Let me be honest here. I’m not quite a Grinch, but I’m not into Christmas music or decorations or holiday church services. One thing I do love about the holiday season, though, is spending time with my family. This is a season when we can be together, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. And my very favorite thing to do over the holidays was baking cookies with my grandma. When I became vegan two (nearly three!) years ago she made every effort to find out what make good vegan substitutes in traditional cookies and we worked side by side out of a copy of Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.

My grandma passed away in September and my family is small. This year I am baking cookies at home with my boyfriend and then I’m teaching my aunt how to make vegan chocolate chip cookies. This tradition has changed so much since only a year ago but it’s fundamental to me and still just as fulfilling. It will always be bittersweet now since my grandma won’t be baking with me but it’s also a way I can remember her every year and celebrate her influence in my life.

It’s so important to do things that are meaningful to you and that bring you a sense of belonging, peace, and happiness. I hope that all you peaceful dumplings have a tradition that makes you feel this way. If you don’t, here’s a place to start–here are some delicious, easy cookies that don’t even require you to use the oven. So you and your loved ones can use the oven for other things while you whip up these delicious no-bake cookies! This is an adaptation of my grandma’s recipe. Feel free to substitute sugar instead of agave nectar if you’d like something a little healthier.

Gloria’s No-Bake Cookies

Makes 12-16 cookies.

1/2 c. soy milk (or another plant-based milk with a bit of fat; almond or rice milk may not cook well)

1/2 c. baking cocoa

1/2 c. shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)

1/2 c. peanut butter (or use almond butter if you’d like to)

1/4 c. coconut oil

1 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 1/2 c. rolled oats

1. Add milk, oil, cocoa, vanilla, and sugar to a saucepan to boil over medium heat while stirring. Boil for one minute while still stirring.

2. Remove from heat and add peanut butter, coconut, and oats. Mix together with a wooden spoon.

3. On a baking pan covered in waxed or parchment paper, drop spoonfuls of cookie batter and let them set for 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can even refrigerate them for quicker results.

Enjoy, and we hope you have a great holiday season! What are your favorite holiday traditions? Let us know in the comments!

Related: Freedom Friday – Sweet Allergen-free Holiday Sugar Cookies

Vegan Peppermint Hot Cocoa

Also by Samantha: 5 Best Vegan Holiday Beers

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Photo: Samantha Lester