Who says vegan baking can’t be vibrant, fun, and utterly delicious? If you’re searching for a treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, these colorful vegan cookies are here to dazzle!
Imagine a plate full of soft, chewy cookies bursting with natural hues from plant-based ingredients—no artificial dyes needed. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or simply looking to add some cheer to your day, these cookies are sure to brighten any occasion.
This recipe combines wholesome pantry staples with clever vegan swaps, resulting in cookies that are tender, flavorful, and easy to customize with the rainbow of your choice. Even if you’re new to vegan baking, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
Ready to bake up a batch of pure joy? Let’s dive into the world of colorful vegan cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Eye-catching and Fun: These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re a visual treat! Their vibrant colors make them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
- Completely Plant-Based: No eggs, dairy, or animal products—just wholesome, plant-powered ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
- Kid-Friendly: Baking and decorating these cookies is a fantastic activity for kids. Let them choose their favorite colors and shapes for a creative afternoon.
- All-Natural Colors: We use fruit and vegetable powders or natural food coloring for hues, so you can feel good about every bite.
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies are the perfect texture—not too crunchy, not too cakey, with just the right amount of chew.
- Easy to Adapt: Gluten-free, nut-free, and oil-free options available so you can tailor the recipe to suit your needs.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Use gluten-free blend if needed |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | |
Baking soda | 1/2 tsp | |
Salt | 1/2 tsp | |
Coconut oil | 1/2 cup | Softened, or vegan butter |
Organic cane sugar | 3/4 cup | |
Brown sugar | 1/4 cup | Light or dark |
Unsweetened applesauce | 1/4 cup | Egg replacer |
Non-dairy milk | 2 tbsp | Almond, soy, oat, etc. |
Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | |
Natural food coloring | as needed | Spirulina, beet, turmeric, blueberry, matcha, etc. |
Vegan sprinkles or chips | optional | For extra color and fun |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls – at least two, for wet and dry ingredients
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – for creaming the coconut oil and sugars
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Small bowls – for tinting dough different colors
- Cooling rack
- Cookie cutters – optional, for fun shapes
- Spoons or cookie scoop
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream coconut oil and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened coconut oil (or vegan butter), cane sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 1-2 minutes.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the applesauce, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be creamy.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add another tablespoon of non-dairy milk.
-
Divide and color: Separate the dough into 3-5 small bowls (depending on how many colors you want). Add a small amount of natural food coloring or powder to each bowl. Knead gently until color is evenly distributed.
Tip: Wear gloves if using powders like beet or turmeric to avoid staining your hands!
- Shape your cookies: Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll into balls, then flatten slightly. For swirled cookies, pinch small pieces of different colored dough and swirl together before shaping.
- Add sprinkles or chips: Press vegan sprinkles or chocolate chips on top for extra fun and flavor.
-
Bake: Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
Don’t overbake! Vegan cookies firm up as they cool, so err on the side of slightly soft centers for the best chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy! Once cool, your colorful vegan cookies are ready to brighten up any dessert table.
Tips & Variations
-
Natural Color Suggestions:
- Pink: Beet powder or freeze-dried strawberry powder
- Yellow: Turmeric or saffron
- Green: Matcha or spinach powder
- Blue: Butterfly pea powder or spirulina
- Purple: Freeze-dried blueberry powder
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower oil or vegan butter instead of coconut oil if allergies are a concern.
- Healthier Sweetener: Try coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a lower-glycemic option.
- Make it festive: Use cookie cutters for hearts, stars, or seasonal shapes and decorate with vegan royal icing.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, almond extract, or citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist.
“The best part about these cookies is their versatility. Change up the colors and flavors for any occasion—from Pride parties to spring picnics or cozy winter evenings.”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Cookie (1 out of 24) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 |
Total Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 16g |
Sugar | 7g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Protein | 1g |
Sodium | 65mg |
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary depending on your ingredient choices and cookie size.
Serving Suggestions
- For Parties: Arrange cookies on a large platter by color for a rainbow effect. These are a hit at children’s birthdays, baby showers, and holiday gatherings.
- With Vegan Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies with your favorite vegan ice cream for a colorful, indulgent treat.
- Lunchbox Surprise: Pack a few cookies in your child’s (or your own!) lunch for a cheerful midday snack.
- Giftable: Wrap a stack of cookies in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
- Cookie Decorating Party: Set up a decorating station with vegan icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter for a fun group activity.
Pair these cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of plant-based milk for the ultimate snack break.
Conclusion
Colorful vegan cookies prove that plant-based baking can be creative, delicious, and incredibly fun. With natural hues, a soft and chewy texture, and adaptable ingredients, this recipe brings a splash of joy to any kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for a special event or just to brighten your week, these cookies will win hearts—vegan or not!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, flavors, and add-ins. Vegan baking is all about discovery, and each batch brings new possibilities.
If you loved these cookies, you might also enjoy exploring more vibrant recipes, like Banana Pancakes, the decadent Birthday Cake Truffles, or a wholesome A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
So grab your spatula, gather your favorite colors, and share the joy—one delicious bite at a time. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe Card: Colorful Vegan Cookies
Description: These vibrant vegan cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with colorful plant-based sprinkles. Perfect for a festive treat that's both fun and delicious.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 18 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup vegan rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and sugar.
- Stir in almond milk and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Fold in vegan sprinkles gently.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 18g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Colorful Vegan Cookies”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These vibrant vegan cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with colorful plant-based sprinkles. Perfect for a festive treat that’s both fun and delicious.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT12M”, “totalTime”: “PT27M”, “recipeYield”: “18 cookies”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup coconut oil, melted”, “3/4 cup organic cane sugar”, “1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1/2 tsp baking soda”, “1/4 tsp salt”, “1/3 cup vegan rainbow sprinkles”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil and sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in almond milk and vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in vegan sprinkles gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120”, “proteinContent”: “1g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18g”}}