It’s Christmas time, and we all know what that means – Christmas cookies! 
Grandma Sita’s plant-based 4-ingredient cookie recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for baking with kids. It’s also a clever way to use up leftover jam, chocolate, or sprinkles hiding in your cupboard. So grab your cookie cutters — ready, set, bake!
Simple, Foolproof & Delicious
These festive cookies come together in no time! The dough needs just four simple ingredients and a short chill in the fridge before baking. Grandma Sita gives her cookies a zesty twist with fresh lime, but you can easily swap it for lemon if you prefer.
INGREDIENTS *Makes approx. 2 baking trays.
300 g all-purpose flour
100 g powdered sugar (unrefined if possible)
200 g vegan butter, chilled
Zest of 1 orange
A handful of vegan chocolate chips or shavings
For Decorating
Sprinkle chopped nuts
Powdered sugar water for glaze
Melted chocolate
METHOD
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat to 180 °C (356 °F).
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar.
3. Add butter and zest:
Cut the cold vegan butter into cubes and add it to the bowl with the orange zest and vanilla baobab powder.
4. Knead the dough:
Mix and gently knead until a smooth dough forms. Once ready, wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The dough may be slightly sticky; this step helps it firm up and makes it easier to handle.
5. Roll out the dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5–1 cm thickness.
6. Shape the cookies:
Use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
7. Bake:
Transfer the cookies to a lined baking tray and bake for 8–10 minutes, until just lightly golden. Let cool completely.
8. Decorating:
When it’s time to decorate, this recipe is all about creativity and reducing food waste. Use extra chocolate, leftover jam, or nuts to make your cookies sparkle.
- Melt any leftover chocolate in a double boiler for drizzle, or mix powdered sugar with water to make a glaze, then brush the cookies with the glaze and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
👵💚 Grandma Sita’s Tips
✔ Chill the dough if too soft — it makes cutting shapes much easier.
✔ Don’t overbake — they should stay pale for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
✔ Match cookie sizes before sandwiching for neat results.
✔ Flavour variations:
• Add cinnamon or cardamom for a Christmas twist.
• Swap lemon zest for orange zest.
✔ Make ahead:
Cookies keep 5 days in an airtight container, and unfilled cookies freeze beautifully.
A Sweet Christmas Tradition
Did you know? In many cultures, Christmas was a time for visiting loved ones when farming paused for the winter. Families baked cookies in large batches to store and share with guests — spreading warmth, sweetness, and festive cheer through the season.
Enjoy & Share the Love
These cookies are buttery, citrusy, and perfectly festive — ideal for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Simple, sustainable, and full of Christmas spirit — just how Grandma Sita likes it!
🌍 A Planet-Friendly Holiday
More people around the world are choosing plant-based treats for their festive celebrations. Each of us can take small steps at home to reduce waste and enjoy more sustainable holiday traditions. Every bit counts. Happy Holidays!
