The holidays are the perfect time to whip up these Vegan Christmas Cookies! These cookies are buttery, crisp, and completely dairy-free, making them perfect for everyone at the table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or preparing a treat for Santa, these festive cookies, shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with colorful frosting, will bring a touch of joy to your celebrations
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about these Vegan Christmas Cookies:
- They’re 100% plant-based but still rich and delicious.
- Easy to customize with festive shapes, colors, and decorations.
- Perfect for making ahead and sharing with friends and family.
- Simple ingredients make them accessible to both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients for Vegan Christmas Cookies
To make these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup vegan butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green and yellow food coloring (vegan-friendly)
- Edible glitter or sprinkles for decoration
How I Make Vegan Christmas Cookies
These Vegan Christmas Cookies are easy to prepare, fun to decorate, and always a hit at holiday gatherings. Let me walk you through how I make them.
1. Make the Cookie Dough
To start, I cream the vegan butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. I use an electric mixer for this step to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, I add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt. Next, I slowly mix in the all-purpose flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, I add 1-2 teaspoons of non-dairy milk to bring it together.
After forming the dough, I shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape when rolled and cut into festive designs.
2. Roll and Cut the Cookies
Once the dough is firm, I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Using Christmas-themed cookie cutters (like trees, stars, or snowflakes), I cut the dough into fun shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
If I have leftover dough scraps, I simply re-roll them and cut more shapes until all the dough is used.
3. Bake the Cookies
I bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. It’s important not to overbake them, as they’ll firm up as they cool.
Once baked, I let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting
While the cookies cool, I prepare the frosting. In a bowl, I beat the vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Slowly, I add the non-dairy milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
Next, I divide the frosting into small bowls and add green food coloring to one bowl and yellow to another. Mixing the colors thoroughly gives me vibrant frosting perfect for decorating.
5. Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part—decorating! Using a piping bag with a star or leaf tip, I frost the cookies to resemble Christmas trees. I add small dollops of yellow frosting at the top of the trees to mimic stars and sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles for extra festivity.
This step is perfect for involving kids or friends in the baking process—it’s all about creativity!
Tips for Perfect Vegan Christmas Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out festive and delicious, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and helps retain the shapes of your festive cookie cutters.
- Use Soft Vegan Butter: Make sure the vegan butter is softened (not melted) for the best texture in the dough and frosting.
- Test for Doneness: Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Overbaking can make the cookies too hard.
- Choose High-Quality Food Coloring: Use vegan-friendly gel or liquid food coloring for vibrant and safe decorations.
- Work in Batches: If your kitchen is warm, work with half the dough while keeping the other half in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Delicious Variations to Try
The Vegan Christmas Cookies recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to make them your own:
- Add Flavors: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a zesty holiday vibe.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of frosting, drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the cookies and top with crushed candy canes for a minty touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
- Candy Decorations: Use vegan candies, dried fruit, or even crushed nuts for added texture and color.
Serving Suggestions for Vegan Christmas Cookies
These cookies are not only fun to make but also perfect for sharing and enjoying in many ways. Here are some serving ideas:
Holiday Parties
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies. They make a colorful centerpiece for dessert tables.
Gifting
Pack the cookies in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons. These make thoughtful and delicious gifts for friends, neighbors, and family.
Cookie Decorating Parties
Host a cookie decorating party! Provide undecorated cookies, frosting, and sprinkles for guests to unleash their creativity.
Pair with Drinks
- Hot Cocoa: Enjoy the cookies with a warm mug of vegan hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
- Mulled Cider: The spiced, fruity flavors of cider pair beautifully with the sweet cookies.
- Plant-Based Milk: A classic glass of almond or oat milk is always a hit with cookies.
FAQs About Vegan Christmas Cookies
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to roll.
2. How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread in the oven?
Chilling the dough is key. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. Additionally, avoid over-creaming the vegan butter and sugar, as too much air can cause the cookies to spread.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies. For unbaked dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or serving.
4. What can I use instead of food coloring?
If you prefer natural alternatives, try using matcha powder or spinach juice for green, and turmeric for yellow. These add color without artificial dyes, but they may slightly alter the flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
6. How long do the cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you’ve frosted them, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm.
7. What’s the best way to involve kids in this recipe?
Kids love decorating cookies! Let them use piping bags, sprinkles, and edible glitter to create their own designs. You can also give them small rolling pins and cookie cutters for hands-on fun.
Conclusion: Vegan Christmas Cookies
In conclusion, these Vegan Christmas Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. Not only are they deliciously crisp and buttery without any animal products, but they’re also a joy to decorate and share. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, creating thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon in the kitchen, this recipe is a surefire way to spread cheer.
With simple ingredients and endless customization options, these cookies are as versatile as they are festive. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead, freeze, or adapt for different dietary needs. From bright green Christmas trees to frosty stars, each cookie becomes a mini masterpiece that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
So, gather your cookie cutters, frosting, and holiday spirit, and give this Vegan Christmas Cookies recipe a try. I’m confident it will become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking repertoire!
