mixing bowl for icing
- Spoons or piping bags for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the melted coconut oil with brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and unsweetened applesauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or cookies may turn out tough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm it up for easier rolling and cutting.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes, placing each on the prepared baking sheets with about 1 inch between.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even color.
- Cool: Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare icing: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and plant-based milk, starting with 1 tablespoon milk and adding more until smooth and spreadable.
- Decorate: Use a spoon or piping bag to ice the cooled cookies. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or vegan chocolate chips on top while the icing is wet for a festive touch.
- Let icing set: Allow decorated cookies to dry for at least 30 minutes before serving or packaging.
Tips & Variations
“For perfectly chewy cookies, make sure not to overbake them. They’ll firm up as they cool.”
Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You may need to add a teaspoon of flaxseed meal mixed with water as an extra binder.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist. For chocolate lovers, fold in ½ cup vegan chocolate chips directly into the dough.
Decorating ideas: Use natural food colorings mixed into the icing for colorful designs. Try piping simple snowflakes, Christmas trees, or classic polka dots to impress your guests.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating if frozen.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g (from coconut oil) |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 8 g (from natural sweeteners) |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan Xmas cookies are delightful on their own, but why not elevate your presentation? Serve them alongside a warm cup of vegan hot chocolate or spiced apple cider for an irresistible holiday treat.
Arrange them on a festive platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a seasonal touch. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Looking to impress your guests further? Include these cookies in a holiday cookie exchange or gift them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
They’re perfect for sharing the spirit of the season.
Conclusion
These vegan Christmas cookie recipes prove that holiday baking can be joyful, compassionate, and delicious all at once. With simple substitutions and natural ingredients, you can create festive treats that everyone will love—whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or not.
These cookies bring the warmth and nostalgia of Christmas to your kitchen without compromising your values.
By embracing plant-based baking, you’re not only making tasty cookies but also making a positive impact on your health and the environment. We hope these recipes inspire you to bake with love and share joy this holiday season.
For more delicious vegan recipes to complement your festive menu, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.
Happy baking and happy holidays!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Xmas Cookies
Description: Deliciously spiced vegan Christmas cookies perfect for holiday celebrations. These cookies are soft, chewy, and free from animal products.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT32M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add applesauce, vanilla, and almond milk to wet ingredients and stir well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 22 g
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