Dairy-Free Baking Recipes for Holiday Cookies
The holiday season is synonymous with baking, and cookies are a festive favorite for gatherings, gifting, or cozy nights in.
For those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or a vegan lifestyle, dairy-free baking ensures everyone can enjoy these treats without compromise.
In 2025, with plant-based diets on the rise, dairy-free holiday cookies offer delicious, inclusive options using natural ingredients like coconut oil, almond milk, and nut butters.
This blog post shares five dairy-free holiday cookie recipes, each beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and packed with festive flavors, perfect for spreading cheer at your holiday table.
Why Dairy-Free Holiday Cookies?
Dairy-free cookies cater to dietary needs while maintaining the rich, comforting taste of holiday baking.
According to a 2025 report by the Plant-Based Foods Association, 12% of households now include dairy-free eaters, making inclusive recipes essential for festive celebrations.
These recipes use affordable, plant-based substitutes to create classic holiday cookies like gingerbread and sugar cookies, ensuring no one misses out.
Designed for beginners, each recipe yields 12-24 cookies, costs ~$8-$10, and is ready in under an hour, making them ideal for busy holiday schedules.
Benefits of Dairy-Free Baking
- Inclusive: Safe for dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or vegan diets.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples like flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Festive Flavors: Captures holiday spirit with spices, citrus, and chocolate.
- Quick Prep: Most recipes are ready in 30-60 minutes, perfect for last-minute baking.
- Customizable: Easily adapted for gluten-free or nut-free diets.
Below are five dairy-free holiday cookie recipes, each yielding 12-24 cookies, designed to delight your holiday guests with minimal effort.
1. Dairy-Free Gingerbread Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Cost: ~$8 for 24 cookies
Key Features: Spicy, chewy, kid-friendly
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup coconut sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, molasses, maple syrup, and flax egg until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, roll in coconut sugar if using, and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Serving Tip: Decorate with dairy-free icing (powdered sugar + almond milk) or serve with hot cocoa for a festive treat.
Nutritional Info (per cookie): ~90 kcal, 4g fat, 13g carbs, 1g protein
Why It Works: Molasses and spices deliver classic gingerbread flavor, while coconut oil replaces butter for a chewy, dairy-free cookie that’s perfect for holiday gifting.
2. Dairy-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Cost: ~$9 for 18 cookies
Key Features: Chocolaty, festive, crunchy
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- Optional: 2 tbsp crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and peppermint extract until creamy.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes, if using.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Serving Tip: Pair with a glass of almond milk or dip in melted dairy-free chocolate for extra decadence.
Nutritional Info (per cookie): ~120 kcal, 7g fat, 14g carbs, 1g protein
Why It Works: Peppermint and chocolate evoke holiday cheer, while coconut oil keeps these cookies rich and dairy-free, perfect for festive gatherings.
3. Dairy-Free Almond Sugar Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Cost: ~$8 for 20 cookies
Key Features: Buttery flavor, versatile, perfect for decorating
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp sprinkles (dairy-free) for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten into discs on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Add sprinkles, if using.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Serving Tip: Use cookie cutters for festive shapes and decorate with dairy-free icing for a holiday touch.
Nutritional Info (per cookie): ~100 kcal, 8g fat, 7g carbs, 2g protein
Why It Works: Almond flour creates a tender, buttery texture, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser for holiday parties.
4. Dairy-Free Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Cost: ~$9 for 18 cookies
Key Features: Chewy, tart-sweet, high-fiber
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, sit for 5 minutes)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat coconut oil, maple syrup, and flax egg until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries and walnuts, if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Serving Tip: Serve with a cup of herbal tea or pack in gift tins for holiday sharing.
Nutritional Info (per cookie): ~130 kcal, 7g fat, 15g carbs, 2g protein
Why It Works: Oats and cranberries add texture and festive flavor, while flax egg and coconut oil keep these cookies dairy-free and chewy.
5. Dairy-Free Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Cost: ~$10 for 20 cookies
Key Features: Spicy-sweet, unique, holiday-inspired
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, softened
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat coconut oil, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips, if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Serving Tip: Pair with a dairy-free hot chocolate or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for extra flair.
Nutritional Info (per cookie): ~110 kcal, 6g fat, 13g carbs, 1g protein
Why It Works: The cinnamon-cayenne combo adds a Mexican-inspired kick, while coconut oil ensures a rich, dairy-free texture, perfect for holiday variety.
Tips for Dairy-Free Baking Success
To make these cookies a holiday hit, follow these strategies:
- Use Plant-Based Fats: Coconut oil or vegan margarine replaces butter for rich texture. Melt or soften as directed to ensure proper mixing.
- Shop Smart: Buy bulk flour, oats, and coconut oil at Costco or Aldi (~$2-$5) to save money. Dried fruit and spices are affordable at dollar stores.
- Prep Ahead: Make dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for 1 month for quick baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in airtight containers to keep fresh for 5-7 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Customize: Swap nuts for seeds (e.g., sunflower) for nut-free diets or use gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Decorate Festively: Use dairy-free icing or sprinkles to create holiday shapes or gift-ready cookies.
- Batch Bake: Double recipes to make extra for gifting or holiday parties, using one baking sheet to save time.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Beginners
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for these recipes. Affordable tools include:
- Baking Sheet: For baking cookies (~$8).
- Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup (~$3).
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients (~$5 for a set).
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: For precise portions (~$5).
- Spatula: For scooping dough (~$3).
Check thrift stores or Walmart for budget-friendly gear, or share with family or roommates.
Nutritional Balance for Holiday Cookies
For balanced holiday treats, aim for:
- Moderate Calories: 90-130 kcal per cookie to enjoy without overindulging.
- Healthy Fats: 6-8g per cookie (coconut oil, nuts) for richness and satiety.
- Carbohydrates: 7-15g per cookie (flour, oats) for energy, using natural sweeteners like maple syrup.
- Protein/Fiber: 1-2g per cookie (oats, flaxseeds) for slight nutritional boost.
These cookies are treats, so enjoy in moderation alongside balanced holiday meals. Use apps like MyFitnessPal for tracking if desired.
Where to Find Affordable Ingredients
- Grocery Stores: Aldi, Trader Joe’s, or Walmart offer flour (~$2), coconut oil (~$4), and maple syrup (~$5).
- Bulk Stores: Costco or Sam’s Club sell almond flour, oats, and dried fruit in bulk for savings.
- Farmers’ Markets: Buy seasonal citrus (lemons, oranges) for zest or fresh cranberries for flavor.
- Online: Amazon Fresh or Thrive Market deliver dairy-free staples like cocoa powder or chocolate chips.
Use store apps for coupons or buy store brands to stretch your budget. Stock up on frozen fruit for year-round use.
Keeping Holiday Cookies Exciting
To keep cookies festive and varied, experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or add zest (orange, lemon) for brightness.
Let kids decorate with dairy-free icing or sprinkles to make baking fun. Vary shapes using cookie cutters (trees, stars) for a holiday vibe. Package cookies in festive tins or bags for gifting, or serve on platters with dairy-free hot cocoa for parties.
Rotate recipes weekly to keep the holiday spirit alive with new flavors.
Conclusion
Dairy-free holiday cookies bring festive joy to everyone, regardless of dietary needs, with rich flavors and simple prep.
From spicy gingerbread to chocolate peppermint, these recipes are affordable, beginner-friendly, and perfect for holiday celebrations.
Using plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and maple syrup, you can create inclusive treats that capture the season’s magic.
Start baking these cookies today to fill your home with holiday cheer, share with loved ones, and make this season deliciously unforgettable!