Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with loved ones, sip warm beverages, and indulge in delightful treats that bring joy and comfort. If you’re looking for the ultimate vegan holiday cookie recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture, you’re in the right place!

These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive spices and sweet touches that make them a standout on any cookie tray. Whether you’re vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply want to try something new, these holiday cookies will win over every palate.

Crafted with wholesome plant-based ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a batch of cookies perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring by the fire. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, and create some holiday magic that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan holiday cookie recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic holiday flavors and modern plant-based baking. You’ll love how:

• Simple ingredients come together to create rich, chewy, and flavorful cookies.
• The recipe is egg-free, dairy-free, and uses natural sweeteners, making it allergy-friendly and wholesome.
• The cookies hold their shape beautifully and have a soft center with slightly crisp edges.
• You can easily customize the spices and add-ins to suit your holiday mood or dietary preferences.
• It’s a great recipe to make with kids or friends, bringing everyone into the holiday spirit.

Plus, this recipe pairs wonderfully with other festive treats like our Lump Of Coal Recipe or a comforting batch of Magic Dough Recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup maple syrup or agave syrup
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup vegan chocolate chips or dried cranberries (optional)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack
• Sifter (optional but recommended for dry ingredients)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and whisk until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing.
6. Fold in the nuts and chocolate chips or dried cranberries if using, ensuring even distribution.
7. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but still soft.
9. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For extra festive flair, roll the cookie dough balls in coarse sugar before baking to add sparkle and crunch!”

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Nut-free option: Simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum for better structure.
• Chocolate overload: Swap half the chocolate chips for vegan white chocolate chips or festive-colored candy melts.
• Zesty touch: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the dough for a bright holiday flavor.
• Make it chewy: Substitute half the flour with oat flour and add 1 tbsp ground flaxseed for extra chewiness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan holiday cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some delightful ways to serve them:

• Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or vegan hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
• Create a festive cookie platter by mixing these with other holiday favorites like our Jan Hagel Cookie Recipe or the Italian Toto Cookies Recipe.
• Use them as a base for vegan ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching your favorite plant-based ice cream between two cookies.
• Wrap in festive packaging to gift to friends, family, or coworkers, spreading holiday cheer.

Conclusion

This best vegan holiday cookie recipe is a wonderful addition to your seasonal baking lineup. It combines the warmth of traditional holiday spices with the richness of coconut oil and natural sweeteners to create cookies that are both indulgent and wholesome.

Whether you’re vegan, have food sensitivities, or simply want to try a fresh twist on holiday cookies, this recipe is designed to impress and satisfy.

Easy to customize and fun to make, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends. Don’t forget to check out other festive recipes like the Marzipan Challah Recipe and the Leche De Pantera Recipe to round out your holiday menu with delicious vegan options.

Happy baking and happy holidays!

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