We love the idea of homemade Christmas cookies…it’s a chilly 62 degree day, the fire is roaring, all of the ingredients are magically mise en place, the house smells of chocolate, every batch comes out perfectly, and when we sing along to cheery Christmas tunes friendly woodland animals come to scrub all of the dishes. Yeah, not exactly. While cookie making can be a wonderful holiday tradition, sometimes life muddles this idyllic pastime. Cookies burn, dishes pile up, and after two batches (with four to go), we’re pretty much done playing vegan Betty Crocker. This holiday season, we might make a batch or two of place-and-bake, but for holiday parties and cookie swaps, we defer to the pros. Check out these incredible Los Angeles and Orange County vegan vendors whipping up festive cookies for the holidays.
Abloom Bakeshop
No Physical Location
There’s cookies, then there’s cookie dough truffles. Abloom’s sweets aren’t only all vegan and over-the-top-delicious, but they’re also organic, non-GMO, soy-free, and dye-free. Plus, they’re infused with DoTERRA essential oils for natural, preservative-free flavor. They’re taking orders for her holiday cookie dough truffles, incredible chocolate chip cookies, and festive gingerbread men. If you’re lucky, you might also find a selection of Abloom’s goodies at Huskins Coffee Company in Santa Ana and Zinc Cafe in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
Larchmont Village
Erin McKenna was one of the first bakers to really elevate not only vegan treats, but allergen-friendly ones as well. In addition to being vegan, her cookies are gluten, soy, dairy, egg, refined sugar-free, and even kosher. Oh, did we mention they’re 100% addictive as well? Stop by the bakery on Larchmont and stock up with a baker’s dozen (or two), and check out her Instagram for the latest holiday treats. And with Hanukkah in full swing, we’re keeping our eye out for her signature Jewish sweets, like jelly donuts and flaky rugelach.
Karma Baker
Westlake Village
The trek out to Westlake Village is totally worth it for these always-vegan-and-gluten-free goodies. Stock up on their delectable gingerbread men, Star of David sugar cookies, delectably crumbly Mexican wedding cookies, and decadent peppermint creme-filled chocolate Karma cookies. And while technically not a cookie, there is no resisting Karma’s elaborate holiday-themed donuts. Feel free to order more than you and your guests can eat — their treats freeze well! Nationwide shipping is also available.
Mead’s Green Door Cafe
Orange
Tucked away just off the bustling Orange Circle is a quaint, family-run cafe called Mead’s Green Door. Beyond the hearty menu of all-day breakfast, salads, burritos, pizzas, and sandwiches, Mead’s offers a tantalizing pastry case full of vegan sweets. The case regularly houses a selection of moist scones, kale muffins, and cookies. But for December, the cafe’s iconic red velvet espresso cookies are making a comeback! These treats are soft, chewy, and slathered with a vegan cream cheese espresso icing. They look and taste completely homemade, and unlike some other gourmet cookies, they’re exceptionally inexpensive (as is the entire Mead’s menu). If you’re looking for something unique for you cookie swap, this is the cookie you need.
Rising Hearts Bakery
Culver City
This Culver City bakery delivers on no-fuss, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher baked goods. They make everything from breads to brownies, scones to bagels, and cupcakes to muffins, but today, we’re here for the cookies. Beyond the regular chocolate chip, lemon, and oatmeal coconut varieties, we’re getting into the holiday spirit with their signature snickerdoodles and molasses cookies. Bring home a bunch for a holiday gathering, and we promise we won’t tell if you claim they’re homemade.
Vegan By Victoria’s
Santa Ana
Craving traditional Mexican pan dulce? Earvin Lopez, the unlikely baker behind Vegan by Victoria’s, has you covered. His unassuming panaderia in a tiny strip mall in Santa Ana is always well stocked with authentic pan dulce — veganized, of course. Fill an old school pink pastry box with besos, niños envueltos, elotes, puerquitos, conchas, and more. Don’t speak Spanish? Just trust us — it’s all good. Plan your visit for a Saturday so you can buy a tall cup of champurrado to dunk your cookies in. And for something extra special, Earvin is taking pre-orders for his bestselling Rosca de Reyes bread. The holiday isn’t until January 6, but this wreath-shaped pan dulce flew off the pastry shelves last year. We could almost eat the entire wreath ourselves.
Yvonne’s Vegan Kitchen
Multiple Locations
Got gluten-free guests? Pick up a box of Yvonne’s vegan holiday cookies, and you won’t have to worry about cross-contamination at all in your kitchen. But her treats are sure to delight everyone — not just those with celiac. Choose from an assortment of Macadamia Cranberry, Chocolate Chai, Frosted Sugar Stars, and Thin Mint Cookies. You can find them at cafes and health stores all around the greater Los Angeles area, but for a special gift, order a holiday assortment online, already wrapped in festive packaging. Gifting just got a whole lot easier!
Two Birds Baking Co.
Huntington Beach
This vegan baking company’s founder, Leslie Lonergan, may have been on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars,” but this Huntington Beach-based baker does cookies, too! She operates out of a commercial kitchen, and custom orders are welcome. Gluten-free? Check. All the gluten? Check, check. She’s still working on her official holiday cookie menu, but chances are, if you ask nicely, she’ll make whatever vegan cookie your tastebuds desire. Of course, there’s no going wrong with the classics. Follow her on Instagram for the latest seasonal cookie update, and while you’re at it, order a few cupcakes. Her gingerbread cupcake is topped with a mini gingerbread man, so you can have your cake and cookie, too!
