35 Classic Vegan Christmas Cookies You Need To Bake
Over 35 classic vegan Christmas cookies that you won’t believe are egg-free and dairy-free, and a FREE downloadable guide on how to host a cookie exchange! Everything from classic vegan sugar cookies and gingerbread cookies to even some fun Christmas tree slice n’ bake cookies.
Table of contents
- Vegan Cookie Baking Success
- How to prepare cookies ahead of time
- Can I freeze vegan cookie dough?
- Mailing Christmas Cookies
- Classic Vegan Christmas Cookies
- Quick & Easy Vegan Christmas Cookies
- Vegan Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
- Fun Vegan Cookies
- How to make Pretty Cookie Box
- Free Printable Vegan Cookie Baking Guide:
- Vegan Christmas Cookie Tips Recap:
- What’s your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?
Vegan Cookie Baking Success
Making vegan Christmas cookies is actually not dissimilar from baking regular classic Christmas and holiday cookies. So if you’re new to vegan baking, don’t fret. Your loved ones, family, friends, and YOU will just love these Christmas cookies- because they taste like the classics!
Like in my vegan baking guide, I want to echo this sentiment: many of the same rules apply.
Here are a few of my top tips for vegan cookie baking success:
Room temperature butter or coconut oil: if the recipe calls for room temperature, this means that the vegan butter, much like regular butter, needs to be soft to the touch, but not melted. You should be able to indent a finger easily into the vegan butter. Check out my guide on how to achieve room temperature butter (and quickly!) here.
Now, the only way to really achieve this is time. It is strongly advised that you don’t microwave the vegan butter to speed up the softening process- the vegan butter won’t soften evenly.
Trust me, learn from my mistakes- time is important!
Which leads me to…
Determine how long the cookies you’d like to bake will take and plan ahead: whether you’re making 1 batch of cookies or 4 batches of 12 different types of vegan cookies, it’s always best to read through the directions, determine how long it will take to make each batch, and plan accordingly. This little trick will take 10 minutes max and save you hours down the line!
This year, we made a free downloadable guide here to help with your cookie planning process, from the grocery store to the packaging and gifting!
Read through the cookie ingredients and instructions list thoroughly: before you do anything else, read through the ingredients list and the instructions. This will also help to prepare you for what the next steps are in the process, so you know what to expect!
Don’t make any swaps to ingredients, unless they’re approved! This is especially important for flour and vegan egg substitutes. The recipe should note what substitutes are approved, but if you have a question, always leave a comment. And check out my guide on my Top 10 Favorite Vegan Egg Substitutes and how to use them here!
Use the proper baking sheet! This is so crucial. Did you know that light baking sheets actually help cookies spread more, while darker baking sheets do the opposite?
This is why it’s crucial to pay attention to which baking sheet you’re using for which cookie recipe. A vegan chocolate chip cookie would do perfectly on a lighter baking sheet while a vegan shortbread cookie would work best on a darker baking sheet.
How to prepare cookies ahead of time
We discuss this a lot in the free cookie guide, found down below, but many of these cookies can either be frozen in dough form or as a baked cookie. That way, you can also bake these cookies over a few days time.
I would really think through which cookies you’re making, then determine how long each will take you to make. We have a full cookie time sheet in the free guide below that will help you keep track of your baking process!
Can I freeze vegan cookie dough?
Most vegan cookies, absolutely! I’m pretty sure you can with every vegan cookie dough recipe, but I can only speak for my own recipes- and that’s a sure fire yes for any vegan Christmas cookie recipe on The Banana Diaries!
Whether you’re making regular vegan Christmas cookies or vegan gluten free Christmas cookies, the same rule applies!
You’ll want to freeze the cookie dough according to the specific vegan Christmas cookies recipe you’re making, but a general rule of thumb is, if it’s a scoop-able dough, you’ll freeze them pre-scooped and if it’s a sliceable dough, you’ll freeze it pre-sliced.
For cut-outs, you can store the dough similar to a pie disc. Then allow the dough to soften so that you can roll when you’re ready to bake!
Mailing Christmas Cookies
This year, I think people are mailing their Christmas cookie creations to family and loved ones more than ever.
This is a fantastic guide on how to best mail your vegan Christmas cookie creations to your friends and family as fun edible gifts.
Some of the key takeaways:
- Choose the right cookie to mail: ones that need refrigeration might not fair so well.
- Use a sturdy tin or package: making a cookie box is the best part! You can find a few good cookie tins on Etsy, or use your favorite that you’d like to also give as a part of the gift.
- Let your friend/family member know that cookies are on their way! Just in case they won’t be there for a few days and need to get the cookies into the house right away 🙂 Now let’s get to baking these cookies! Grab your bowls, stand mixer, and cookie cutters, and start your oven!
Now let’s get to baking these cookies! Grab your bowls, stand mixer, and cookie cutters, and start your oven!
Classic Vegan Christmas Cookies
Perfectly Soft & Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies (Gluten-Free)
These soft and buttery vegan sugar cookies easily come together with a 6 ingredient simple dough that bake into the perfect golden and chewy cut-out cookies!
Chewy & Soft Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are the best vegan chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever make!! Chewy edges and soft, molten middles studded with melty chocolate chips. Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have, absolutely no one will know these cookies are vegan, no dairy and no eggs thanks to our secret and simple ingredient!
Easy Eggless Brownie Cookies (Dairy Free + Vegan!)
This super fudgy brownie cookies are chewy and thick with that perfect paper-thin crinkle top and crisp edges- all without eggs and dairy free! You won’t be able to resist!
Soft & Chewy Vegan Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten Free)
These perfectly spiced vegan gingerbread cookies are crisp on the edge with a snap yet soft in the center for the most delicious vegan Christmas cookie! Only 7 ingredients and so easy to make!
Super Easy Vegan Linzer Cookies (Gluten Free)
Vegan Linzer cookies made with a simple gluten free almond shortbread cookie and filled with a homemade raspberry jam! The most elegant and delicious healthy holiday cookie!
Best Ever Vegan Sugar Cookies (Gluten-Free)
These are the absolute best vegan sugar cookies I’ve ever tasted. It’s a really simple dough and the vegan royal icing is perfect for decorating classic Christmas cookies!
Easy Raspberry Vegan Thumbprint Cookies (Video!)
These raspberry vegan thumbprint cookies tastes identical to the classic holiday cookie yet are entirely vegan, dairy free, eggless, and can be gluten free! So easy and quick to make, these will be your new favorite Christmas cookie!
Easy Vegan Shortbread Cookies
These unbelievably vegan shortbread cookies taste just like the classic and use just 5 ingredients! Chewy, crisp, “buttery,” and sweet, this Christmas shortbread recipe is the perfect recipe for a cookie exchange!
Easy Chewy & Soft Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
These perfectly chewy and soft vegan peanut butter cookies are a dream! So easy to make, and undetectably eggless and dairy free!
Soft & Pillowy Vegan Snickerdoodles (Gluten Free Option!)
This is the only vegan snickerdoodles recipe you’ll ever need! Chewy and pillowy soft, these undetectably dairy free and vegan snickerdoodle cookies are easy to make and completely egg free, dairy free, gluten free, and low in sugar!
The Ultimate Vegan Gingerbread House Recipe (VIDEO!)
How to make the best vegan gingerbread house with vegan royal icing! Everything you need to know to build your own dairy free, gluten free, vegan gingerbread house for the holidays!
Classic Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms (Easy!)
Soft and sweet vegan peanut butter blossoms that taste just like the classic! With a healthy twist, these chewy and decadent peanut butter blossoms are the perfect treat at a Christmas cookie exchange. So easy to make, and naturally eggless, dairy free, easily gluten free, and even topped with a homemade vegan chocolate kiss! A classic Christmas cookie!
Chewy Paleo Ginger Molasses Cookies (Vegan)
Incredibly easy chewy Paleo ginger molasses cookies that are every bit as sweet and delicious as the traditional version! Dairy free and vegan, these molasses cookies are perfect for the holidays!
Italian Rainbow Cookies (Tricolor Cookies with Video!)
Based on my grandma’s recipe, these classic Italian rainbow cookies (or Tricolor cookies) are vibrantly colored and full of almond and sweet jam flavor! They’re easy to make, and well worth the process for an elegant Christmas cookie that wows! Oh, and they’re secretly vegan!
Quick & Easy Vegan Christmas Cookies
Easy Vegan Drop-Style Sugar Cookies Recipe
These perfectly soft drop-style sugar cookies are made unbelievably dairy free and without eggs, yet have the most deliciously crisp outer edges with chewy middles. Quick and easy to make (no chilling required!), these will be your favorite vegan Christmas cookie recipe ever!
Rich & Fudgy Hot Cocoa Cookies (No Eggs!)
These ultra decadent hot chocolate cookies are like a cup of hot cocoa and filled with molten chocolate and toasted gooey marshmallows! No eggs, and so easy to make!
Quick & Easy Peppermint Meltaways with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
These melt-in-your-mouth soft and chewy peppermint meltaways are the epitome of Christmas Cookie baking! Just 5 minutes to make the dough and 10 minutes to bake, this no-chill cookie recipe is the quickest holiday cookie recipe, and so easy to make with kids!
Easy Vegan Buckeye Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients! Healthy!)
A healthier take on classic peanut butter buckeyes recipe! These easy vegan buckeyes are made with only 4 ingredients, these healthy vegan buckeyes are an easy, no bake, low sugar, fun dairy free dessert for the holidays!
Simple & Easy Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These super easy soft and chewy vegan pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are loaded with pumpkin spice, real pumpkin, and of course chocolate chips! Super easy to make, easily gluten free and ready in 15 minutes for the perfect fall dessert!
Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate Chips (Vegan!)
These soft, chewy, and slightly tangy rich red velvet cookies are speckled with vegan white chocolate chips, and are naturally dairy free and eggless! Super easy to make and like eating a slice of red velvet cake in cookie form!
Easy Vegan Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Secretly vegan chocolate thumbprint cookies are rich and decadent, and undetectably dairy free and eggless! Filled with a chocolate ganache for a deliciously chocolatey twist on the classic holiday cookie!
Soft and Chewy Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with Video (Vegan!)
Ultra soft and gooey chocolate peppermint cookies that are undetectably vegan, lower in sugar, dairy free, and can be gluten free! With an elegant chocolate dip, these vegan Christmas cookies are a fudgy dream! Originally published in my cookbook, Baked With Love!
BEST Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free)
Ooey gooey vegan double chocolate chip cookies that taste like a brownie in cookie form! Stress-free baking and easy to make gluten free, these are the best vegan Christmas cookies!
Easy Vegan Basic Cookie Dough Recipe with Endless Cookies
This incredibly easy basic cookie dough recipe makes endless cookie possibilities! Using just one base dough, you can make chocolate chip cookies, ginger molasses cookies, funfetti, and more! Entirely vegan, eggless, and dairy free as well!
Vegan Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
Soft-Baked Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (Vegan + Gluten Free)
These soft and chewy peanut butter cup cookies are the ultimate peanut butter cookie recipe! With an easy eggless and dairy free peanut butter cookie dough and topped with a dairy free peanut butter cup! Easily gluten free as well!
Easy Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookies (No Eggs, No Dairy!)
These chewy & soft Oreo chocolate chip cookies are FULL of crushed Oreo cookies and melty chocolate chips! Naturally eggless, dairy free, and gluten free, these cookies n’ cream cookies are super easy!
Unbelievably Vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)
These deliciously chewy and soft vegan cranberry bliss bars taste just like the Starbucks version- and are unbelievably dairy free, no eggs, and vegan! Skip the line and make these at home for a fun holiday dessert or mid morning treat!
BEST Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (Oat flour!)
This is truly THE best vegan gluten free chocolate chip cookies recipe you’ve ever had. Chewy, soft, and melt in your mouth, these vegan chocolate chips cookies are made with JUST oat flour and nothing else! Super easy and perfect for all eaters, vegan or not!
Unbelievably Vegan Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten Free Option)
Unbelievably chewy, soft , and sweet vegan oatmeal cookies are iced with a simple glaze and taste just like the classic old fashioned cookie! So easy to make, and you can even make them gluten free too!
Chewy & Soft Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These super easy one bowl vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are unbelievably soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with simple ingredients and easily gluten free!
Cute and Super Easy Reindeer Cookies with Video (Vegan!)
The cutest and super easy reindeer cookies that just so happen to be entirely vegan and gluten free! Decorated with all-natural candies, these reindeer cookies are the perfect cookie for Santa and his reindeer!
Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (vegan)
Easy and healthy flourless peanut butter chocolate chip cookies that are naturally vegan, gluten free, and made with pantry friendly ingredients! The easiest cookie recipe!
Easy Vegan Meringue Cookies
Easy and delicious vegan meringue cookies that you’d never know are vegan! Low calorie and low in sugar, these cookies are so fun to make!
Vegan Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies (Paleo)
Deliciously rich and lush vegan salted caramel thumbprint cookies that are undetectably Paleo and gluten free! The perfect healthy and allergen friendly Christmas cookie!
Fun Vegan Cookies
Vegan Lofthouse Cookies Recipe (Gluten Free Option)
How to make the BEST Lofthouse Cookies at home that taste as good as the iconic grocery store classic thick cake cookie! These soft and sweet Lofthouse Cookies are secretly eggless, dairy free, and vegan too, yet absolutely no one will know. Simple ingredients, and so easy to make!
Easy & Soft Nutella Linzer Cookie Recipe (Vegan!)
This “buttery” and soft Linzer cookie recipe is so easy to make, naturally vegan and eggless, and filled with a rich vegan Nutella spread! The perfect classic Christmas cookie to make this season!
Vegan Nutella Brownie Cookie Bars
These easy vegan brownie cookie bars stuffed with dairy free Nutella are the epitome of decadence! Full of super rich and creamy homemade Nutella, these brookies are a wonderful indulgent vegan dessert!
Unbelievably Vegan S’mores Cookies (Gluten Free option!)
The best s’mores stuffed cookies you’ll ever make that are incredibly easy and undetectably vegan! Stuffed with a melted marshmallow and completely refined sugar free and can be gluten free, you won’t be able to stop with these vegan s’mores cookies!
Vegan Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
Easy and delicious vegan pumpkin sugar cookies with a simple vanilla icing! Completely gluten free and dairy free, these cookies are fun to make and perfect for the holidays!
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles {Vegan}
Easy Paleo chocolate chip cookie dough truffles for a sweet no bake dessert or snack! Completely vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and grain free, these chocolate chip cookie dough truffles will become everyone’s favorite treat! Tastes just like cookie dough!
Easy Vegan Truffles (4 ingredients!)
These vegan truffles are THE best homemade chocolate truffle recipe because you’d never know they’re dairy free. Just 4 ingredients, and super easy for the best healthier vegan chocolate dessert!
How to make Pretty Cookie Box
This is probably my favorite part of the vegan Christmas cookie baking process! I know, a bit dorky, but I do love a beautiful cookie box.
The first step is choose the cookies. You can choose two types of cookies or even 10, but make sure that you’re setting aside enough time to bake everything. This year, I even included my friend, Tom’s amazing vegan vanilla macarons.
I also like to choose cookies that I know look really good together. I think it’s fun to have some repeating shapes (many circular cookies), and then throwing in a few unique shapes (gingerbread people, cookie cut-outs, truffles, even peppermint bark).
Then choose your Christmas cookie box. You can either make it yourself using stiff cardboard paper or purchase one. I like to use one with sections, which will definitely come in handy for packaging and shipping.
Next, we’ll arrange the cookies. This is where fun composition techniques come in! There’s the rule of thirds, repetition, leading lines, the Golden Ratio (Fibonacci spiral), and more, but I personally like to go with the Golden Ratio.
I think it helps guide the eye really well! Of course, you can just have fun with it. But I think these offer up great guidelines!
Finally, you’ll package up the vegan Christmas cookies and ship them!
Free Printable Vegan Cookie Baking Guide:
Vegan Christmas Cookie Tips Recap:
- Use the right baking sheet with the right cookie recipe: remember that a lighter baking sheet will help cookies spread while a darker baking sheet will prevent cookies from spreading
- For cookies that have trouble spreading: use a silpat silicone mat- this helps the cookies spread more than parchment paper.
- Make sure to allot enough time to soften the vegan butter: a crucial step!
- Read through the instructions before beginning: this will help you move seamlessly through each step.
- Use our favorite vegan royal icing: this is truly the best royal icing, and makes your vegan sugar cookies look like they came out of a professional bakery!
- Remember to have fun: I’ve been there where you want the iced sugar cookie design to look so perfect and yet it looks like an epic Pinterest fail. We ALL have. No one is perfect. The most important part of this process is to have fun. The more fun you have, I promise you, the better the cookies will turn out. It’s some unspoken law of the Universe 😉
What’s your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?
These cookies are AMAZING!! My favorite are the classic sugar cookies- thank you for this post!! I’m making a lot of cookies for Christmas gifts this year, and this was great.
Aw fantastic!! The sugar cookies are my favorite too 🙂 enjoy!