Let’s be real—Christmas isn’t Christmas without cookies. But if you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just trying to cut back on animal products, holiday baking can feel like walking through a minefield of butter, eggs, and cream. That’s why I put together this list of 25 easy vegan Christmas cookies & desserts that are not only plant-based but also ridiculously delicious, festive, and simple enough for beginners.
No weird ingredients. No hours in the kitchen. Just cozy, sweet, holiday magic made with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, gifting treats, or just treating yourself (hey, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!), these recipes deliver big flavor with zero guilt.
From chewy gingerbread stars to rich chocolate truffles and spiced fruit bars, these vegan Christmas desserts prove that plant-based baking isn’t just possible—it’s downright irresistible. And the best part? They’re all naturally egg-free, dairy-free, and many are gluten-free or refined sugar-free too. Let’s get baking!
Why These Vegan Christmas Cookies & Desserts Work So Well
Holiday baking should be joyful, not stressful. These recipes are designed with real life in mind—quick prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum wow factor. I’ve tested every one to make sure they hold their shape, taste amazing, and look picture-perfect on your holiday platter.
- No specialty flours needed – Most use all-purpose or oat flour you can blend at home.
- Sweetened naturally – Maple syrup, coconut sugar, and dates keep things wholesome without sacrificing sweetness.
- Freezer-friendly – Bake ahead, freeze, and thaw for last-minute hosting wins.
- Kid-approved – Even picky eaters will reach for seconds (and thirds).
Plus, they’re packed with seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom—because nothing says “Christmas” like that warm, spiced aroma filling your kitchen.
1. Soft Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies
These classic gingerbread cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for decorating (or eating plain—no judgment here). Made with molasses and warming spices, they’re the ultimate holiday staple.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil (solid)
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup molasses
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In another bowl, cream coconut oil and sugar. Add molasses and flax egg.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll out to ¼-inch thickness, cut into shapes, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool completely before decorating with vegan icing.
Why You’ll Love It: They smell like Christmas morning and taste even better. Plus, they hold their shape beautifully for cookie exchanges.
2. Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Fudgy, crackled tops dusted with powdered sugar and a hint of peppermint—these look fancy but take under 30 minutes. Perfect for gifting in mini jars or tins.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 18 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients in another bowl, then combine with dry.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll into balls, coat in powdered sugar, and place on baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes. The tops will crack as they cool—that’s the magic!
Why You’ll Love It: The contrast of rich chocolate and cool peppermint is pure holiday bliss. And they’re naturally gluten-free!
3. Cinnamon Star Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread filled with spiced apple-cinnamon jam. These elegant little stars are a showstopper on any dessert table.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought apple-cinnamon jam
Instructions:
- Blend flours, sugar, salt, and vegan butter until crumbly.
- Add vanilla and mix into a dough.
- Roll into balls, press thumb into center, and fill with jam.
- Bake at 350°F for 14 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: They look like they came from a Parisian patisserie but take zero fancy skills. Plus, the jam filling stays gooey and delicious.
4. Vegan Snickerdoodles with Cinnamon Sugar
Chewy, tangy, and rolled in cinnamon sugar—these snickerdoodles are a nostalgic favorite made vegan-friendly. The secret? Cream of tartar for that classic chew.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 16 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegan butter (softened)
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 flax egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar, add flax egg and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry, chill 20 minutes.
- Roll into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: They puff up just right and have that perfect crackly top. Great with a glass of oat milk!
5. Chocolate-Dipped Orange Shortbread
Zesty, buttery shortbread dipped in dark chocolate—simple, elegant, and bursting with citrus. A grown-up twist on holiday cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions:
- Mix flour, cornstarch, sugar, butter, and zest into a dough.
- Press into a lined 8×8 pan and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.
- Cool completely, then melt chocolate with coconut oil.
- Dip half of each bar and let set on parchment.
Why You’ll Love It: The orange zest cuts through the richness—perfect balance. Plus, they look stunning on a holiday tray.
6. Spiced Pear & Oat Bars
Think apple crisp in bar form, but with pears and warming spices. These chewy, fruity bars are great for breakfast (yes, really!) or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 2 ripe pears, diced
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir in maple syrup and applesauce.
- Fold in pears, press into a lined pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Cool before slicing.
Why You’ll Love It: They’re soft, moist, and packed with fiber. Great with a cup of tea on a snowy afternoon.
7. Vegan Peppermint Bark Bites
No-bake, 5-ingredient treats that taste like store-bought peppermint bark—but healthier and way easier. Perfect for gifting in mini cupcake liners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Servings: 20 bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (vegan)
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour half into mini muffin tin, sprinkle with candy canes, top with remaining chocolate.
- Chill 30 minutes until set.
Why You’ll Love It: They’re crisp, creamy, and festive—plus, they’re ready in under 15 minutes.
8. Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies
Tart cranberries meet sweet orange zest in these jewel-toned cookies. The jammy center is irresistible, and they’re naturally gluten-free if you use oat flour.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Servings: 18 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups oat flour (blend rolled oats)
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup cranberry-orange jam
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar, add zest and flours.
- Roll into balls, press thumb in center, fill with jam.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: The tart-sweet combo is addictive. Great for holiday brunch or afternoon tea.
9. Double Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Fudgy, gooey, and loaded with chocolate—these vegan cookies are for serious chocolate lovers. Made with flax eggs and coconut oil, they’re rich without being heavy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Servings: 16 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 flax egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chunks
Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter and sugar, add flax egg and vanilla.
- Fold in chocolate chunks, drop onto baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 11 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It: They’re soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges—just like the best chocolate chip cookies, but vegan.
10. Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares
Buttery shortbread topped with a maple-pecan caramel layer. These squares are rich, nutty, and perfect with coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 16 squares
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut cream
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Make shortbread base, press into pan, bake 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Heat maple syrup and coconut cream, stir in pecans.
- Pour over baked base, bake 10 more minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Why You’ll Love It: The caramel layer is sticky-sweet and nutty—pure indulgence without the dairy.
Key Takeaways: Why These Vegan Christmas Cookies & Desserts Shine
- Accessible ingredients: No hard-to-find items—most are pantry staples.
- Quick & forgiving: Perfect for busy holiday schedules and beginner bakers.
- Festive flavors: Cinnamon, ginger, peppermint, orange, and cranberry bring the holiday spirit.
- Dietary flexibility: Many are gluten-free, nut-free, or refined sugar-free with simple swaps.
- Gift-ready: Pack in tins, jars, or cellophane bags for thoughtful homemade presents.
FAQ: Your Vegan Christmas Baking Questions Answered
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most of these vegan Christmas cookies & desserts freeze beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best vegan butter for baking?
Look for brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s that are specifically formulated for baking. Avoid coconut oil-based spreads if you want a neutral flavor—stick to soy or almond-based vegan butters.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Chill your dough before baking—especially for cut-outs and thumbprints. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated. If using coconut oil, keep it solid (not melted) when creaming.
Final Bite: Bake the Holidays Vegan & Bright
You don’t need dairy or eggs to create holiday magic in the kitchen. These 25 easy vegan Christmas cookies & desserts prove that plant-based baking can be simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious. Whether you’re vegan, hosting vegan guests, or just curious, these recipes welcome everyone to the table.
So preheat that oven, grab your favorite mug of spiced cider, and start baking. Your taste buds—and your holiday spirit—will thank you.
Now go make some magic. And don’t forget to save me a cookie.