Ultimate DIY Vegan Cookie Board

This may have been the most epic blog post and photo shoot we’ve ever tackled on Oh She Glows. As my last post before the Christmas holidays, I think it’s safe to say we’re going out with a bang this year! This cookie roundup has a little something for everyone on your list, and I hope my treats inspire you to create your own vegan dessert board—big or small—this holiday season. If you make one and share it online, I’d love to see. Be sure to use the hashtags #ohsheglows, #osgcookies, #GETINMABELLY, and #SantaGoesVegan…okay, I suppose the last two are optional.

Yesterday morning all I could think was “WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO!?” There I was: in the throes of a nasty cold, buzzing around the kitchen and decorating cookies at the speed of light while Arlo played quietly with his educational toys screamed at my legs . I wish you could’ve seen me running between my kitchen and photography studio during naptime, pleading with the Nap Gods for five more minutes of photoshoot time. Luckily it all came together with some major hustling.

Check out these two behind-the-scenes photos! Who else finds their kitchen in organized chaos this time of year? ;)

Can you spot the gingerbread escapee below? LOL. It’s like a scene straight out of Shrek.

As you’ll see in the graphic below, we’re playing around with a new photo feature. Please humour me by hovering over the red dots near each cookie grouping to display a fun pop-up box. I actually find all that clicking around quite satisfying…almost like popping bubble wrap! I’d love to hear whether you like this sort of thing; if so, we’ll do more in the future. 

[annotator_pro name=”vegan-cookie-platter”]

1. Gluten-free Snickerdoodles

A festive favourite. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and a dash of turbinado after baking. Recipe is online here. Or find the non-gluten-free version here.

2. Almond Butter Rice Crisp Treats

Riffing on the classic Rice Krispie Square, these treats can be iced and sprinkled in advance for a pop of colour. I like to cut them into triangles for “tree” shapes around the holidays. Recipe available on the Oh She Glows Recipe App and on the blog.

3. Eggnog Crunch Biscotti 

A great companion to coffee or a latte, these crispy eggnog biscotti have a wonderful nutty flavour too. If you don’t have vegan eggnog on hand any plant-based milk works in a pinch. Recipe on Oh She Glows.

4. Gingerbread People

What’s a holiday spread without gingerbread buddies? These are fun for kids to help make too. Recipe from the Oh She Glows Recipe App (inside the Cookie Lover’s bundle).

5. Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Bites

With a quick prep and 10-minute chill, these bites are perfect for whipping up just before guests arrive. Recipe from The Oh She Glows Cookbook, page 235.

6. Triple Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Kid- and freezer-friendly for easy prep, any leftover cookies are perfect for breakfast the next morning, not that you’ll have any to speak of! Arlo LOVES these cookies. Recipe from Oh She Glows Every Day, page 205.

7. Ultimate Flourless Brownies

Rich and decadent, these gluten-free brownies with an almond butter base will make your kitchen smell amazing before guests arrive. Recipe from Oh She Glows Every Day, page 199.

8. Pillowy Pumpkin Snacking Cookies

Nut-free and kid-friendly, these cookies are a lighter complement to the board’s richer desserts. Recipe from Oh She Glows Every Day, page 217.

9. Lightened Up Magical Coconut Bars

Lightened up without butter and using unsweetened coconut, these bars still feel totally indulgent. Recipe on Oh She Glows.

10. Chewy Molasses Spelt Cookies

A holiday classic. I like to dip half in white chocolate and decorate with chopped candied ginger to punch up colour on the plate. Recipe is on the blog and in Oh She Glows Every Day, page 219.

11. Chocolate Macaroon Truffles

Rolled in matcha, these truffles add a sweet festive look to the board. For a more traditional macaroon flavour, you can stir shredded coconut into the truffle mixture. Extras make a lovely host gift too! Recipe on the blog.

12. Chocolate-Almond Espresso Cookies

Rich and perfect for dunking in after-dinner coffee or tea. Dip cooled cookies in melted vegan white chocolate for the ultimate treat. From Oh She Glows Every Day, page 207.

13. Peanut Better Balls

Peanut butter balls were a Christmas treat in my house growing up, and this lightened-up freezer-friendly version is perfect for making ahead before putting together your board. Recipe on the blog and in Oh She Glows Every Day, page 231.

14. Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

My twist on the classic peanut butter cookie. They’re gluten-free and freezer-friendly, too. From Oh She Glows Every Day, page 213.

Cookie board styling ideas:

If you’re looking for some festive styling ideas for your cookie board, feel free to play around with some of the following: fresh cranberries, clementines (bonus points if they have green leaves attached!), greenery (such as lacy cedar), or hand-written labels.

This post wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to Nicole, OSG’s recipe tester extraordinaire, for all of the baking help. You should’ve seen the truckload of cookies she delivered this week! #cookiemotherlode

Well friends, I won’t be posting again until the new year as I’m working away on the blog redesign and also preparing for a couple TV segments next week (one of which is live on Your Morning on December 19th!). Be sure to follow me on Twitter and Insta Stories for all of my riveting day-to-day updates…heh. And if you have any recipe questions for me, I’ll be on stand-by to help troubleshoot, as always!

Last but not least, I want to wish you all a fantastic holiday season! I’m so grateful for your continued support, friendship, and enthusiasm for what I do. With love and immense gratitude,

Angela xoxo