B: December has arrived, bringing with it a gentle chill and that unmistakable sparkle of the holiday season. It’s the time of year when many of us are drawn back into the kitchen, craving something warm, sweet, and comforting.

A: And nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like a batch of freshly baked cookies. Today, we’re adding a modern twist to this timeless tradition with a plant-based recipe that’s simple, festive, and full of heart.

B: Guiding us through it is Chef Bui Ngoc Quynh, AKA Chef Q, a chef dedicated to plant-based cuisine and mindful cooking. She holds a plant-based nutrition certificate from Cornell University, has trained in raw vegan cuisine at Living Light, and is the first Vietnamese female plant-based chef to graduate from Le Cordon Bleu.

A plant-based twist of festive Christmas cookies with Chef Q

A: And right now, we’re stepping into her kitchen, listening to the gentle clinks of bowls and whisks, as she prepares a Christmas classic in her own unique way. Chef Q, how do we begin?

“Hello, VOV’s Food Delight. Today I'm gonna make plant-based Christmas cookies. First, I'm gonna preheat the oven to 170 degrees and then I will cream the vegan butter with powdered sugar. You can also use granulated sugar like white sugar or brown sugar but I find that powdered sugar is better to prevent the butter from separating. I use homemade almond butter to replace the eggs. It is amazing to bind all the ingredients,” said Chef Q.

A: That’s a clever substitution. Almond butter not only adds richness but also gives a warm, nutty aroma, just the kind of scent that makes a kitchen feel cozy at Christmas.

B: You can almost picture the scene: the butter softening in the bowl, the powdered sugar gradually blending in, and the mixture slowly coming together. It’s a simple start, but it sets the tone for everything that follows. And now, Chef Q will take us through the next steps of preparing the dough and shaping the cookies.

“Now it's time for starter refreshment. For those who have to discard a portion of starter, now you don't have to. I'm just gonna mix it into the cookie dough. Keep mixing until light and fluffy. Now I'm adding my dry mixture including all-purpose flour and almond flour. When they're fully incorporated, just chill the dough in the fridge at least one hour or overnight. I have these cute little cookie cutters to make beautiful shapes,” Chef Q added. 

A: And now we’re at the fun part - the dough is ready for shaping. Chef Q has brought out her cookie cutters, and this is where everyone can join in. Kids can press stars, snowflakes, and Christmas trees into the dough, while parents help line the trays and keep everything moving smoothly. It’s a little moment of togetherness in the kitchen.

B: Little hands, big smiles, and the holiday spirit filling the room—this is what makes baking at Christmas so special. And with everything set, Chef Q will now transfer the cookies to the tray to decorate them.

“Now I'm gonna transfer them into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Then I'll pop them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Look at these babies! I have my own plant-based version of royal icing or I may use white chocolate. Well, it's harder to handle but obviously it tastes better,” said Chef Q. 

A: Well. I can almost see those cookies cooling on the rack, golden, delicate, and ready to brighten any holiday table.

B: What I appreciate most is how effortless the recipe feels. It reminds us that Christmas baking doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps, fun for the whole family, and a great way to bring everyone together this holiday season.

A: Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment by the tree, these cookies are sure to make your celebrations a little sweeter.

B: And if you try making Christmas cookies yourself, don’t forget to share your creations with us. We’d love to see them.

A: Thank you for listening, and from all of us here, we wish you a joyful and cozy Christmas! Bye for now.