Christmas is a time of joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious cookies! Who says you can’t indulge in these festive treats while sticking to a vegan or alpha-gal friendly diet? Not me! These vegan Christmas cookies deliver delicious dairy-free holiday cheer.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
The holiday season is synonymous with the sweet aroma of baking and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones. But if you have alpha-gal syndrome or follow a vegan diet, you may be looking for new Christmas cookie recipes. Fortunately, I have a long list of tasty vegan Christmas cookies for you to enjoy. So, grab your apron, and let’s get ready to bake some holiday magic!
In This Article
What is a Vegan Christmas Cookie?
When the holiday season rolls around, nothing puts me in the holiday spirit quite like freshly baked cookies. But what if you’re new to a vegan diet? Thankfully, there are vegan Christmas cookies, a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. These cookies swap out animal-based ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil, chia seeds, and almond milk.
The result? Cookies that are just as scrumptious and festive as ever but without the potential of a reaction from dairy products. Whether a gingerbread man or a delightfully decorated shortbread, vegan Christmas cookies bring festive cheer to alpha gals who avoid dairy and anyone who follows a vegan lifestyle. So, preheat your oven and let’s get baking!
What Food Coloring is Vegan?
It may not surprise you to learn that not all food colorings are vegan-friendly and that many traditional food dyes contain animal-derived ingredients. So what’s a vegan baker to do when visions of sugar plums and festively frosted cookies dance in her head?
The good news is that there are plenty of vegan food coloring options! If you have alpha-gal syndrome, you already know to read labels carefully, so look for options that specifically mention being vegan or plant-based. If you want the typical collection of four food coloring tubes in red, yellow, green, and blue, Whole Foods offers this affordable plant-based option. You can also use blue spirulina powder, purple sweet potato powder, dragon fruit powder, and other natural alternatives to add a pop of color to your vegan Christmas cookies.
What Types of Cookie Decorations are Vegan?
Decking out your vegan Christmas cookies in holiday style doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your dietary choices. When it comes to sprinkles, icing, and other embellishments, the key is to look for vegan-friendly labels.
Traditional sprinkles often contain shellac (derived from insects) or confectioner’s glaze, which isn’t vegan but is alpha-gal friendly. However, many brands offer vegan sprinkles that are just as sparkly and festive. For vegan icing, avoid those with egg whites and opt for versions using plant-based ingredients like aquafaba. Also known as chickpea water, aquafaba is a fantastic vegan alternative that whips up just like egg whites.
And don’t overlook natural toppings like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. These ingredients add a delightful crunch and flavor and keep your cookies 100% plant-based. With these vegan decoration options, your Christmas cookies will look dazzling and fit your vegan or alpha-gal diet.
An Important Note for Alpha Gals
Following a vegan diet for ecological, philosophical, or other personal reasons is quite different than living with the alpha-gal allergy. While it goes against their dietary restrictions, vegans who bite into a cookie topped with real buttercream frosting or sprinkled with decorations made with confectioner’s glaze are unlikely to have a physical reaction to those ingredients. However, alpha gals do need to be mindful of the ingredients they use to make Christmas cookies. While eggs are an alpha-gal friendly ingredient, this curated list features vegan cookie recipes that are both egg-less and dairy-free.
Alpha gals should always read the ingredients list carefully, especially when it comes to cookie decorations that may include gelatin, sugar processed with bone char, or any other items that may trigger a reaction based on their sensitivity level.
Best Vegan Christmas Cookies
These delicious vegan Chriastms cookies are not only delicious but also cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or looking for something new and exciting, there’s a cookie here for you. So, preheat your oven and prepare to fill your home with the sweet scent of holiday baking.
1. Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
These vegan sugar cookies are a light and crispy Christmas treat. Made with almond flour and coconut flour, they’re easy to bake and wonderfully satisfying. These cookies offer a delightful blend of natural sweetness and nutty undertones, infused with rich flavor from vanilla and maple syrup and finished with a sprinkle of cane sugar.
2. Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms
These vegan peanut butter blossoms may just be your new holiday favorite. Soft and chewy with a rich dark chocolate center, they’re a surprisingly simple crowd-pleaser. Their light, airy texture and perfect peanut butter and chocolate balance make them a must-try this festive season.
3. Easy Christmas Oreos
These easy Christmas Oreos are a no-bake wonder, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday spread. Using classic Oreos dipped in vanilla almond bark, you can transform these store-bought cookies into a visually stunning vegan treat. They’re a fun, creative, and delicious way to celebrate the season.
4. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Embrace the holiday spirit with these classic vegan gingerbread cookies. Soft and infused with the warm, spicy flavors of ginger and cinnamon, these festive favorites are easy to shape with cookie cutters and fun to decorate. Perfect for dunking in almond milk or leaving out as a treat for Santa Claus.
5. Slice and Bake Sugar Cookies
Inspired by Pillsbury cookie dough logs, these vegan slice-and-bake sugar cookies blend the simplicity of shortbread with the sweetness of sugar cookies. With just five ingredients, this recipe is a breeze to make and easy to customize in terms of colors and flavors. The vegan sugar cookie dough can be prepped and stored in the freezer, ready to bake whenever you crave a freshly baked cookie.
6. Hojarascas (Mexican Shortbread Cookies)
These Mexican shortbread cookies offer a unique and delightful twist on traditional shortbread. They are soft with a cinnamon-sugar topping that melts in your mouth. This recipe uses vegetable shortening and a special cinnamon tea, creating a delicate texture and rich flavor. Perfect for those who love a touch of spice in their sweets, these cookies are not overly sweet, making them an excellent choice for a subtle yet satisfying treat.
7. Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies
These vegan thumbprint cookies are a delightful holiday treat, combining the buttery texture of shortbread with a jammy cranberry sauce center. They’re dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, making them a great Christmas cookie for folks with dietary restrictions. The recipe is simple yet elegant, with the option to roll the cookies in sugar or almonds for an extra crunch.
8. Vegan Shortbread Cookies
These vegan shortbread cookies have a buttery, flaky, and crumbly texture that’s simply irresistible. This versatile recipe allows you to incorporate everything from jam to chocolate or citrus. It’s ideal for those who love the classic shortbread taste but need a dairy-free option.
9. Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These vegan chocolate peppermint cookies are soft and chewy on the inside with crisp outer edges. Filled with chocolate chips and a hint of peppermint, these cookies offer a festive flavor that’s hard to resist. Top them with crushed candy canes for a Christmas cookie that’s festively delicious and visually appealing.
Related Article: 13 Vegan Chocolate Chip Recipes
10. Coconut Sugar Cookies
This recipe makes soft, chewy cut-out cookies that are easy to make and wonderfully satisfying. Made with a blend of gluten-free flour, coconut sugar, cashew butter, and coconut butter, they offer a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie. Adding vanilla extract and maple syrup adds a subtle, natural sweetness, making them a delightful treat.
11. Vegan Cranberry Cookies
Try these vegan cranberry almond cookies for a delightful holiday treat that blends sweet and tart flavors in every bite. The cranberries give these cookies a vibrant, festive look, while the almond extract adds a unique and delicious taste. They’re a unique, soft, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookie that’s perfect for cookie exchanges.
12. Almond Lemon Cookies
These almond lemon cookies are a delightful fusion of nutty and citrus flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a zesty twist in their treats. Made with almond flour and sweetened with maple syrup, they’re vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. The cookies have a soft, chewy texture, complemented by a bright lemon glaze that adds an extra layer of flavor.
13. Vegan Chocolate Cookies
These rich, fudgy vegan chocolate cookies are easy to make in just one bowl by combining basic baking staples with your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is a batch of super moist, decadently chocolatey cookies that will satisfy any chocolate craving. Perfect for those who love a deep chocolate flavor, these festive cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Related Article: The Truth About Alpha-Gal and Chocolate
14. Snowball Cookies
Spread holiday cheer with these vegan snowball cookies, a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. These cookies are like little bites of heaven, with a nutty, buttery flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Rolled twice in powdered sugar, they resemble snowballs, making them a delightful addition to any holiday spread. The recipe is simple and uses a handful of ingredients. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa, these snowball cookies will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face this holiday season.
15. Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These crinkle cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers and one of my favorite cookies. Fudgy, sweet, and beautifully crinkled, they mimic their non-vegan counterparts in every delightful way. The recipe cleverly uses flax eggs as a vegan binder, ensuring the cookies maintain their iconic texture. With a bit of crunch on the outside and a soft, brownie-like inside, these cookies are a perfect blend of textures. They’re ideal for Christmas cookie platters or as a special treat for yourself.
16. Vegan Lebkuchen
For a traditional German Christmas cookie, try this vegan Lebkuchen recipe. Soft, cakey, and infused with spices, cocoa powder, and citrus peel, they’re a delightful twist on the classic gingerbread. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, these cookies are a treat for the taste buds and a feast for the eyes, perfect for adding a touch of international flair to your holiday spread.
17. Vegan Coconut Chai Cookies
These vegan cookies are a delicious mix of crispy and chewy textures and infused with the warmth of chai spice. Made with cashew nuts, desiccated coconut, and coconut sugar, they offer a unique, healthy, and satisfying flavor profile. Adding a homemade chai spice mix that includes cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon gives these cookies an irresistible aromatic quality. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive treat, these cookies will delight anyone who loves the comforting flavors of chai.
18. Vegan Molasses Cookies
These vegan molasses cookies are a holiday must-have, offering a delightful ginger-molasses flavor with hints of cinnamon. Made with coconut oil and sweetened with applesauce, they have a chewy, soft, irresistible texture. The cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking, adding a deliciously spiced touch. Perfect for those who love the classic taste of gingerbread but prefer a softer, chewier cookie, these vegan molasses cookies are a festive treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
19. Vegan Linzer Cookies
Indulge in the classic elegance of vegan Linzer cookies, a traditional Austrian treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies feature a rich almond and hazelnut flour blend, creating a delightfully nutty base. Filled with sweet apricot jam and a hint of Amaretto, they offer a unique and sophisticated flavor.
20. Vegan Cranberry Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made with dried cranberries and decadent dark chocolate chips, these cookies are a festive treat that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. The hint of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or as a delightful homemade gift. Whether you follow a vegan diet or are simply looking for a tasty cookie recipe, these cranberry dark chocolate chip cookies will surely impress.
21. Moravian Christmas Cookies
Experience the unique charm of Moravian Christmas cookies, a traditional Eastern European holiday favorite known for its paper-thin, crispy texture. These spiced molasses cookies offer a delightful twist on classic gingerbread. Their addictively crisp texture makes them a standout treat.
22. Brownie Cookies
These cookies are a delightful fusion of brownie and cookie, offering the best of both worlds. Made with almond flour and sweetened with coconut sugar and banana, they’re not just delicious but also healthier than the standard recipe. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings, these brownie cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a good, chocolatey treat.
23. Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
Vegan red velvet cookies are a perfect blend of rich, chocolatey goodness and a hint of tanginess. These cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with a creamy vegan cream cheese frosting, making them an irresistible treat. The deep red hue, achieved with vegan-friendly red food coloring, adds a festive touch that is ideal for holiday celebrations.
24. Spiced Tahini Oatmeal Cookies
These unique vegan Christmas cookies are made with rolled oats, oat flour, and spices like cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Adding tahini replaces traditional butter, adding a nutty depth to each bite. Sweetened without refined sugar, these vegan tahini cookies are deliciously healthy without compromising on taste.
25. Vegan Gingersnaps
Try these vegan gingersnaps for an easy one-bowl classic Christmas cookie recipe. They combine brown sugar and molasses for just the right amount of chewiness. Whether for a cookie exchange, a thoughtful gift, or just to fill your holiday cookie jar, these vegan gingersnaps will surely put anyone in the holiday spirit.
26. Easy Chocolate Haystacks Recipe
For an easy, no-bake treat, try these chocolate haystacks. With just two ingredients, they’re effortless to make and can be adapted to be sugar-free using stevia-sweetened chocolate. Perfect for those looking for a quick, healthy dessert option, these haystacks are vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly.
27. Mexican Wedding Cookies
Also known as Russian teacakes or walnut crescents, these melt-in-your-mouth Mexican wedding cookies are nutty, delicate, and dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. The recipe creatively uses a mix of walnuts and pecans, but you can choose either for your batch. With a perfect balance of crumbly and soft, these cookies are a holiday classic, reimagined for those with dietary restrictions without losing their traditional charm.
28. Vegan Austrian Christmas Cookies
These delicate and delightful Austrian Christmas cookies are known as vanillekipferl. Made with vegan butter and a few simple ingredients, these crescent-shaped treats are surprisingly easy to make. They’re known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and unmistakable vanilla flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying something new, these vegan Vanillekipferl will add a touch of European charm to your vegan Christmas cookie recipe collection.
29. Black Sesame Cookies
For a unique vegan treat, try these black sesame cookies. They are made with just five healthy ingredients and offer a nutty, toasty flavor. The star ingredient — black sesame seeds — adds a bold, smoky, and slightly bitter taste that’s both irresistible and distinct.
30. Vegan Blondies
For a gooey, butterscotch-y treat, try these vegan blondies. Made egg-free and dairy-free with simple ingredients, they’re a perfect blend of rich flavors. In just 20 minutes, you can bite into a vegan treat that’s a cross between a cookie and a brownie.
31. White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Make these vegan white chocolate macadamia nut cookies for a luxurious Christmas cookie option. They combine the creamy richness of white chocolate with the crunchy texture of macadamia nuts and come together in under 30 minutes, creating a cookie that pairs sweet and salty.
32. Vegan Pignoli Cookies
Whip up a batch of these vegan pignoli cookies for Italian-inspired vegan Christmas cookies. They capture the essence of the classic pignoli cookie but with a vegan twist. These chewy cookies are bursting with rich almond flavor, and topped with crunchy toasted pine nuts. The secret lies in using aquafaba, the brine from chickpeas, as a substitute for egg whites, ensuring the cookies maintain their traditional texture.
Do You Have a Favorite Vegan Christmas Cookie?
Have you tried one of these recipes? Do you have another vegan Christmas cookie recipe to add to this list? I’d love to hear about your baking adventures and any tips or tricks you’ve discovered along the way. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Let’s spread some cheer and inspire each other with our vegan holiday cookies!
I love your christmas cookie recipes, I tried the almond flour sugar cookie and it was so easy to make, most importantly they satisfied my sweet tooth cravings 🙂 Light and crispy, so delicious!
I was looking for healthy cookies to make this coming Christmas and as I came across these recipes, I thought they were perfect! I tried the chocolate peppermint cookies and I love it! Chewy and soft, but crisp on the edges, really delightful cookies. I’ll give the others a try next 🙂
There’s nothing quite like the pairing of chocolate and peppermint at the holidays, right?!?
Thanks a bunch for putting together this Vegan Cookie List.
The variety and simplicity is just what I needed. I have already tried the Gingernaps recipe, they were easy and delicious. Cant wait to try all of them.
I want to try so many of these! I tried these Linzer cookies already and they came out perfectly. I think I’ll try the gingersnaps next. Thanks for putting together this great list. I want to bake my way through it this month. 😀
This list gives you a cookie a day for December and one for January!
I made the almond lemon cookies over the weekend and they turned out great! Thanks for all of the tips for making vegan cookies. My new DIL is vegan and I need to learn a new way of cooking some of her favs.
She’s so lucky to have a thoughtful mother-in-law like you!
Wow! There are so many great recipes on this list. I am so glad you made a list of the best vegan cookies. I want to try all the cookies from this list. Also appreciate all the information about vegan ingredients.
My best friend is vegan and I made her the Snowball Cookies. They were delicious and she loved them. I’ll be working my way through this list throughout the year so I can make her new cookies every month. I can’t wait!
That’s one of my all-time favorite cookies, too!