It’s time to indulge in some holiday bliss with these 10 mouthwatering vegan cookie recipes! From classic favorites to innovative twists, you’ll find the perfect recipe to delight your taste buds and spread cheer to your loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to impress yourself in the kitchen, these cookies will surely make your holiday season merrier.
Baking Basics
Baking vegan cookies can be as simple as swapping out a few ingredients. Here are some basics to get you started.
Substituting Dairy and Eggs
- Butter: You can use any of your favorite plant-based butters, such as Miyoko’s Creamery European Style Butter. If you prefer a liquid butter substitute, try Melt Organic Butter.
- Eggs: There are many options for replacing eggs in cookies. Here are a few:
- Flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg.
- Chia eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg.
- Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
- Banana: Mash 1/4 cup ripe banana for each egg.
Pro tip: If you’re making a recipe that calls for both flaxseed and banana, use the flaxseed as the egg replacer and mash the banana separately to add moisture and flavor.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture in your vegan cookies, consider these options when choosing the flour and leavening agent.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is often the best choice for vegan cookies, but you can also experiment with other flours like cake flour for softer cookies or bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Leavening agents: Baking soda and baking powder are commonly used in vegan baking, but keep in mind that you may need to use slightly more than you would with eggs to achieve the desired rise.
Classic Vegan Cookie Recipes
These classic vegan cookie recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back fond memories of holiday baking.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the timeless goodness of chocolate chip cookies, available in two delicious textures:
- Soft and chewy: Replace some of the butter with applesauce and use bread flour for a denser, chewier result.
- Crisp and crunchy: Use melted coconut oil instead of butter and add a pinch of salt for a classic, crispy exterior.
Peanut Butter Cookies
For a truly indulgent experience, try these irresistible peanut butter cookies:
- Creamy and indulgent: Use natural peanut butter (the kind that needs to be stirred) for a richer flavor and a soft, pliable dough.
- Nutty and satisfying: Add a pinch of salt to the dough and flatten the cookies with a fork to enhance the peanut flavor and create a lovely crisscross pattern.
Holiday-Inspired Vegan Cookies
Bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen with these festive vegan cookie recipes.
Gingerbread Cookies
Bake up a batch of these delicious gingerbread cookies and enjoy the warm spices of the holiday season:
- Use molasses instead of sugar to deepen the flavor and create a rich brown color.
- Get creative with decorative designs by rolling out the dough and cutting it into gingerbread men, stars, or other shapes.
Snowball Cookies
These tender, buttery snowball cookies are coated in powdered sugar for a delightful snowy effect:
- Use vegan margarine instead of butter and be sure to soften it before mixing.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar both before and after baking for an extra-sweet treat.
Unique Vegan Cookie Variations
Experiment with these unique vegan cookie recipes that offer something for everyone.
Matcha Green Tea Cookies
Create a stunning display of these elegant matcha green tea cookies:
- Use culinary-grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Add a touch of sweetness with a little powdered sugar or coconut sugar, and enjoy the earthy and refreshing taste of matcha.
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Brighten up your holiday baking with these tangy and festive cranberry orange cookies:
- Chop fresh cranberries and zest an orange for a tart and tangy flavor.
- Add a hint of orange extract for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
Baking Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips to help you master the art of vegan cookie baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you have dietary restrictions, these substitutions will help you enjoy the cookies just as much:
- Gluten-free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, such as King Arthur Gluten-Free Multipurpose Flour.
- Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a delicious, nut-free alternative.
Decorating Techniques
Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to get creative with icing, glazes, sprinkles, and toppings:
- Icing: Use a simple powdered sugar icing by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of plant-based milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Glazes: Create a smooth glaze by melting down your favorite chocolate or caramel and adding a little plant-based milk.
Storing and Sharing Vegan Cookies
Now that you’ve mastered the art of vegan cookie baking, it’s time to enjoy your creations!
- Freezing: For long-term enjoyment, freeze the dough before baking or bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in an airtight container.
- Packaging and gifting: Store your cookies in a festive cookie tin or other sealed container and add a personal touch with some DIY labels or tags.
So go ahead, indulge in some holiday bliss, and let these delicious vegan cookie recipes bring joy to you and your loved ones this season!