Cookies are one of the most time-honored Christmas dessert traditions — it's what you leave for Santa, after all. However, if you're vegan, you've probably had to turn down too many chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies [1] to count over the years, and that's almost as sad as getting coal in your stocking. Thankfully, as more and more people turn to a plant-based diet, the cookie enthusiasts of the vegan community have created some outstanding recipes that don't contain a trace of dairy or egg.
This Christmas, join Santa in indulging in a heaping plate of cookies. Read through the gallery for 22 of the best vegan cookie recipes, pour yourself a nice tall glass of almond milk, and put on Bing Crosby. That's the way the cookie should crumble.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
You will love this protein-packed take on the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Get the recipe: gluten-free vegan chocolate chip cookies [3]
Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
These cute pecan-filled thumbprint cookies are a far healthier alternative to sugar- and fat-laden pecan pie. The best part? They're vegan!
Get the recipe: vegan thumbprint cookies [4]
Vegan Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
These taste so decadent, but the caramel is healthier since it's made with dates.
Get the recipe: vegan caramel chocolate chip cookies [5]
Vegan Thin Mints
The perfect flavor combination.
Get the recipe: vegan Thin Mints [6]
Vegan Sugar Cookies
These little gems are deliciously soft and sweet, even without the icing!
Get the recipe: vegan sugar cookies [7]
Vegan Jamoca Almond Fudge Cookies
These cookies are soft with crispy edges, a subtle mocha flavor, and dotted with toasted almonds and mini chocolate chips.
Get the recipe: vegan jamoca almond fudge cookies [8]
Flour-Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Love a slice of creamy pumpkin pie but don't love the calorie amount attached to it? Then grab a can of pumpkin and bake these cookies instead.
Get the recipe: flour-free pumpkin chocolate chip cookies [9]
Peanut Butter Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
No one will ever know these are made with chickpeas!
Get the recipe: peanut butter chickpea chocolate chip cookies [10]
Date-Sweetened Cookies
They're not only free of white sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or any other processed sweeteners, but they're also flour-free, gluten-free, and vegan, so if you're trying to eat cleaner, you can feel good biting into these chewy gems.
Get the recipe: date-sweetened cookies [11]
Best Ever Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are a must-bake!
Get the recipe: best ever vegan chocolate chip cookies [12]
Vegan Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
A holiday favorite, veganized!
Get the recipe: vegan peanut butter kiss cookies [13]
Vegan Chocolate and Pumpkin Cookies
Soft and delicious, especially if you love pumpkin spice flavor.
Get the recipe: vegan chocolate and pumpkin cookies [14]
Pistachio-Crusted Chewy Chocolate Chip Cranberry Cookies
These cookies are sweet, chewy, and so delicious, but they're actually healthier (since they're made with garbanzo bean flour).
Get the recipe: pistachio-crusted chewy chocolate chip cranberry cookies [15]
Vegan Samoas
If you can't shake the desire for these chewy, coconut-y gems, here's a vegan version.
Get the recipe: vegan Samoas [16]
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sometimes simple is the absolute best.
Get the recipe: vegan chocolate chip cookies [17]
The Best Almond Meal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are vegan and gluten-free, but so full of sweet flavor.
Get the recipe: the best almond meal chocolate chip cookies [18]
5-Ingredient Vegan Gluten-Free Cookies
All you need is dates, a banana, oats, almond meal, and almond butter. Oh, and chocolate chips!
Get the recipe: five-ingredient vegan gluten-free cookies [19]
Pumpkin Pecan Polvorones
Swap some of the butter for pumpkin and boom, these are healthy and so scrumptious.
Get the recipe: pumpkin pecan polvorones [20]
Paleo Magic Cookie Bars
Wow everyone with this yummy recipe.
Get the recipe: Paleo magic cookie bars [21]
Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
These vegan pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are perfect for Fall and are only 90 calories per cookie.
Get the recipe: pumpkin oatmeal chocolate chip cookies [22]
Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
You had us at peanut butter.
Get the recipe: vegan peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies [23]
Paleo Cranberry Bliss Bars
Bring something different to your holiday dinner.
Get the recipe: Paleo cranberry bliss bars [24]
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
These 87-calorie peanut butter cookies made with gluten-free oats and a handful of other ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and as an added bonus, they cook up golden brown in less than 10 minutes.
Get the recipe: peanut butter cookies [25]