Vegan Holiday Cookies

As December rolls around and the air fills with the scent of pine and cinnamon, my kitchen transforms into a holiday wonderland. One of my favorite things about the holiday season is baking Christmas cookies that are not only delectable but also align with my vegan lifestyle. Today, I’m sharing my tips and tricks to help you create the perfect vegan Christmas cookies, ensuring your holiday treats are both festive and compassionate. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s dive in!

Picking the Best Vegan Ingredients

First things first—success in baking begins with choosing the right ingredients. While traditional cookie recipes call for butter, eggs, and other animal-based products, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives that work wonders.

Flour and Sweeteners: Start with quality all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier flavor. For sweeteners, I prefer organic cane sugar or coconut sugar, which offers a delightful caramel note. Agave syrup or maple syrup are also excellent for adding a hint of holiday cheer to your cookies.

Fats: For buttery richness, go for vegan butter or margarine. Coconut oil is another excellent choice, especially for cookies that benefit from a tropical twist.

Binders: Eggs often act as binders in cookies, but flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water work perfectly as vegan egg substitutes. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gelatinous.

Spices: The magic of Christmas cookies is in the spices. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are staples that bring warmth and a festive feel. Don’t forget a splash of pure vanilla extract, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cardamom can be a game-changer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Vegan Christmas Cookies

Alright, once you’ve gathered all those wonderful ingredients, it’s time to bring them together into magical Christmas cookies. Here’s my go-to vegan Christmas cookie recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) coconut sugar or organic cane sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) coconut oil or vegan butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60ml) non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the softened vegan butter (or coconut oil) with the coconut sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the flax egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Add the non-dairy milk and continue mixing until you achieve a smooth dough.
5. Chill the dough: Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into balls or use cookie cutters for festive shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Creative Decorating Ideas

Now, the fun part—decorating! This is where you can let your creativity shine and transform these cookies into edible works of art.

Royal Icing: A simple vegan royal icing can be made by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of water and a few drops of lemon juice. This creates a smooth, pipeable icing perfect for intricate designs. Add natural food coloring to create a palette of festive colors.

Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: Go wild with vegan-friendly sprinkles, edible glitter, and colored sugar. I love sprinkling mine with gold and silver stars for a magical touch. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they’re vegan.

Dried Fruit and Nuts: For a more natural and sophisticated look, decorate your cookies with chopped dried fruit like cranberries or apricots, and a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. Pistachios, in particular, add a lovely green hue that’s perfect for the holidays.

Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some vegan chocolate and drizzle it over your cookies for a luxurious finish. You can also dip half of each cookie in chocolate and let it set for an elegant look.

The holiday season is all about spreading love and joy, and what better way to do that than with a batch of homemade vegan Christmas cookies? Whether you’re enjoying them with family, sharing them with friends, or even leaving a few out for Santa, these cookies are sure to add a little extra magic to your festivities. Happy baking! 

If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.