If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy treat, gluten-free vegan cookie recipes are a great option. Veganism is becoming more popular every day, as people search for sustainable and ethical food choices. Whether you are vegan, gluten intolerant, or just want to try something new, these recipes will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health or values. From classic chocolate chip to unique flavors like matcha and lavender, there are endless options for making tasty vegan cookies that everyone will love.
What Are Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies?
Cookies are one of the most popular desserts in the world, but for people with dietary restrictions such as gluten intolerance or veganism, it can be challenging to find suitable options. Gluten-free vegan cookies are cookies that are made without any animal products or gluten-containing ingredients. These cookies are a perfect option for individuals who have dietary restrictions or who want to follow a healthier lifestyle.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible for the chewy texture of bread and other baked goods. Unfortunately, some people are unable to tolerate gluten due to a condition called celiac disease, which affects about 1% of the population. Others may have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which causes similar symptoms but without the damage to the intestines.
Why Go Vegan?
Veganism is a lifestyle that avoids the use of all animal products, whether as part of a diet or other household products. It has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including the maintenance of a healthy weight, and reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
Benefits of Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
Gluten-free vegan cookies have several benefits compared to traditional cookies. First, they are more allergy-friendly, as they are free from common allergens like milk, eggs, and wheat. Second, they can be healthier as they often use more natural sweeteners and whole grains, unlike traditional cookies that can be high in refined sugar and white flour. Third, gluten-free vegan cookies can be more environmentally friendly since they do not involve animal agriculture, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
How to Make Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
If you’re interested in making gluten-free vegan cookies at home, there are countless recipes available online. Here’s one example:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of almond flour
- 1/3 cup of coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp of water)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of baking powder
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Add the coconut oil, flax egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough forms.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Best Flour Options for Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
When it comes to making delicious gluten-free vegan cookies, finding the right flour is key. Fortunately, there are several types of flour that work perfectly for this purpose. Here are some of the best choices:
Almond Flour
Made from finely ground almonds, almond flour is one of the most popular gluten-free flours on the market. It has a rich, nutty flavor that works well in a variety of recipes, including cookies. Because it is high in fat, it tends to make cookies more tender and moist than other flours would.
- Pros:
- High in protein and healthy fats
- Imparts a nutty flavor to baked goods
- Helps to create a tender, moist texture in cookies
- Cons:
- Can be expensive
- May cause cookies to spread more than other flours would
Oat Flour
Another excellent choice for gluten-free vegan cookies is oat flour, which is made from ground-up oats. Oat flour has a slightly sweet flavor and a powdery texture that works well in a variety of baked goods.
- Pros:
- Helps to create a crispy texture in cookies
- Is relatively inexpensive compared to other gluten-free flours
- Has a slightly sweet flavor that complements many cookie recipes
- Cons:
- May cause cookies to be more crumbly than other flours would
- Not suitable for people with celiac disease, as most oats are cross-contaminated with gluten during processing
Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is a gluten-free flour made from dried coconut meat. It is high in fiber and protein, and has a slightly sweet flavor that works well in many cookies. However, it can be challenging to work with because it tends to soak up liquids quickly, which can cause baked goods to dry out.
- Pros:
- High in fiber and protein
- Has a unique flavor that works well in certain cookie recipes
- Low in carbohydrates
- Cons:
- Can be challenging to work with because it absorbs liquids quickly
- May cause cookies to be dry or dense if not used in the right proportions
- Has a distinct coconut flavor that may not be desirable in all types of cookies
Binder Substitutes for Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
In cookie recipes, eggs are usually used as a binder to hold the ingredients together. However, for those who follow a vegan diet or have an egg allergy, eggs are not an option. Fortunately, there are several substitutes that can be used instead. Here are three popular binder alternatives for gluten-free vegan cookies:
1. Applesauce
Applesauce is a common substitute for eggs in vegan baking. It has a similar texture and can help bind ingredients together. Plus, it adds natural sweetness to your recipe. When using applesauce as an egg substitute, use a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg called for in the recipe. Be sure to reduce the amount of other liquids in your recipe accordingly, as applesauce adds moisture.
2. Mashed Banana
Mashed bananas are excellent egg substitutes in vegan cookie recipes. They add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies as well as providing the binding. One mashed banana can replace one egg in your recipe. However, it’s important to note that bananas will add some flavor to your recipe. So, if you don’t want your cookies to have a banana taste, use another alternative.
3. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are a superfood loaded with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They can also be used as binders for vegan cookies. Use a tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water for each egg called for in the recipe. Mix the chia seeds and water together and let them sit for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes gel-like. This mixture can then be used in place of eggs, adding texture and structure to your gluten-free vegan cookies.
Sweetener Options for Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
Baking gluten-free vegan cookies can be a challenge, but choosing the right sweetener can make all the difference in the flavor and texture of your treats. Here are some sweetener options to try in your next batch of gluten-free vegan cookies:
1. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a versatile sweetener that can be used in cookies, cakes, and even savory dishes. It has a rich, distinctive flavor that complements a range of ingredients, including nuts, spices, and fruits.
To use maple syrup in your gluten-free vegan cookies, replace the granulated sugar in your recipe with an equal amount of maple syrup. You may also need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe to balance the additional moisture from the syrup.
2. Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that comes from the agave plant. It has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with chocolate, nuts, and other rich ingredients.
To use agave nectar in your gluten-free vegan cookies, substitute it for the granulated sugar in your recipe using a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that agave nectar is a liquid sweetener, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe accordingly.
3. Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is a low-glycemic sweetener that is derived from the sap of coconut palm trees. It has a caramel-like flavor with hints of vanilla, which makes it a great choice for oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies, and other classic flavors.
To use coconut sugar in your gluten-free vegan cookies, replace the granulated sugar in your recipe with an equal amount of coconut sugar. You may also need to add an additional liquid ingredient, such as maple syrup or almond milk, to balance the dryness of the sugar.
4. Brown Rice Syrup
Brown rice syrup is a thick, syrupy sweetener that is made by boiling cooked brown rice. It has a mild, nutty flavor that works particularly well in oatmeal cookies, gingerbread cookies, and spice cookies.
To use brown rice syrup in your gluten-free vegan cookies, substitute it for the granulated sugar in your recipe using a 1:1 ratio. You may also want to decrease the amount of liquid in your recipe to balance the additional moisture from the syrup.
Chocolate and Flavor Add-Ins for Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
Gluten-free vegan cookies can sometimes have a reputation for being dry and lacking in flavor. However, by adding in some chocolate chips or other flavor add-ins, you can elevate your cookie game and make some delicious treats. Here are some ideas for chocolate and flavor add-ins for your gluten-free vegan cookies:
1. Chocolate Chips
This is an obvious choice, but chocolate chips can make any cookie better. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free and vegan. Some good brands to try include Enjoy Life, Pascha, and Hu Chocolate. You can add in as many or as little chocolate chips as you’d like. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even try using chopped up chocolate bars instead of chips.
2. Cocoa Powder
If you don’t have any chocolate chips on hand, you can still get that chocolatey flavor by using cocoa powder. Look for unsweetened cocoa powder that is both gluten-free and vegan. You can add in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to your cookie recipe to give it a chocolate boost.
3. Nuts
Nuts can add a great crunch and flavor to your gluten-free vegan cookies. Some good options to try include chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, or chopped pecans. Make sure to check that your nuts are gluten-free and vegan. You can add in about 1/2 to 1 cup of nuts to your cookie recipe.
4. Coconut Flakes
Coconut adds a tropical twist to your cookies and gives them a chewy texture. Look for unsweetened coconut flakes that are both gluten-free and vegan. You can add in around 1/2 to 1 cup of coconut flakes to your cookie recipe.
5. Dried Fruit
Dried fruit can add a natural sweetness to your cookies and make them feel like a healthier treat. Some good options to try include chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins. Make sure to check that your dried fruit is gluten-free and vegan. You can add in around 1/2 to 1 cup of dried fruit to your cookie recipe.
Top Recipes for Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes consumption of animal products. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people strive to live a healthier lifestyle. Being a vegan can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the perfect desserts that do not contain any animal products. However, making vegan cookies should be a fun experiment in the kitchen. Here are six mouth-watering gluten-free vegan cookie recipes that you should try out:
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re a chocolate lover, then this gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe will allow you to indulge in the flavor without any guilt. The recipe requires only 10 ingredients and is super easy to make. This recipe uses almond flour, coconut sugar, and vegan chocolate chips. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Form small, flat rounds of dough and use your hand to slightly press them down.
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes.
2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal cookies are a classic, and this recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and delicious. The recipe uses gluten-free rolled oats, applesauce, raisins, coconut, and other natural sweeteners. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients together.
- Dollop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool for another 10 minutes.
3. Almond Butter Cookies
These cookies are simple to prepare and require only six ingredients, including almond butter, oat flour, and date sugar. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the almond butter, date sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
- Add oat flour to the mix, then stir it until it’s well incorporated.
- Form the dough into balls with a tablespoon, then gently press each ball down with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Peanut Butter Cookies
The recipe involves using only five ingredients, including peanut butter, vegan butter, vanilla, sugar, and flour. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven 350 degrees F.
- Cream together the vegan butter, peanut butter, and sugar in a large bowl.
- Add vanilla and then flour, then mix well until it forms a dough.
- Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Use a fork to press the balls lightly, then bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Leave the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
5. Sugar Cookies
This recipe only uses six ingredients – vegan butter, sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat the oven to 370 degrees F.
- Beat the vegan butter, sugar, and vanilla together in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix the dry ingredients with the wet mixture to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls with a tablespoon, then press them gently with your fingertips.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
6. Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are delightfully simple and delicious. This recipe is completely gluten-free and vegan. Here’s how:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix butter, sugar, and apple sauce in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Mix the dry ingredients with the wet mixture to form a dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and coconut sugar.
- Roll the dough into balls, then roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Try out these recipes, and you’ll be thrilled by the wonderful tasty treats you’ll create. Whether for friends and family, or just for yourself, these gluten-free and vegan cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth.
FAQs
Going gluten-free and vegan can be challenging for people who love to bake and enjoy sweets. But, with the right ingredients and knowledge, it is possible to enjoy delicious gluten-free vegan cookies. Below are some frequently asked questions about gluten-free vegan cookie recipes:
Can I substitute regular flour for gluten-free flour in these recipes?
No, you cannot substitute regular flour for gluten-free flour in these recipes. These recipes are specifically designed to be gluten-free, and regular flour will not work as a replacement. Gluten-free flour has a different texture and consistency than regular flour, so it is essential to use the right type of flour to ensure the cookies turn out properly.
What type of chocolate chips are vegan?
When it comes to making vegan cookies, choosing the right type of chocolate chips is crucial. Many popular brands of chocolate chips contain dairy, so it is essential to read the labels carefully. Fortunately, there are many vegan-friendly chocolate chip options available on the market. Some popular vegan brands include Enjoy Life, Hu, and Guittard. Additionally, you can use vegan chocolate bars, chopped into small pieces, as a substitute for chocolate chips.
Can I use a different binder than the ones listed?
In gluten-free vegan recipes, binders are used to help hold the dough together. Many recipes call for ingredients like xanthan gum or psyllium husk powder to serve as binders. If you are unable to find these ingredients or prefer to use a different binder, there are other options available. Some substitutes include chia seeds or flax seeds mixed with water, mashed bananas, or applesauce. Just be sure to double-check the consistency to ensure the cookies come out correctly.
Yes, these cookies can still be sweet without traditional sugar. There are many natural sweeteners available that work well in gluten-free vegan baking. Some popular options include maple syrup, coconut sugar, and agave nectar. The sweetness level may vary depending on the type of sweetener used, but the cookies will still be delicious.
Storing gluten-free vegan cookies can be a bit different than traditional cookies. Due to the lack of preservatives, they tend to have a shorter shelf life. It is best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them completely before serving.
While gluten-free vegan cookies can be a healthier option than traditional cookies, they are still a treat and should be eaten in moderation. Many gluten-free and vegan cookies use natural ingredients and lack preservatives, which can be beneficial for people with specific dietary needs. However, they still contain sugar and should be considered a dessert rather than a health food.
Happy Baking with Gluten-Free Vegan Cookie Recipes!
Thank you for reading our article about gluten-free vegan cookie recipes. We hope that we’ve inspired you to try some of these delicious treats for yourself. Remember, vegan food can be a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional treats, and with these recipes, you can indulge in guilt-free snacking. Make sure to bookmark our site and check back regularly for more delicious vegan recipes. Happy baking!