10 Irresistible Vegan Christmas Desserts to Try This Holiday Season

1. Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, and these vegan versions are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. Made with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies are perfect for decorating with vegan icing or enjoying plain. To make them, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 tablespoon almond milk

Combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Mix them together until a dough forms, then chill for at least an hour before rolling out and cutting into shapes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, and let them cool before decorating.

2. Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Bark

This festive treat combines rich dark chocolate with refreshing peppermint for a delightful holiday snack. It’s incredibly simple to make and requires just a few ingredients:

  • 2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (use vegan-friendly brands)

Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, then stir in the peppermint extract. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top before letting it cool in the refrigerator until set. Once hardened, break it into pieces and serve!

3. Vegan Eggnog Cheesecake

This creamy vegan cheesecake captures the essence of traditional eggnog without any dairy. The combination of cashews, coconut cream, and festive spices creates a rich dessert that will impress your holiday guests. For this recipe, you will need:

  • 1 1/2 cups soaked cashews
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (make sure they are vegan)
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Blend the soaked cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and cinnamon until smooth. For the crust, mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted coconut oil and press it into the bottom of a springform pan. Pour the cheesecake filling on top and refrigerate for several hours or overnight until set.

4. Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie is a holiday staple, and these bars make it easy to enjoy this dessert without the need for slicing. The buttery crust and gooey filling are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Here’s what you need:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, and salt to form the crust. Press it into the bottom of a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the chopped pecans, maple syrup, cornstarch, and vanilla extract for the filling. Pour the filling over the crust and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Let it cool before cutting into bars.

5. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Celebrate the flavors of the season with these moist and fluffy pumpkin spice cupcakes. Topped with a rich vegan cream cheese frosting, these treats are perfect for any holiday gathering. Here’s how to make them:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with liners. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond milk, vegetable oil, and brown sugar. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and frost with vegan cream cheese frosting.

6. Vegan Chocolate Yule Log

A Yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert, and this vegan version is sure to impress. With its rich chocolate flavor and creamy filling, this dessert is both beautiful and delicious. To make a vegan chocolate Yule log, gather these ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a jelly roll pan. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the almond milk, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Once cooled, roll the cake with parchment paper and let it rest. For the filling, whip together vegan cream cheese and powdered sugar, then unroll the cake, spread the filling, and re-roll. Frost the outside with more cream cheese mixture and decorate as desired.

7. Vegan Cranberry Orange Muffins

These muffins are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges, making them a perfect breakfast or snack during the holiday season. The ingredients you’ll need are:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with liners. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the cranberries. Divide the batter into the muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

These soft and chewy snickerdoodle cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar and are a holiday favorite that everyone will love. To whip up a batch, gather these ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for rolling)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. In another bowl, cream together the softened coconut oil and brown sugar, then add the almond milk and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough into balls, roll them in the cinnamon sugar, and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

9. Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Everyone loves a classic chocolate chip cookie, and these vegan cookies are sure to please. Chewy, gooey, and perfect for sharing, they require minimal ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

10. Vegan Mince Pies

Mince pies are a traditional Christmas treat, filled with a mixture of dried fruits and spices. These vegan versions are just as delightful and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. Here’s what you need:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, solid
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup mincemeat (ensure it’s vegan)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the flour and salt, then cut in the solid coconut oil. Add powdered sugar and enough cold water to form a dough. Roll out the dough and cut circles to fit into a muffin tin. Fill with mincemeat and top with another circle of dough. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

Conclusion

This holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to these scrumptious vegan Christmas desserts that are sure to spread joy and cheer. Whether you are celebrating with a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these delightful treats will make your holiday season even sweeter. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and share your creations on social media to inspire others to try these vegan delights!