I'll be honest, a huge part of Christmas for me is about the cookies. And the squares. And the desserts. Every Christmas Eve, I set out my mom's vintage three-tiered cookie tray, piled high with all kinds of (what I consider) the best Christmas cookies and squares. Today I thought I'd share some of those cookie recipes and hopefully you'll make them and pile them on a platter this Christmas Eve too!
These are all vegan Christmas cookies and desserts, but don't let that deter you if you aren't vegan. The recipes are easy to make, require very common ingredients and taste delicious. These vegan Christmas cookies recipes are perfect for your vegan friends (naturally), but also for those who are allergic to dairy or eggs. Every recipe is completely free of dairy and eggs. Read on for my selection of the best Christmas cookies.
When I'm preparing my Christmas cookie tray, I like to set out some cookies that have a bit of colour to them. It keeps the tray from looking bland. These Peppermint Candy Cane Chocolate Shortbread Cookies do the trick, thanks to the crushed candy canes on top. The peppermint candy canes also provide a nice crunchy contrast to the smooth chocolate shortbread cookies and the melted chocolate icing. I created this vegan cookie recipe last year so it's a recent but well-appreciated addition to my Christmas Eve serving tray. You can make the shortbread cookies with light spelt flour or all-purpose white flour, your choice.
These Cape Breton Molasses Cookies aren't strictly Christmas cookies, but they are great for serving at Christmas nonetheless. Rich with molasses and cinnamon, they are soft and chewy on the inside and pleasantly crisp on the outside. They are adapted from a lovely little cookbook my mom bought on her honeymoon in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. You can read the full story about that in the original post.
Not sure if these fit into the Christmas cookies category, but they certainly ought to be included on your Christmas cookie platter! I don't even know what to say about these No Bake Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Balls. If you've had peanut butter balls before, you know what I'm talking about - they are beyond delicious! These particular chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls are, again, dairy-free and vegan. Trust me, just make 'em, okay?
Aw, Sweet Marie Bars. If I didn't add these to my Christmas cookie platter, I would never hear the end of it from my daughter. Like the peanut butter balls, these bars are a combination of peanut butter and chocolate. If that weren't enough, they also contain lovely peanuts and crispy rice cereal. They are gluten-free, dairy-free and can be made in minutes with no baking required! A must-try recipe.
Another Christmas treat that I wouldn't consider skipping, this Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge is so easy to make that you'll make it once in advance of Christmas and then eat it all and make it again - with no regrets. Cut the fudge up and store it in small squares (it's decadent!) in the freezer. Defrost for a bit (sometimes that's one minute for me) and enjoy!
These Vegan Spelt Flour Date Squares are another one of my favourite desserts inspired by Cape Breton. Both of my Nova Scotia grandmothers made date squares regularly and these sweet and delicious squares are my dad's favourite too. Like the molasses cookies, these aren't strictly for Christmas, but I always make a batch before Christmas. They freeze well, so save a few to enjoy with a cup of tea after the Christmas rush is over. My grandmothers' versions were made with white flour and butter but these vegan, dairy-free date squares are just as good. I promise.
Vegan Peanut Butter Squares With Caramel Icing are ideal for Christmas, especially when topped with green and red sprinkles! This recipe is made with just a few ingredients - including flaked corn and rice cereals and peanut butter - and topped with a sweet vegan caramel icing. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth to satisfy.
These Vegan Toffee Squares have a delicious shortbread base, a sugary pecan middle layer and a chocolate top layer. I have called for light spelt flour in the recipe, but you can always use regular white flour too. Add them to your Christmas platter and your friends will thank you.
If you're looking for a raw, gluten-free option, these Mini Kiwi Cheesecakes could be your thing. They are simple to make - the base comes together in a food processor - and you can top them with kiwi as indicated or use whatever fruit you have on hand. Strawberries, raspberries and/or blueberries would work beautifully too.
Freeze now, eat later
All of the Christmas cookies and squares that I've listed so far, including the mini cheesecakes, do well in the freezer. So feel free to get baking now for Christmas. (Which reminds me, I need to get baking now for Christmas!)
Vegan Christmas Desserts and Snacks
I hope that your Christmas vacation plans include a little relaxation - maybe cozying up with a snack and a beverage in front of a good movie? If so, whip together some Vegan Caramel Corn to munch on. If you are in the mood for crafting, you can even make the paper cones to serve this "buttery" yet dairy-free caramel corn in. (I've included the instructions for the cones too.)
For a Christmas dinner dessert that's dairy-free and egg-free, try this Vegan Chocolate Pie With Cookie Crumbles. (With the help of gluten-free cookies, it's a great gluten-free dessert pie too.) This pie has a delicious cookie base and a just-decadent-enough chocolate filling made with tofu. (Don't let that deter you - it's really good!)
You can't have too many chocolate pies, right? This Quick and Easy Caramelized Pear and Chocolate Pie has a chocolate pudding-like filling and a tasty topping made with fresh pears. It will add a pretty, festive touch to your holiday dessert table. (It's also another option for your gluten-free friends and family.)
Chocolate Fondue can indeed be made vegan and dairy-free - and quite easily too. We serve this quick chocolate fondue recipe with vegan marshmallows, store-bought "accidentally vegan" cookies and fruit. Kids love this! Fondue is a fun after-ski or post-sledding snack option. Turn your chocolate fondue session into a little party!
This Vegan Strawberry Mousse is a lightly sweet, creamy Christmas dessert option. It's made very simply with fresh strawberries and coconut whipped cream (from a chilled can of coconut milk). This mousse is inexpensive to make, but looks impressive, especially when topped with dark chocolate wedges.
If you would like to include cinnamon rolls in your holiday brunch or snacking plans, but don't have time to work on them all day, try these Quick Vegan Spelt Cinnamon Rolls With Icing. This easy cinnamon roll recipe requires no yeast or rising time. It's easy to make and you'll have fresh vegan cinnamon rolls (with icing if you like) in no time!
Questions for you
What are your favourite vegan cookie recipes? What are the best Christmas cookies in your opinion? What are the cookie recipes that you make without fail each year?
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What a lovely collection of recipes. They all sound delicious. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting. Merry Christmas!
DeleteThose kiwi cheesecakes would be amazing! What a creative recipe, I've looked at many vegan cheesecake recipes but have never seen one like yours �� I love SungGold kiwi's!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! That's very nice. :)
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