The 18 best vegan baking recipes we’re loving this holiday season

Most anyone with a sweet tooth would agree winter is the dreamiest time for desserts. Hello, gingerbread everything, peppermint mochas, and all things eggnog. Plus, for us, wintertime practically begs for cozy days with cookies and warm drinks topped with whipped cream while watching nostalgic movies. The dream. So, make your holidays extra sweet with these vegan baking recipes that’ll make you wish winter lasted year-round. From eggnog cupcakes to gingerbread cookies, we’ve got all the recipes you need to keep things sweet and cruelty-free.

And while you’re here, check out our other post Baking 101: All the Plant Based Swaps You Need to Know!

18 vegan baking recipes for sweets and treats you’ll love this winter 

1. Christmas Cookie Bars

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CHRISTMAS COOKIE BARS😍🍫🎅🏼 These soft and buttery treats are so delish and perfect for holiday parties!! This recipe is up for day 8 of #SixVeganSisters 12 Days of Christmas🎄

A post shared by Six Vegan Sisters (@sixvegansisters) on Dec 21, 2018 at 6:03pm PST

Recipe: here.

2. Gingerbread Cake

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Well, it’s officially chilly enough to dive right back into my fall baking activities! 👩‍🍳 〰️ This gingerbread cake is very possibly my favorite edible gift for the holidays. Its scent when it comes out of the oven lets me know that the season is approaching, and it’s both #vegan and #glutenfree, so I can give it to lots of different eaters in my life! Sometimes I throw in pieces of chopped, crystalized ginger, for a little extra spice 😊 〰️ The first weekend of October is a really good time for baking. You can read all about the cake by clicking the link in my bio today! . . . . #veganbaking #baking #procrastibake #vegandessert #vegancake #fallbaking #lovetobake #vegangingerbread #gingerbread #vegantreats #veganfoodshare #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodie #f52grams #thebakefeed #instayum 📷: @trinerask

A post shared by Gena Hamshaw, MS, RD (@thefullhelping) on Oct 3, 2019 at 3:44pm PDT

Recipe: here.

3. Eggnog Cupcakes

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RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU LOOOOVE EGGNOG 🙋‍♀️ . I adore eggnog and appreciate that there are sooo many kinds of eggnog alternatives. Did you know you can get eggnog made out of: almonds, soy, coconut and flax? Talk about hallelujah for those of us with dietary restrictions! . So, take whatever kind is safe for you and RUN 🏃‍♀️ to your kitchen to whip up these top-8-free eggnog cupcakes 🧁 with eggnog frosting and lots of rum extract and cinnamon. . Seriously, these super moist cupcakes may be your favorite holiday treat you bake all season! . 👉To find the recipe, type into google: “eggnog + allergy awesomeness”. . . . #eggnogrecipe #dairyfreeeggnog #dairyfreebaking #glutenfreecupcake #glutenfreedairyfreeeggfree #glutenfreedairyfreelife #glutenfreeveganbaking #glutenfreevegancupcakes #top8free #top8allergenfree #foodallergylife #foodallergymom #foodallergyfamily #allergyfriendly #allergyfriendlyfood #todayfood #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #bonappetit #womenscircle #tastespotting #tasteofhome #thekitchn #marthafood #rachelrayshow @thefeedfeed.glutenfree @thefeedfeed.baking @thefeedfeed.vegan #forkfeed #healthyaperture #mindbodygreen

A post shared by Awesome Allergy Recipes by Meg (@allergy_awesomeness) on Dec 13, 2018 at 8:01pm PST

Recipe: here. 

4. Chai Spice Loaf Cake

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When all you want in the world is a big slice of this vegan chai spice loaf cake. . The cake is infused with masala chai, amped up with chai spices, and decorated with a chai glaze for a triple dose of delicious flavor! . Best enjoyed with a steaming mug of tea and a good book/netflix show! . Recipe is new on the blog, clickable link in my bio! https://www.thecuriouschickpea.com/chai-spice-loaf-cake-vegan/

A post shared by Eva | The Curious Chickpea (@thecuriouschickpea) on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:16pm PDT

Recipe: here.

5. No Bake Chocolate and Hazelnut Vegan Cheesecake

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No Bake Chocolate and Hazelnut Vegan Cheesecake😍♥ 📷: @schoolnightvegan Follow us @veganofholly & for recipes check out my profile ⤴

A post shared by Daily Vegan Recipes 🍫 (@veganofholly) on Nov 12, 2019 at 3:01am PST

Recipe: here. 

6. Churro Scones

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Try these amazing Churro Scones! No added oil, cinnamons and delicious! Gf option. Clickable Link In bio. .. . https://www.veganricha.com/2019/06/vegan-churro-scones-no-oil.html

A post shared by Vegan Richa | By Richa Hingle (@veganricha) on Jul 26, 2019 at 6:36pm PDT

Recipe: here.

7. Vegan Eggnog Pound Cake

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Have you tried this Amazing Vegan Eggnog cake! It has no eggs, or dairy, also doesn’t need premade eggnog, and is dense, pound cakey and full of winter flavor! Clickable link in bio. . .. . .. https://www.veganricha.com/2017/12/vegan-eggnog-pound-cake.html

A post shared by Vegan Richa | By Richa Hingle (@veganricha) on Dec 10, 2018 at 4:07pm PST

Recipe: here.

8. Peppermint Bark with Homemade Cookie Butter

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PEPPERMINT BARK🤤🍫 W/ homemade cookie butter white chocolate + chocolate & candy canes! Perfect for all those leftover peppermint candy canes❤️ This recipe is up on sixvegansisters.com for the last day of #SixVeganSisters 12 Days of Christmas!🎄

A post shared by Six Vegan Sisters (@sixvegansisters) on Dec 25, 2018 at 8:12pm PST

Recipe: here.

9. No Bake Snickerdoodle Cookies

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NEW! –> No Bake Snickerdoodle Cookies (V, GF): just 5 ingredients for easy Vegan + Gluten Free snickerdoodle cookies! These chewy, cinnamon-spiced cookies are sweet, Grain-Free, refined sugar-free, Dairy-Free, No Cook. 💕 Recipe link in my profile @beamingbaker ❤️ Demeter ⠀ ⠀⠀ 5 Ingredient No Bake Snickerdoodle Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free)⠀⠀ https://beamingbaker.com/5-ingredient-no-bake-snickerdoodle-cookies-vegan-gluten-free/

A post shared by Demeter Trieu @ Beaming Baker (@beamingbaker) on Nov 16, 2019 at 7:58am PST

Recipe: here.

10. 4-Ingredient Vegan Brownies

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😍♥ These Super Fudgy Brownies are the best healthy fudgy brownie recipe ever. Made using almond flour, cocoa powder, and no refined sugar – they are gluten free, dairy free, and still the fudgiest brownies ever!😋😋🙆 📷: @erinliveswhole Follow us @veganofholly & for recipes check out my profile ⤴

A post shared by Daily Vegan Recipes 🍫 (@veganofholly) on Nov 11, 2019 at 10:29am PST

Recipe: here.

11. Vegan Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies

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Alright, I’m doing it! Vegan Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies! Soft, chewy and perfectly sweet! ⛄️ . Recipe linked in my bio. . . . https://peanutbutterpluschocolate.com/gluten-free-gingerbread-cookies/

A post shared by Ciarra | Food Photographer (@peanutbutterpluschocolate) on Nov 10, 2019 at 7:42am PST

Recipe: here.

12. Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

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These Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are soft and chewy, slightly fluffy, fragrantly spiced and covered in a rich, tangy “cream cheese” frosting. Refined sugar free. ——————————————————— ❤️Direct link to the download page in my profile or get it here: https://www.rhiansrecipes.com/vegan-pumpkin-cookies/ 👉FOLLOW @rhiansrecipes for more easy, undetectably vegan + gluten-free recipes! ⭐️Tag a friend who would love this ——————————————————— . . . . . . . . . . . . #whatveganseat #vegan #plantbased #eatplants #veganfoodie #veganfoodporn @thefeedfeed #veganeats #veganfoodspot #vegansofig #veganfoodshare #feedfeedvegan @thefeedfeed.vegan #bestofvegan @bestofvegan #letscookvegan @letscookvegan #ThriveMags #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #glutenfree #glutenfreevegan #pumpkinpie #veganthanksgiving #healthyvegan #kitchn @thekitchn #plantpowered #plantstrong #veganfoodlovers #veganfriendly #bakersofig #veganbaking #bakefeed @thebakefeed #vegandessert #vegancookies

A post shared by Rhian Williams (@rhiansrecipes) on Nov 9, 2019 at 5:23am PST

Recipe: here.

13. Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes

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New recipe: #Vegan Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes 🎄 it’s getting holly jolly in my kitchen! Find the recipe on itdoesnttastelikechicken.com . . . #itdoesnttastelikechicken #fussfreevegan #anythingyoucaneaticaneatvegan #whatveganseat #veganfoodshare #veganshare #veganaf #veganfoodporn #veganfoodlovers #veganblogger #vegansofig #vegansofinstagram #veganrecipe #plantbased #dairyfree #foodporn #findingvegan #bestofvegan #friendsnotfood #foodstagram #instavegan #govegan #crueltyfree #animalrights #plantpower #instavegan #vegancommunity #vegancomfortfood #veganbaking #veganchristmas

A post shared by Sam Turnbull • vegan recipes 🌱 (@itdoesnttastelikechicken) on Nov 26, 2017 at 8:15am PST

Recipe: here.

14. Pumpkin Pie Cashew “Cheesecake” Bars

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NEW!! On my YouTube channel!! I'm making these super fun pumpkin pie cashew "cheesecake" bars. A while ago I asked on my Instagram stories what autumny recipes you wanted and a bunch of y'all said you want a vegan pie or dessert – something that’s light yet indulgent and perfect for the holidays that everyone can enjoy. Enter 👉🏻 creamy dreamy pumpkin pie bars made with a cashew base and nutty crust. ⁠ ⁠ Prep these Vegan Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars a day or two ahead of your holiday dinner and stash them away in the back of your freezer! Can't wait for you to try these out!! 🎃 #thetoastedpinenut⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #fromscratchwithlove #freshcooking #wholefoodie #wellandgoodeats #goodmoodfood #thenewhealthy #justeatrealfood #eatwellbewell #lowcarbpaleo #lowcarbeating #lowcarblove #paleofriendly #glutenfreerecipes #lowcarbliving #cookingisfun #simplecooking #diabetes1 #diabetestype1 #typeonediabetes #paleoblog #foodiegrams #feedfeed #recipeshare #nytcooking #pumpkinpie #vegancheesecake #foodvideo #recipevideo⁠

A post shared by Lindsay Grimes Freedman (@thetoastedpinenut) on Oct 29, 2019 at 5:25pm PDT

Recipe: here. 

15. Vegan Peppermint Sugar Cookies

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Still doing a little holiday baking? 🙋‍♀️ These #vegan peppermint sugar cookies are my fave! 😋 Rather than spending hours frosting them, I just dress them up with a drizzle of dark chocolate and some crushed peppermint candies. So easy!🙌 Recipe is on the blog at: https://www.dietitiandebbie.com/vegan-peppermint-sugar-cookies/

A post shared by Deborah Murphy MS, RD (@dietitiandebbie) on Dec 23, 2018 at 11:58am PST

Recipe: here. 

16. Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Macaroons

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These Chocolate Dipped Pumpkin Macaroons are the perfect vegan and gluten-free fall treat when you are craving something sweet! They are easy to make, require 10 simple ingredients and are ready in just under an hour! Music by @d.a.j.u Ingredients * 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) * 6 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea brine aka liquid from can of chickpeas) * 1/8 tsp cream of tartar * 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut * 2 tbsp maple syrup * 3 tbsp pumpkin puree * 3/4 to 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (depending on how much spice you want) * 1/4 tsp vanilla * 1/8 tsp salt * 4 oz. dark chocolate, chopped Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 2. In a medium bowl (or the bowl of a standing mixer), add in the the aquafaba and cream of tartar. Using a hand  mixer (or the whisk attachment on a standing mixer), whip on high speed until medium-firm peaks are formed. Set aside. 3. In a separate large bowl, mix together all of the remaining ingredients except for the chocolate until uniform. Carefully fold in the aquafaba mixture. 4. Scoop out 2 oz. (1/4 cup) of the dough using an ice cream scooper and gently use your hands to pack it in the scooper. Place it onto the cookie sheet and if you would like, use your fingers to smooth out any imperfections. 5. Bake for 37 to 40 minutes, or until golden. Cool completely. 6. Melt the chocolate. You can do this either in a double boiler or in the microwave. If you are using the latter, place the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it in 30 second intervals, mixing in between each, until fully melted. 7. Carefully dip the bottoms of macaroons into the chocolate, scraping any excess off, and then place them back onto the baking sheet. The macaroons are fragile so be gentle! Continue until you have dipped all of the chocolate. You can use up any remaining chocolate by drizzling it on top of the macaroons with a spoon or butter knife. If needed, remelt the chocolate before drizzling. 8. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has set. Enjoy!

A post shared by Jasmine Briones (@sweetsimplevegan) on Oct 11, 2019 at 1:36pm PDT

Recipe: here.

17. Un-Baked Brownie Bites

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Count to three ingredients and get those chocolate cravings sorted with these healthy UN-BAKED BROWNIE BITES! Secretly low carb, NO refined sugar and NO grains, they are soft and ridiculously fudgy! Full recipe in my profile or swipe UP on my IG stories @thebigmansworld 💁‍♀️⬅️ no baking, no excuses. #ketosnack #vegantreats #cleansweetscookbook #rawtreats #paleovegan – – – – – https://thebigmansworld.com/healthy-nutella-recipes/

A post shared by Arman Liew (@thebigmansworld) on Nov 16, 2019 at 1:08pm PST

Recipe: here.

18. GFV Pumpkin Coffee Cake

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Less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving!!! 😱What are your plans for Thanksgiving? If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving where you live, can you still take that day off? 😝 Recipe link in my profile @beamingbaker ❤️ Demeter ⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ I hope you have a ball of a time making your Thanksgiving Day (or optional day off) menu! 😉 Here's a tasty suggestion for dessert: Easy GFV Pumpkin Coffee Cake! It doesn't call for coffee (just goes really well with it) and is a total crowdpleaser! ENJOY 💕⠀ ⠀⠀ Easy Gluten Free Vegan Pumpkin Coffee Cake Recipe (Dairy-Free, V, GF, Refined Sugar-Free)⠀⠀ https://beamingbaker.com/easy-gluten-free-vegan-pumpkin-coffee-cake-recipe-dairy-free-v-gf-refined-sugar-free/

A post shared by Demeter Trieu @ Beaming Baker (@beamingbaker) on Nov 15, 2019 at 7:58am PST

Recipe: here.

Hungry now? Same. Check out our Wholesome Culture Cookbook and read more recipes here:

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