MAKE IT CUTE

Being vegan can be super tough, especially during the holiday season. You might begin to think about all of your old fave non-vegan desserts (snickerdoodles, eggnog lattes...sigh), but DW—you can still have your favorite treats in a healthier way. Let's discover some vegan specialties. 

Frosted sugar cookies

@blackwhitecreamery

Ingredients: 

★ 1/2 cup vegan butter 
★ 1/2 cup cane sugar 
★ 1/4 cup brown sugar
★ 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
★ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
★ 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 
★ 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch 
★ 1 teaspoon baking powder 
★ 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
★ 1 teaspoon salt 
★ 1-2 teaspoons non-dairy milk
★ 1/2  cup Vegan butter 
★ 3 cups powdered sugar 

Let's put your baking skills to the test with these sugar cookies! Add softened butter to a large mixing bowl and cream with a mixer. Now add sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, pumpkin puree and beat all of those ingredients together for 1 minute. To your sifter add flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda and baking powder using a spoon to stir as you sift over butter mixture. While mixing everything together add almond milk and mix until you form dough. Cover and freeze for 15 minutes. Now scoop out dough from the bowl and roll out onto wax paper (don't forget to flour the bottom layer). Cut the dough into ~festive~ shapes, then bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

For your frosting: Add softened butter into a bowl, beat until fluffy then add vanilla and mix again. Add powdered sugar and almond milk until creamy. For a natural food coloring, grate a raw beet for a light, creamy red color. All done! 

Iced Gingerbread Cookies 

@biscoitha.biscoitos

Ingredients:

★ 2 cups oat flour
★ 1/2 cup coconut flour
★ 1 teaspoon ground ginger
★ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
★ 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
★ 1/2 cup cocinut oil, melted
★ 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
★ 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

This gingerbread recipe requires a large bowl. Start by whisking together all the ingredients to make soft, spongy dough. Next, roll the dough into a log form and let chill for an hour. Unwrap the dough and cut it into the exact size you want your cookies. Lightly dust your rolling pin and space with oat flour. Roll each piece out and use your fave cookie cutter to make cute shapes. Place the cookies in the oven at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. Once the cookies have turned golden brown, let cool and prepare some white icing. There you have it: the cutest holiday cookie!

Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Cookies

@minimalistbaker

Ingredients:

★ 1/4 cup cocoa powder
★ 1/4 cup dairy-free milk
★ 1/3 cup Vegan butter
★ 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
★ 1/2 Flour
★ 1/2 Cane sugar 
★ 1/4 cup brown sugar 
★ 1 teaspoon baking soda
★ 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract 
★ 1 cup Vegan chocolate chips
★ 1 1/2 teaspoon distilled vinegar 
★ Sprinkles

This peppermint cookie is sure to make your heart smile. Place your butter and sugar in a large bowl and mix. In another bowl, sift the flour and cocoa powder together, then whisk in the baking soda and salt. Mix both bowls together to create a thick texture. Pour in milk and peppermint extract and mix, but don't forget to add in the vinegar. Now for the best part: fold in the chocolate chips and peppermint pieces. Cover and chill for 20 minutes in the freezer, then roll your dough into balls. Add your sprinkles and place your cookies into the oven at 350 degrees for 10-14 minutes. This sweet treat will definitely be your new favorite. 

Looking for more vegan recipes? Check out these related posts:
🍪 You have to try these delicious vegan pumpkin desserts for Thanksgiving
🍪 6 vegan baking recipes to try this November 
🍪 Your guide to the *ultimate* vegan ice cream sundae

Have any vegan recipes to share? Let us know on Instagram @girlslifemag!

Slider Image: @happybiscuits | Front Image: @minimalistbaker

by Ti'Ja Taylor | 12/16/2022