Celebrate the holidays with vegan dishes that feel hearty, colorful, and full of cheer. From mains to sides and desserts, these recipes ensure plant-based meals are exciting and indulgent. Each dish balances flavor, texture, and visual appeal for a festive experience everyone will love. Vegan dining can be joyful, creative, and utterly delicious during the holidays.

Delightfully Chewy Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies

Delightfully Chewy Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bright lemon flavor and a delicate chew make these gluten-free cookies a refreshing break from the usual sweets. They’re naturally vegan, satisfying for those who enjoy citrus-forward treats without compromise. Ideal for dessert lovers needing a lighter, allergy-friendly option. A simple yet delightful bake for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Delightfully Chewy Gluten-Free Lemon Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A nostalgic no-bake dessert with a fun twist—rich chocolate forms a soft sliceable “salami” studded with nuts or cookies. It’s an impressive yet low-effort treat to bring to gatherings or gift during holidays. Vegan-friendly ingredients keep it inclusive for various diets. A unique dessert that draws attention without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Crispy edges and a bold smoky seasoning make these purple sweet potato fries stand out. They’re plant-based, nutrient-rich, and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients. Perfect as a snack or as a colorful side dish to brighten any plate. A fun alternative to classic fries with deeper flavor and visual appeal.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies

Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Deep chocolate richness and tender texture shine in these allergy-friendly treats. The recipe caters to vegan and gluten-free diets without sacrificing satisfaction. Perfect for anyone craving dark, fudgy cookies. Enjoy them with coffee, milk, or as a quick dessert fix.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cookies

Oven Roasted Rosemary Almonds

A glass jar filled with roasted almonds garnished with a sprig of rosemary, ideal for joyful vegan dining, with a blurred dish in the background.
Oven Roasted Rosemary Almonds. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Crisp, toasty almonds coated with rosemary and subtle heat make a snack that’s both wholesome and addicting. They store well, making them ideal for meal prep, gifting, or entertaining. Each bite delivers savory depth with aromatic herbs leading the way. Great for grazing boards, party bowls, or office snacks.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Rosemary Almonds

Vegan Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Soft, buttery, and naturally grain-free, these cookies showcase almond flour beautifully. Chocolate chips melt into little pools of sweetness while keeping everything light and tender. A smart option for those avoiding gluten or dairy but still wanting a classic cookie experience. Quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Pecans

Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Pecans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm apples, crunchy pecans, and tender oats come together for a hearty breakfast bake. It’s naturally sweetened, easy to portion, and ideal for make-ahead meal prep. Serve slices warm with yogurt or enjoy cold for grab-and-go mornings. Comforting enough for weekends yet efficient for busy weekdays.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Apples and Pecans

The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Sliced pieces of golden-brown focaccia bread with rosemary on a dark wooden cutting board—perfect for joyful vegan dining or as part of your festive vegan recipes.
The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Soft interior, crisp edges, and olive oil richness make this focaccia taste just like traditional versions. No one would guess it’s gluten-free, and the vegan-friendly dough rises beautifully without xanthan gum. Top with herbs or flaky salt for custom flavor. A bakery-quality bread that’s simple enough for home cooks.
Get the Recipe: The Best Gluten-Free Focaccia

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Chewy oats and sweet apple bits bring both comfort and texture to every bite. These cookies feel wholesome enough for breakfast yet still fun as a treat. Vegan ingredients keep them light while cinnamon adds warmth. A perfect bake for cozy afternoons and fall-themed cravings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Apple Cookies with Oatmeal

Best Black Bean Brownies

Best Black Bean Brownies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Fudgy, moist, and deeply chocolatey—these brownies prove beans can belong in dessert. No flour required, making them gluten-free, vegan, and surprisingly nutritious. Each bite is rich enough to satisfy even serious chocolate lovers. A smart alternative to traditional brownies with real indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Best Black Bean Brownies

Snowflake Date Cookies

Three festive chocolate truffles coated in powdered sugar rest on a plate dusted with more powdered sugar, with warm lighting in the background—perfect for vegan dining or holiday Christmas recipes.
Snowflake Date Cookies. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Soft centers and delicate sweetness make these cookies a nostalgic favorite without complicated steps. Dates lend natural caramel flavor that feels rich but balanced. Great for quick weeknight desserts or festive winter treats. You get classic charm with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Snowflake Date Cookies

White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Soft, tender, and surprisingly rich, these cookies use white beans for moisture and a boost of plant-based protein. Chocolate chips add melty sweetness in every bite, making them a guilt-free treat. Vegan and gluten-free eaters will appreciate how indulgent they feel without heavy ingredients. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Candy cane fudge

Two pieced of candycane fudge stacked the top with a bite out of it and more fudge and candy canes behind them.
Candy cane fudge. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Creamy chocolate swirled with peppermint creates a festive and winter-fresh bite. Only four ingredients are needed, and no tempering makes the process simple. The fudge holds firm at room temperature, making it perfect for gifting or holiday platters. A sweet treat with cheerful holiday flair and effortless preparation.
Get the Recipe: Candy cane fudge

Candied Lemon Slices

Candied Lemon Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Thin lemon slices simmer into glossy, sweet citrus jewels perfect for decorating desserts. Their bright flavor adds both beauty and taste to cakes, cookies, or cocktails. You can snack on them as-is or save them for elegant plating. A simple technique with stunning results.
Get the Recipe: Candied Lemon Slices

Scrumptious Apple and Pear Chutney

Scrumptious Apple and Pear Chutney. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Apples and pears cook down into a cozy, spiced chutney that tastes like autumn in a jar. It pairs beautifully with rich mains but is delicious enough to enjoy on its own. Vegan, gluten-free, and balanced with both sweetness and tang. A wonderful make-ahead element for cheeseboards and savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Apple and Pear Chutney

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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