Ingredients and Substitutions
This recipe is really easy to whip up with just 4 base ingredients and can be transformed with add-ins and flavors.
Almond Flour – The base ingredient for these cookies, providing a naturally gluten-free structure and a nutty, buttery flavor. Substituting with almond meal creates darker, grainier cookies. Cornstarch – Cornstarch adds a soft and tender texture to the cookies. It can be replaced with tapioca, arrowroot, or corn flour for similar results. Dairy-Free Butter – Butter adds richness and helps bind the dough. Refined coconut oil works as a dairy-free alternative but avoid unrefined oil to prevent a strong coconut taste. Maple Syrup – It’s a natural sweetener that also moistens the dough. You can substitute it with other liquid sweeteners like agave syrup or date syrup. Vanilla & Almond Extracts – These flavors are optional but they boost the holiday flavors. Almond extract pairs beautifully with almond flour. Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a warm Christmassy touch It’s optional but recommended for seasonal spice.
How to Make Healthy Christmas Cookies
This recipe is amazingly easy to make and it’s so delicious. If you like pictures more than words, here are photos of key steps!
Carine’s Baking Tips
Let me give you my most important tips for perfect cookies every single time.
Flavor and Decoration Ideas
These cookies are easy to decorate and color to make a whole variety with a single recipe!
Vegan Royal Icing – Use my vegan royal icing recipe to create cut and fancy designs on the cookies. This recipe is easy to color, so you can make many different styles. Dipped Edges – Dip the cooled cookies halfway into melted dairy-free chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or coconut flakes.
Storage Tips
Like many other dairy-free and egg-free cookies, this recipe can be stored easily.
Refrigeration – Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness. They can also be kept in a cookie box for a couple of days. Freezing – Freeze undecorated cookies in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect to serve with a mug of vegan hot cocoa, peppermint hot chocolate or pumpkin spice Chai latte for a cozy holiday treat. You can also pack them in decorative tins or boxes as homemade holiday gifts for your friends and family. If you need that box to be full, try some of my other cookie recipes!
More Christmas Cookie Recipes
