easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes

Easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes are a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. They provide a hassle-free way to bake delicious treats that cater to everyone’s dietary preferences. From soft, chewy textures to festive decorations, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Plus, the simplicity of easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.

For anyone seeking creative ways to celebrate, easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes offer endless customization options. Add your favorite flavors, shapes, and decorations to make them uniquely yours. Baking these cookies fills your home with the warm scents of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a festive atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a gift idea, or just indulging in some holiday cheer, easy vegan Christmas cookie recipes will quickly become a holiday tradition. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the festive baking begin.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies

---

For the Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegan butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm holiday flavor)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

For Decorating:

• Vegan royal icing or powdered sugar glaze
• Natural food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter or chopped nuts

---

1: Prepare Your Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to cream together the vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving soft and tender cookies.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the almond milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon (if using).
4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.

2: Chill the Dough

5. Refrigerate: Cover the dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and shape.

3: Shape and Bake

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. For a festive touch, flatten the balls slightly with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly undercooked, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

Keyword: Festive Vegan Cookie Decorations

Decorating is where the holiday magic truly happens! Use vegan royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze to create intricate designs or festive patterns. Here’s how to make a simple glaze:

Powdered Sugar Glaze:

• Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of almond milk and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add natural food coloring if desired.
• Use a piping bag or a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
• Sprinkle with festive toppings like vegan sprinkles, edible glitter, or chopped nuts.

For a more professional finish, let the glaze set for 1-2 hours before serving or storing.

---

Storage Tips

Keyword: Storing Vegan Christmas Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.

---

Keyword: Vegan Cookie Baking Tips

1. Use Softened Butter: Ensure your vegan butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
2. Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
3. Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden to keep them soft and chewy.

---

Why These Vegan Christmas Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

Keyword: Holiday Vegan Cookie Recipe

These cookies embody the spirit of the holidays with their sweet, buttery flavour and endless decorating possibilities. They’re ideal for:

• Christmas parties and potlucks
• Gifting to friends and family
• Baking with kids for a fun holiday activity

---

Customization Ideas for Vegan Christmas Cookies

Keyword: Custom Vegan Cookie Flavors

1. Peppermint Delight: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes.
2. Gingerbread Twist: Replace cinnamon with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves.
3. Citrus Bliss: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing twist.

---

Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Christmas Cookies

Keyword: Healthy Vegan Cookies

While these cookies are a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits:

• Plant-Based Fats: Vegan butter and nuts provide heart-healthy fats.
• Lower Cholesterol: Free from animal products, these cookies have zero dietary cholesterol.
• Custom Sweeteners: Opt for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.