This collection of Dairy-Free Christmas Cookies has something for everyone and includes seasonal flavours like ginger, molasses, peppermint and cranberry. They’re made without butter or milk, so they’re perfect for those on your Christmas cookie list with allergies or sensitivities to dairy.
I finally finished my Christmas baking this past weekend and now I’m ready to assemble my Christmas cookie boxes for family and friends. And since most of my cookie recipes are dairy-free, I thought I would pull together some of my favourite dairy-free cookies into this year’s holiday cookie box.
A few notes on keeping Christmas cookies dairy-free
- I often use natural nut butters as a replacement for some butter in recipes. My favourites are almond butter and peanut butter, but you can substitute other nut butters, or even seed butters in some of the recipes.
- For coconut oil, I always use virgin, cold pressed and when it’s softened, it creams together with sugar in a similar manner as butter. It tends to be greasy so I use it in moderation and usually pair it with nut butters.
- To add some healthy fats to recipes, I sometimes bake with extra virgin olive oil. It tends to have a strong flavour so I use it sparingly but it’s a great substitute for butter in some recipes.
- When using sprinkles or candy canes, make sure to read the labels and ensure they’re dairy-free.
- Many of the recipes I make include dark chocolate. I usually find dairy-free dark chocolate chips, chunks or bars in the organic section of my local grocery store or at my local bulk food store.
- Instead of cow’s milk in recipes, I often use almond or cashew milk. Coconut and oat milks may also work as a replacement in some recipes too.
Tips for assembling a holiday cookie box
- If I’m assembling a cookie box for at-home entertaining, I usually use a large tray, platter or dish and fill it with an assortment of cookies. If I’m gifting the cookies, I’ll organize them in smaller cookie boxes or tins.
- I usually allot about 2-3 cookies per person, so I use that as a guide to determine the size of the tray or box to use.
- Most of the cookies on this list can be stored at room temperature, but for those that require refrigeration, I just add them to the cookie boxes at the last minute.
- These cookies are great for hand delivering. They’re not the type I would send in the mail.
- If your cookie boxes will have multiple layers, make sure you place the heavy cookies on the bottom and those that are more delicate on the top.
- Use some holiday printed parchment paper, wax paper or tissue paper to line the cookie boxes for gifting.
- Some people use dividers to separate the different kinds of cookies in their cookie boxes. I don’t normally do that unless the cookies have strong flavours, or are topped with chocolate or powdered sugar that I don’t want getting on the other cookies.
- Sometimes I use paper cupcake liners to place individual cookies in. This works nicely in large boxes or on cookie trays.
Other Christmas cookie collections you might enjoy
If you make any of these dairy-free Christmas cookies or assemble your own cookie box this holiday season, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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Dairy-Free Christmas Cookies
This collection of Dairy-Free Christmas Cookies has something for everyone and includes seasonal flavours like ginger, molasses, peppermint and cranberry. They're made without butter or milk, so they're perfect for those on your Christmas cookie list with allergies or sensitivities to dairy.
Christmas Blondies (with Holiday Sprinkles)
Christmas Blondies with red, white and green sprinkles are rich and decadent with an irresistible soft and chewy texture and peanut butter flavour. Change them up by using a different holiday sprinkle mix or adding some dark chocolate chips.
Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
Cranberry Pistachio Cookies are super chocolatey with chewy dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios and dark chocolate chunks. They're also dipped in melted chocolate and dusted with crushed pistachios, making them a fun addition to your holiday cookie box.
Healthy Date Squares
Date squares (or matrimonial bars) are a traditional Newfoundland cookie and a classic Christmas cookie for my family. These Healthy Date Squares have a wholesome twist with very little sugar and the addition of quinoa flakes. They're also vegan and gluten-free.
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are extra chewy with cocoa, dark chocolate chunks and peppermint. Crushed candy canes are baked into the tops for an extra dose of peppermint and a pop of colour. These are perfect for gifting or to enjoy warm with a glass of almond milk.
Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies
Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies are a healthier twist on classic thumbprint cookies with a sugary coating and an orange cranberry chia jam filling. These require refrigeration so be sure to add them to your cookie boxes last.
Crispy Peanut Butter Balls
These Peanut Butter Balls are a healthier spin on a classic recipe with natural peanut butter and brown rice crispy cereal. They’re vegan and gluten-free, and made without powdered sugar or butter. This year, I made them with almond butter and chopped almonds, so feel free to change things up and make them your own.
Ginger Molasses Cookies
Ginger Molasses Cookies are filled with warm flavours and extra ginger for the ultimate cozy Christmas cookie. These cookies are not overly sweet so the spices and molasses really shine through. And you don't need to chill this cookie dough, so you can make these ginger cookies in less than 30 minutes!
