6 Store-Bought Vegan Cookies Worthy of the Holiday Cookie Swap
Amongst the ugly sweater parties, gingerbread-making get togethers, onesie pub crawls, and holiday craft fairs, many of us receive invitations to the obligatory cookie swap. Some get hyper competitive; the decoration kit comes out of storage and hours are spent mixing, rolling, baking, and packing sweet treats into festive saran-wrapped gifts. Others could care less and show up with a box of those cakey store brand sugar cookies with colored icing and sprinkles. This year, you can save time without looking like you stopped at the store minutes before arriving. Try out these six store bought vegan cookies that are sure to impress a crowd.
1. Lenny & Larry’s – The Complete Cookie
Soft, chewy, and enormous – these vegan cookies have developed a cult following and reached the mainstream. These are perhaps the most accessible on the list; you can find them in most grocery stores, as well as big-brand pharmacies and even gas stations. There are fourteen flavors to choose from, including the seasonal Pumpkin Spice. We recommend the Birthday Cake for a unique spin, or the White Chocolaty Macadamia and Snickerdoodle for more traditional varieties. By one or two 12 count boxes, unwrap them, and place on a festive holiday tray for a delicious and impressive cookie display.
2. Maxine’s Heavenly
This small Los Angeles-based cookie company is as close to homemade as you can get with out spending time in the kitchen. Adapted from a family recipe, these old fashioned cookies have been transformed into sweet morsels everyone can enjoy. All five flavors are made with clean ingredients and are gluten, soy, and refined-sugar-free, as well as non-GMO and vegan. Buy a few bags for the party, but we suggest keeping one for yourself. We’ve enjoyed a healthy regular indulgence at breakfast by pairing a Pumpkin Spice with our morning coffee! Find them at Bristol Farms and Gelson’s on the West Coast, or order online if you live out of the area.
3. Divvies
If you know someone at the party with a nut allergy, keep them safe and opt for Divvies. The company offers five different flavors, from Molasses Ginger, Brownie, Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar, and of course, the classic Chocolate Chip. Each variety is sweet, chewy, and addictive. Want to gild the lily? Bring a few varieties of their cookie sandwiches. Choose from smooth vanilla frosting sandwiched between two chocolate chip or brownie cookies, or lemon icing between two sugar cookies. Find them at many gourmet and natural markets nationwide – such as Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, and Sprouts – as well as smaller mom-and-pop grocers and cafes. Check their store locator online to find the most convenient option for you.
4. Enjoy Life
This allergy-friendly, Kosher brand has exploded onto the mainstream grocery scene. Their cookie offerings include a wide variety of crispy, soft-baked, and mini cookies. We avoided the mini options, as we were afraid we would end up eating them by the handful. To wow the guests at your cookie swap, try the soft-baked Snickerdoodle or Gingerbread Spice. You can find Enjoy Life in most major food retailers, including Target and CVS.
5. Alternative Baking Company
For massive, filling treats sure to knock out the competition, bring a tray piled high with Alternative Baking Company cookies. The company offers a dozen flavors, five of which are gluten-free. Besides the generous size, the appeal lies within the big chunks of goodies, like chocolate chips, coconut, raisins, and nuts. The texture is soft-baked and toothsome; they go perfectly with a glass of plant-based milk. The Peanut Butter Persuasion is a classic, but for a holiday spin, try out their Cookie of the Season, the Coconut Cherry Bomb and Ginger Snappin’ Raisin. You can find this brand in over five thousand natural markets and large grocers in the United States, or order online.
6. Lucy’s Cookies
If you truly are stopping at the store on your way to the party, the host will surely forgive your lack of preparation if you come with a few bags of Lucy’s. These crunchy cookies are Kosher and gluten-free, without the grittiness that accompanies most gluten-free baked goods. For a seasonal treat, try the Merry Mint, Gingersnap, and Pumpkin Patch flavors. Find the nearest Walmart, Target, or Whole Foods on the drive over and stock up on these delicious, crave-worthy treats.
Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast.
Related on Organic Authority
Vegan Doughnuts Take Over SoCal (& the 9 Best Spots to Grab Them!)
5 Ingredient Vegan No-Bake Peanut Butter and Raw Cacao Cookies
This Gingerbread Latte is Winter Coziness in a Cup
