There’s something truly magical about a cookie that fills your kitchen with the warm, toasty aroma of almonds and the bright, cheerful scent of orange zest. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s perfectly crisp on the outside, with a soft, chewy, and almost marzipan-like center that simply melts in your mouth. That’s the exact experience waiting for you with this incredible Vegan Christmas Cookies recipe! These little delights are so special because they prove that holiday baking can be both spectacularly delicious and wonderfully inclusive, without a single dairy product or egg in sight. Did you know the key to their amazing texture is a magical ingredient called aquafaba? That’s just a fancy name for the liquid from a can of chickpeas, and it whips up to create a meringue-like base that’s pure vegan wizardry! If you loved our classic Vegan Gingerbread Men, you’re going to adore this nutty, fragrant twist on a holiday classic. They are surprisingly simple to make, require just about 30 minutes of prep time, and are an absolute joy to make with the whole family. So, preheat your oven and get ready to create a new Christmas tradition that everyone at your table can enjoy!
What is Vegan Christmas Cookies?
So, why call these the ultimate Vegan Christmas Cookies? Well, what’s in a name? Is it the festive, snow-dusted look from the powdered sugar? Or perhaps the merry union of orange and almond that just tastes like the holidays? The truth is, we wanted a name that was as straightforward and wonderful as the cookie itself! It’s the cookie you can proudly place on your Christmas platter, knowing it’s 100% plant-based and will be the star of the show. There’s a classic saying that "the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach," and I’m convinced these cookies have a direct route. They’re so charming and delicious, they’re bound to win over even the most skeptical of cookie connoisseurs. So, are you ready to make your holiday baking a little brighter and a whole lot nuttier? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Christmas Cookies Recipe
You are going to fall head-over-heels for these cookies, and I’ll tell you exactly why.
First, the texture and flavor are simply unforgettable. The combination of rich almond flour, fragrant orange zest, and the crunchy, toasty sliced almond coating creates a symphony in every bite. They are soft and chewy on the inside with a delightful crispness on the outside—a textural dream come true!
Second, they are incredibly cost-effective to make at home. Instead of buying expensive specialty vegan treats from a bakery, you can create a much larger, fresher batch with simple pantry staples. A can of chickpeas gives you the aquafaba and a head start on a hummus recipe for later—now that’s smart baking!
Finally, the versatile toppings make them fun and customizable. While the classic sliced almond coating is divine, you can easily roll them in powdered sugar for a "snowy" crinkle cookie effect. If you're a fan of nutty treats, you’ll also adore our Easy Vegan Almond Biscotti. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and let’s make some holiday magic!
How to Make Vegan Christmas Cookies
Quick Overview
These cookies are a dream to make! They come together in one bowl (mostly!), require no fancy equipment, and are ready from start to finish in under an hour. The standout element is their rich, marzipan-like flavor and their delightful contrast of textures. Prep time is just about 20 minutes, with only 12-14 minutes of baking.
Key Ingredients for Vegan Christmas Cookies
2 cups almond flour (not almond meal)
1/2 cup caster sugar (extra fine sugar)
2 tsp orange zest
1/4 cup aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
2 Tbsp apricot jam (peach jam or orange marmalade work too)
1 tsp almond extract
1 pinch salt
1.5 cups sliced almonds
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 cups of almond flour, 1/2 cup of caster sugar, and 2 tsp of orange zest. Mix until everything is well incorporated and fragrant. Set this bowl aside.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the 1/4 cup of aquafaba and a small pinch of salt. Use a whisk or a fork to whisk it vigorously until it becomes frothy and foamy. This should only take a minute or two. Then, whisk in the 1 tsp of almond extract and the 2 Tbsp of apricot jam until you have a uniform, slightly thick liquid.
Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry almond flour mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes. This crucial step makes the dough much easier to handle and helps control spreading during baking.
Preheat and Prep: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Shape and Coat: Place the 1.5 cups of sliced almonds into a small bowl. Once the dough is chilled, use a tablespoon to scoop out portions. Roll each portion into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in the sliced almonds, using your hands to gently press the almonds into the dough so they stick. Don't worry about the shape being perfect!
Bake to Perfection: Place the coated cookie dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. For a lighter color, aim for 12 minutes; for a toastier, crunchier almond coating, go for the full 14 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. For a final festive touch, you can sprinkle them with a little powdered sugar. Enjoy!
What to Serve Vegan Christmas Cookies With
These cookies are a star on any holiday dessert platter! Pair them with a tall glass of creamy Oat Milk Eggnog or a warm, spiced Vegan Mulled Wine for the ultimate cozy experience. They also balance beautifully with a tangy Vegan Cranberry Orange Scone for a Christmas morning treat or alongside a rich, dark chocolate vegan yule log for a show-stopping dessert spread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Vegan Christmas Cookies
Almond Flour vs. Meal: For the best texture, ensure you are using almond flour (made from blanched almonds) and not almond meal (which includes the skins and will yield a denser, grainier cookie).
Aquafaba Power: Don't skip whipping the aquafaba until frothy! This incorporates air, which is key for a light and chewy cookie texture.
Jam Jar Tip: If your jam is very thick, warm it slightly for a few seconds in the microwave to make it easier to mix in.
Patience with Chilling: If your dough is too sticky to roll after 20 minutes, don’t be afraid to chill it for 10-15 minutes more. A cooler dough is easier to work with.
Crinkle Cookie Variation: To make a beautiful crinkle version, simply omit the sliced almond coating. Instead, roll the chilled dough balls generously in powdered sugar right before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: These cookies can be stored at room temperature. For the crispest texture, leave them uncovered for up to 2 days. For longer storage (up to 10 days), place them in a lidded container.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 4 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.
