Holiday baking becomes even better when the treats fit your lifestyle and still taste amazing. These vegan holiday cookies rely on plant-based swaps that keep every bite soft, chewy, and full of seasonal flavour. Whether you love chocolate, spices, peppermint, or cosy classics, this round-up gives you easy, budget-friendly cookie ideas anyone can make at home. Each recipe keeps things simple and practical, helping you create holiday treats without stress.
1. Classic Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
These gingerbread cookies bring warm spice and a soft bite without using dairy or eggs. Use coconut oil or vegan butter, whichever fits your kitchen budget. Molasses gives them that rich holiday aroma. Roll the dough thin for crisp cookies or thicker for a chewier finish. If you want to decorate, mix powdered sugar with a tiny splash of plant milk for a simple icing. Kids enjoy using cookie cutters, and you don’t need fancy tools to make them look good. Store in a simple jar for gifting or serve with warm tea at gatherings. A small batch also works well if you want something quick. If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10 minutes. This makes cutting shapes easier. Keep spices simple with cinnamon and ginger, or add cloves if you want stronger flavour. These cookies hold their shape well, making them great for holiday tins.
2. Soft Vegan Sugar Cookies
Soft sugar cookies are perfect for decorating. Use a basic dough with vegan butter, flour, sugar, and a splash of vanilla. Swap regular milk for almond or oat milk. Chill the dough so it rolls easier and doesn’t stick. When baking, pull them out just as the edges turn lightly golden so they stay tender. For frosting, make a quick mix using powdered sugar and plant milk, or add natural food colouring for fun tones. Kids love decorating these, and you can create holiday shapes using simple cutters. If you want to save money, skip fancy sprinkles and use crushed candy canes instead. These cookies store well and stay soft for days. Pack them as gifts or set them out for a holiday dessert table. A small addition of lemon zest also gives them a nice scent without extra cost.
3. Vegan Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These chocolate crinkle cookies have a soft brownie-like centre. Cocoa powder offers deep flavour without expensive ingredients. The crackled powdered sugar coat comes from rolling the dough before baking. Chill the dough well so it doesn’t spread too much. Use a small cookie scoop to keep sizes even. If you want a richer taste, add a spoon of melted vegan chocolate, but it’s optional. These cookies freeze well before baking, which means you can prep ahead for holidays. Serve them warm for the best texture. If you want to keep costs low, buy cocoa powder in bulk during holiday sales. Sprinkle extra powdered sugar at the end to soften the look. They look fancy but take very little effort.
4. Maple Pecan Vegan Cookies
These cookies combine toasted pecans with a gentle maple flavour. You only need a small amount of syrup for sweetness. Toasting the pecans in a dry pan adds more aroma and saves time. Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the base. These cookies work well for holiday brunch or afternoon tea. If you want a crunchier texture, flatten the dough balls before baking. If you prefer them softer, leave them rounded. For a simple decoration, press a pecan half on each cookie before baking. This makes them look handmade and cosy. Store them in a tin to keep them firm. You can also chop leftover nuts from other recipes to keep costs low. These cookies pair well with coffee, making them great for gifting.
5. Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodles feel like a holiday classic. The dough is rolled in cinnamon sugar, giving a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Use cream of tartar to create that familiar tang. Vegan butter works best for texture, but coconut oil also does the job. Roll small balls for bite-sized treats. If you want a stronger cinnamon flavour, sprinkle some on top right after baking. These cookies require only basic pantry staples, so they’re budget-friendly. If your dough feels sticky, adding a small amount of flour makes shaping easier. Serve them warm for the softest centre. They bake quickly, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or cookie boxes.
6. Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These cookies bring a hearty chew with simple ingredients. Rolled oats add texture, while raisins give natural sweetness. Use brown sugar for deeper flavour and vegan butter for softness. If you prefer, swap raisins for dried cranberries to give a holiday touch. Chill the dough for 10 minutes to keep cookies from spreading too much. If you want them crispier, bake them a little longer. A pinch of cinnamon works well without overpowering the flavour. These cookies are a good choice when you want something filling and affordable. They store nicely and pack well in lunch boxes or gift tins.
7. Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate and peppermint feel right for the season. These cookies use cocoa powder and crushed candy canes for a bright taste. Add a tiny drop of peppermint extract for a stronger aroma, but a little goes a long way. If you want to save money, crush leftover holiday candy instead of buying new. The dough is quick to mix and doesn’t require chilling. Keep the cookies slightly underbaked for a soft centre. You can drizzle melted vegan chocolate on top to decorate, but it’s optional. These cookies look festive without any fancy piping. Serve them with hot cocoa for a cosy treat.
8. Vegan Almond Shortbread
Shortbread has a simple charm. Almond flavour gives it a gentle nuttiness while keeping the recipe minimal. Use a mix of all-purpose flour and a bit of almond flour if available. Vegan butter creates the crumbly texture. Shape the dough into a log, chill, and slice for clean edges. These cookies pair well with tea or as small gifts. If you want a slight sweetness, dust them with powdered sugar once cool. They need only a few inexpensive ingredients, making them a great holiday option. If almond flour isn’t within your budget, skip it and add more extract instead. Keep slices thin for crisp cookies or thicker for softer bites.
9. Vegan Double-Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These cookies satisfy chocolate lovers. Use cocoa powder and chunks of vegan chocolate for texture. If vegan chocolate is pricey, chop an affordable dark chocolate bar instead. Melt a small portion into the dough for a richer bite. The dough doesn’t require chilling, and the cookies spread just enough for a soft centre. Bake until the tops crack slightly. These cookies feel indulgent without many ingredients. Add a pinch of espresso powder if you want stronger flavour, but it’s optional. They freeze well, so you can bake a big batch ahead of time.
10. Vegan Lemon Meltaway Cookies
Lemon meltaway cookies dissolve softly as you eat them. Use lemon zest and juice for flavour. Vegan butter helps the texture stay tender. The dough is simple and doesn’t need fancy tools. Roll small balls and coat them in powdered sugar before baking. For a stronger lemon scent, add extra zest. These cookies feel bright and work well as a break from heavier holiday desserts. They also make charming gifts. If lemons are expensive in your area, use bottled lemon juice and skip extra zest. Store them in the fridge for a firm bite or leave at room temperature for a softer texture.
11. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies only need a few pantry staples. Use smooth peanut butter for easy mixing. A bit of brown sugar helps keep them soft. Press the dough with a fork to create the classic criss-cross pattern. If you want something fun, dip half the cookie in melted vegan chocolate. These cookies stay chewy for days. They’re cost-effective and perfect for bake sales or gifting. If peanut butter is too thick, warm it slightly before mixing. They bake fast and fill the kitchen with a cosy aroma.
12. Vegan Cranberry Orange Cookies
Cranberry and orange give a festive flavour. Use dried cranberries for convenience. Orange zest adds a citrus note that pairs well with the sweetness. Vegan butter keeps the cookies soft. Chop the cranberries for even distribution. Add a small drizzle of icing if you want a fancier look. These cookies taste good warm or chilled. They feel holiday-ready without extra steps. If dried cranberries are expensive, use raisins and add more orange zest. These cookies also fit well in gift boxes.
13. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies work for any holiday event. Use vegan chocolate chips or chop up a dark chocolate bar. Brown sugar gives a chewy centre. Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm to keep the cookies from spreading too much. Bake until lightly golden. A pinch of salt makes the flavour richer. If you want to save money, replace half the chocolate with chopped nuts. These cookies are dependable crowd-pleasers and pack well for gifting or travel.
14. Vegan Pistachio Cookies
Pistachio cookies offer a soft nutty flavour. Use chopped pistachios in the dough and press some on top. If pistachios are expensive, mix half with almonds to reduce cost while keeping the same colour. A bit of almond extract helps with aroma. These cookies look pretty without extra decoration. Bake until the edges set and the centre stays soft. They pair well with tea and work nicely for cookie tins. You can also roll the edges in crushed nuts for a textured finish.
15. Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies
Carrot cake cookies give you warm spices and soft texture in one bite. Grated carrots keep them tender. Use cinnamon and nutmeg for flavour. Add raisins or chopped nuts if you want more texture. Vegan butter or coconut oil works fine. You can drizzle a simple frosting made from powdered sugar and plant milk on top. These cookies are great when you want something different but still cosy. They’re budget-friendly and easy to customise. Keep the carrots finely grated so they bake evenly.
16. Vegan Matcha Cookies
Matcha gives a gentle earthiness and a nice green tone. Use a small spoon of matcha powder so the flavour stays balanced. Vegan butter keeps the dough tender. If matcha is expensive, use a smaller amount and add vanilla to help round out the taste. These cookies bake quickly and look elegant on holiday platters. You can dust them with powdered sugar for contrast. Make them small for bite-sized snacks. They store well in airtight containers.
17. Vegan Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are simple yet charming. Use a soft dough and press a small well in the centre. Fill it with raspberry jam—homemade or store-bought. You don’t need much, so even a small jar works for multiple batches. Bake until the edges are lightly golden. These cookies feel homely and make cute gifts. If raspberry jam is pricey, use strawberry or any leftover spreads you already have. The cookies hold their shape well and stay soft for days.
18. Vegan Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are naturally simple. Shredded coconut, a bit of flour, sugar, and plant milk create a chewy centre with crisp edges. Scoop them tightly so they don’t crumble. Add a dash of vanilla for aroma. If you want a nice finish, dip the bottoms in melted vegan chocolate. These macaroons use affordable pantry staples and bake quickly. They store well and taste even better the next day. Keep them small so they hold shape.
19. Vegan Spice Molasses Cookies
Molasses brings deep holiday flavour. These cookies are soft and rich with cinnamon and ginger. Vegan butter helps them stay tender. Chill the dough if you want thicker cookies. Roll in sugar for a sparkling finish. The recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it good for budget baking. Serve these with warm drinks for a cosy feel. They freeze well, so you can bake them ahead of holiday gatherings.
20. Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies
Hazelnuts and chocolate complement each other well. Chop the nuts lightly so they blend with the dough. Cocoa powder adds flavour without needing expensive chocolate. If hazelnuts cost more in your area, mix half with almonds. Bake until the edges set. These cookies taste good slightly warm. You can drizzle extra melted vegan chocolate if you want them to look festive. They also pack well as gifts.
21. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Pumpkin puree creates a soft texture and mild sweetness. Use basic spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts if you want variation. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t need chilling. These cookies work well for late autumn and winter gatherings. They stay soft for days, so they’re great for gifting. If pumpkin puree isn’t available, use mashed sweet potato as a simple swap.
22. Vegan Toffee Cookies
Toffee cookies bring sweet, caramel-like bites. Use dairy-free toffee pieces if available or make a simple homemade version using sugar and coconut milk. Fold the pieces gently into the dough. Bake until golden around the edges. These cookies feel special and don’t require many ingredients. Keep pieces small so they melt evenly. Store them flat so the toffee doesn’t stick to other cookies.
23. Vegan Mint Sugar Cookies
Mint sugar cookies are simple and festive. Add a drop of peppermint extract to a basic sugar cookie dough. Don’t use too much or the flavour becomes sharp. Top with green sprinkles or crushed candy. These cookies bake fast and stay soft. They work well for cookie exchanges or kids’ parties. If sprinkles are costly, use a bit of coloured sugar made by mixing sugar with a drop of food dye.
24. Vegan Banana Chocolate Cookies
Banana gives natural sweetness and a soft texture. Mash a ripe banana and mix it into the dough. Add chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate. These cookies bake quickly and taste best slightly warm. If bananas are overripe, this is a great way to use them without wasting food. The dough comes together with basic pantry staples. Keep cookies small so they don’t spread too much. They stay moist for several days.
Conclusion
Holiday baking doesn’t have to feel complicated or expensive. These vegan cookie ideas offer easy steps, flexible ingredients, and crowd-pleasing flavours. Pick a few favourites, prep simple doughs, and fill your home with warm, seasonal aromas. Your holiday cookie table will feel full, colourful, and completely plant-based. Enjoy sharing them with friends, family, or anyone who loves homemade treats.
Hannah Collins is a passionate home cook and food storyteller who believes every recipe tells a little love story. At TastyWriter, she shares simple, delicious recipes made for real kitchens and busy days — from cozy comfort dishes to creative new favorites. When she’s not cooking, you’ll find her photographing food, testing family recipes, or sipping tea while dreaming up her next tasty idea.
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