Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful vegan Christmas cookies! Soft, chewy, and decorated with festive icing, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe is simple and can be made in just a few steps, making it a great activity for kids and adults alike. Here’s how to make the best vegan Christmas cookies!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• ½ cup (115g) vegan butter, softened
• ¼ cup (60g) vegetable shortening (optional, for added texture)
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (use organic to ensure it’s vegan)
• 3 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour

For the Icing:

• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, for shine)
• Food coloring (optional, for decorating)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and vegetable shortening (if using) with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the almond milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and flour.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
2. Chill the Dough:
   • Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to help firm up the dough.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Roll Out and Cut Cookies:
   • Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
   • Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes (Christmas trees, stars, etc.) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.
   • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Icing:
   • While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, almond milk, and corn syrup until smooth. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
   • If using food coloring, divide the icing into separate bowls and add colors as desired.
7. Decorate Cookies:
   • Once cookies are completely cool, use piping bags or a spoon to decorate with icing. Add sprinkles or other decorations if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let the icing set before serving or packaging for gifts.

Tips for Success

• Chilling Time: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flavor!
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

These vegan Christmas cookies are not only festive but also deliciously sweet! Perfect for cookie exchanges or as a delightful treat during holiday gatherings. Enjoy your holiday baking!