Christmas isn’t just about twinkling lights, festive music, and cozy sweaters—it’s also about cookies. But if you’re vegan, holiday baking can feel tricky with all the butter, eggs, and milk in traditional recipes. Fear not! This guide gives you 10 easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes that are soft, sweet, festive, and everyone—even non-vegans—will love.
From classic sugar cookies to chocolate peppermint treats, these recipes are simple, beginner-friendly, and perfect for gifting or snacking. Let’s dive in!
1. Classic Vegan Sugar Cookies
Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies):
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat coconut oil + sugar until fluffy. Add almond milk + vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Chill dough 30 minutes.
- Roll out dough, cut into shapes, place on baking sheet.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until edges lightly golden. Cool and decorate with vegan icing and sprinkles.
2. Vegan Gingerbread Men
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup molasses
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, whisk coconut oil, molasses, maple syrup, almond milk.
- Combine wet + dry ingredients, chill 1 hour.
- Roll out dough, cut into gingerbread men, bake 8–10 minutes. Cool, decorate with vegan icing.
3. Vegan Snickerdoodles
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients. Beat coconut oil + sugar, add almond milk + vanilla.
- Combine wet + dry, chill 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, place on baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool before serving.
4. Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Beat coconut oil + sugar, add almond milk + vanilla.
- Combine wet + dry, chill 2 hours.
- Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar. Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool before serving.
5. Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Vegan chocolate kisses or melted chocolate
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flax + water, set 5 min.
- Beat peanut butter + sugar + coconut oil + vanilla + flax egg. Stir in flour + baking soda.
- Scoop dough into balls, bake 8–10 minutes. Press vegan chocolate in the center while warm.
6. Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon. Beat coconut oil + sugar + milk + vanilla.
- Combine wet + dry, fold in oats + raisins.
- Scoop onto baking sheet, flatten slightly. Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool before serving.
7. Vegan Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, salt. Cut in vegan butter until crumbly. Add vanilla, form dough.
- Roll dough, cut into shapes, bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
8. Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup crushed vegan candy canes
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients. Beat coconut oil + sugar + milk + vanilla.
- Combine wet + dry. Fold in crushed candy canes.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool before serving.
9. Vegan Almond Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Roll into small balls, place on baking sheet, flatten slightly. Bake 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.
10. Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Cut in vegan butter until crumbly. Add lemon juice, form dough.
- Roll dough, cut into shapes, bake 12–15 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar when cooled.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Christmas Cookies
- Use plant-based substitutes wisely – coconut oil, vegan butter, flax eggs, or chia eggs work in almost every recipe.
- Chill the dough – Helps maintain shape and prevents spreading.
- Experiment with flavors – Add spices, citrus zest, or dairy-free chocolate chips for variety.
- Decorate creatively – Vegan sprinkles and icing make cookies festive without compromising diet.
- Bake in batches – These cookies freeze well! Prepare early and enjoy stress-free holidays.
Conclusion
Vegan Christmas cookies can be just as festive, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing as traditional recipes. From soft sugar cookies to chocolate peppermint delights, these 10 recipes are perfect for holiday gifting, cookie swaps, or cozy nights at home.
Preheat the oven, grab your favorite cookie cutters, and let the holiday magic begin—everyone will love these plant-based treats.