Vegan food is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to reduce their consumption of animal products or follow a more sustainable and ethical lifestyle. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be glad to know that plant-based diets do not mean sacrificing dessert. In fact, vegan versions of traditional treats can be just as tasty and satisfying, if not more! One of the most beloved desserts is chocolate chip cookies, and there are plenty of amazing vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes out there. Whether you are a seasoned vegan or just curious about plant-based options, we have compiled a selection of mouth-watering vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes for you to try.
What Are Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Vegan chocolate chip cookies are a type of cookie made without any animal products. Instead of using eggs, butter, and milk, vegans use dairy-free substitutes such as plant-based milk and vegan butter. The chocolate chips used in vegan chocolate chip cookies are also dairy-free and usually made from dark chocolate.
These cookies are a popular dessert option for vegans because they are delicious and easy to make. Vegan chocolate chip cookies taste just as good as traditional chocolate chip cookies, but with the added benefit of being cruelty-free. Plus, they are perfect for those who have dietary restrictions or allergies to animal products.
When it comes to making vegan chocolate chip cookies, the possibilities are endless. There are many recipes available online that use various types of flours, natural sweeteners, and add-ins such as nuts and dried fruit.
Benefits of Eating Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
There are many benefits to eating vegan chocolate chip cookies. One of the primary benefits is that they are a cruelty-free dessert option. By eliminating animal products from your diet, you can reduce your environmental impact and promote animal welfare. Additionally, many people find that a vegan diet helps to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Vegan chocolate chip cookies can also be a healthier option than traditional chocolate chip cookies. They are often made with whole grain flours and natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Plus, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can benefit heart health.
- Vegan chocolate chip cookies are a cruelty-free dessert option.
- A vegan diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
- Vegan chocolate chip cookies can be a healthier option than traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Health Benefits of Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan chocolate chip cookies are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional chocolate chip cookies. They are not only made without any animal products, but they also have fewer calories, less saturated fat, and no cholesterol. Below are the health benefits of vegan chocolate chip cookies that you might want to consider:
Lower in Calories
Traditional chocolate chip cookies are typically loaded with calories, but vegan chocolate chip cookies can be made with healthier alternatives. For instance, instead of using all-purpose flour, you can use almond flour, which is packed with protein and fiber. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter, which is lower in saturated fat and calories. With these substitutions, you can still enjoy the taste of chocolate chip cookies without packing on the pounds.
Good Source of Fiber
Many vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes use oats, which are high in fiber. Fiber is essential for keeping your digestive system running smoothly, and it also helps to regulate your blood sugar levels. By incorporating oats into your vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe, you’ll get an added dose of nutrition.
Heart-Healthy Ingredients
Since vegan chocolate chip cookies don’t contain any animal products, they are naturally cholesterol-free. They are also made with heart-healthy ingredients, such as coconut oil instead of butter and applesauce instead of eggs, which can help reduce your risk of heart disease. Additionally, many vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, which is a good source of antioxidants that can help protect your heart.
Less Saturated Fat
One of the main benefits of vegan chocolate chip cookies is that they are lower in saturated fat. Traditional chocolate chip cookies are usually loaded with butter, which is high in saturated fat and bad for your heart. Vegan chocolate chip cookies, on the other hand, use healthier fats like coconut oil or avocado oil. By swapping out unhealthy saturated fats with healthier ones, you can enjoy your sweet treat without worrying about the negative health consequences.
Top 3 Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
If you’re craving something sweet and delicious, vegan chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat. Here are three easy-to-follow recipes for vegan chocolate chip cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Recipe 1: Classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
This classic vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegan chocolate chips
Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and applesauce and beat until combined.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Stir in vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop out dough and form into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe 2: Soft and Chewy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you’re looking for a soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie, this recipe is perfect for you. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup vegan butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegan chocolate chips
Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and applesauce and beat until combined.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Stir in vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop out dough and form into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Recipe 3: Vegan Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious option, this vegan chocolate chip oatmeal cookie is for you. Here are the ingredients you will need:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Here are the steps to follow:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla and applesauce and beat until combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Stir in vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop out dough and form into balls.
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Are you looking for a sweet treat without compromising your vegan diet? Vegan chocolate chip cookies are a classic and easy-to-make option that you can enjoy guilt-free. To bake these delicious cookies, here are the ingredients that you will need:
1. All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is the foundation of most baking recipes, including vegan chocolate chip cookies. It provides structure and texture to the cookies. To make the recipe vegan-friendly, you can use whole wheat flour, which is readily available in most grocery stores.
2. Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil
Butter is not vegan-friendly because it’s made from cow’s milk. In vegan baking, you can replace it with vegan butter or coconut oil. Both ingredients add fat to the cookies, which makes them tender and more flavorful.
3. Brown Sugar and White Sugar
Sugar adds sweetness and texture to vegan chocolate chip cookies. Brown sugar, in particular, gives the cookies a soft and chewy texture, while white sugar adds crispiness to the edges. You can substitute these sugars with coconut sugar, which is unrefined and has a lower glycemic index.
4. Non-Dairy Milk and Apple Sauce
The combination of non-dairy milk and apple sauce adds moisture and richness to the vegan chocolate chip cookies. You can use any plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Unsweetened applesauce is a great substitute for eggs in vegan baking, providing structure and binding.
- 1/2 cup nut milk, unsweetened
- 1/2 cup apple sauce, unsweetened
5. Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that make the cookies rise and become fluffy. Baking powder is a combination of baking soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Baking soda only requires an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice or yogurt, to activate.
6. Salt and Vanilla Extract
Salt and vanilla extract enhance the flavor of the vegan chocolate chip cookies. Salt balances the sweetness and adds depth to the taste, while vanilla extract makes the cookies smell and taste like classic chocolate chip cookies.
7. Vegan Chocolate Chips
Finally, the star ingredient of vegan chocolate chip cookies is, of course, the chocolate chips. Look for vegan chocolate chips that are made without milk or any dairy products. Trader Joe’s and Enjoy Life Foods are popular brands.
Now that you have all the ingredients, you’re ready to bake some delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies. Happy baking!
Baking and Storage Tips for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan chocolate chip cookies are a delicious dessert that anyone can indulge in, regardless of their dietary preferences. Whether you’re a vegan or just trying to cut back on dairy and eggs, these cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. However, like any baked good, there are some best practices to follow when baking and storing vegan chocolate chip cookies to ensure that they turn out perfectly and stay fresh for as long as possible.
Baking Tips
When it comes to baking vegan chocolate chip cookies, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that they come out with the perfect texture:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Like with most baking recipes, using room temperature ingredients will help the dough come together more smoothly for better consistency.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough and flat. Mix the dough just until all the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour (or even overnight) before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Flatten the dough balls slightly before baking: This helps the cookies bake more evenly and ensures that you don’t end up with doughy centers and crispy edges.
- Take them out of the oven before they look done: Vegan chocolate chip cookies will continue to bake a bit once you take them out of the oven, so it’s better to err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking to ensure that they stay soft and chewy.
Storage Tips
To keep your vegan chocolate chip cookies fresh for as long as possible, follow these tips:
- Store them in an airtight container: This helps prevent them from getting stale or absorbing any unwanted odors from the surrounding environment.
- Add a slice of bread: Adding a slice of fresh bread to the container can help keep the cookies soft and chewy by providing some moisture.
- Don’t store different types of cookies together: Different types of cookies can absorb each other’s flavors, so it’s best to store them separately.
- Avoid storing in the fridge: The moisture in the fridge can cause the cookies to become soggy and lose their texture.
- Freeze them: If you want to keep your vegan chocolate chip cookies for longer than a few days, they freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw on the counter before indulging.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe FAQs
Whether you’re a vegan or not, you can’t deny how delicious chocolate chip cookies are. But for those who follow a vegan diet, finding a recipe that ticks all the boxes can be a challenge. Here are some frequently asked questions about vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes:
Eggs are a common ingredient in traditional chocolate chip cookie recipes, but they can easily be replaced in a vegan recipe. Some popular substitutes include mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, flaxseeds, and silken tofu. Each alternative will lend a slightly different texture to the resulting cookies, so it’s worth experimenting to find your favorite.
There are a variety of gluten-free flours that work well in vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes, including almond, oat, and coconut flour. It’s important to note that gluten-free flours typically absorb more moisture than traditional wheat flour, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.
No, dairy chocolate chips are not vegan-friendly. Look for chocolate chips made with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or soy milk. There are also many brands that make vegan chocolate chips explicitly marketed as such.
Vegan cookies can sometimes spread more than traditional cookies because they don’t contain eggs, which act as a binding agent. To help prevent this, make sure your recipe includes a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Also, try chilling the dough before baking to help it set up and retain its shape.
Yes, you can! Portion your dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply take out however many cookie dough balls you need and bake them as normal. This is a great option for when you’re craving fresh-baked cookies but don’t want to make a whole batch at once.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to add-ins! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chopped nuts like walnuts, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts
- Dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or apricots
- Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger
- Caramel or toffee pieces
- Peanut butter or almond butter
Experiment and have fun with it!
Happy Baking!
Thank you for reading and I hope you are feeling inspired to try out one of these delicious vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes. Vegan food can be just as tasty as any other traditional food, and these recipes prove just that. If you enjoyed this article, make sure to come back and visit us again for more vegan recipes and food-related content. Until then, happy baking!