If you follow a vegan diet or simply want to cut down on animal-based products, vegan cookies are a perfect snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. We have compiled a list of easy vegan cookie recipes that are packed with flavor and require minimal ingredients. Whether you’re new to veganism or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. From classic chocolate chip to unique flavor combinations, these vegan cookie recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!
What are Vegan Cookies?
Vegan cookies are a type of cookie that avoids using any animal-derived ingredients. Instead, they use plant-based ingredients to replicate traditional cookies’ texture and taste. Vegan cookies can be just as delicious as non-vegan cookies and can be made using a variety of ingredients.
Ingredients Used to Make Vegan Cookies
When making vegan cookies, animal products such as eggs, butter, and milk are replaced with plant-based alternatives. Eggs are often replaced with flax eggs or chia eggs, which are made by mixing ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with water. For butter, vegan margarine or coconut oil can be used. Milk can be replaced with plant-based milks such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
Other common ingredients in vegan cookies include:
- All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Granulated or brown sugar
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins (optional)
By making these simple substitutions, vegan cookies can be a delicious alternative for those who follow a plant-based diet or are allergic to animal products. Additionally, vegan cookies offer a healthier choice as some plant-based ingredients can provide better nutritional value than animal products.
Why Choose Vegan Cookies?
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy snack that’s kind to the planet? Look no further than vegan cookies! These tasty treats are perfect for those who want to indulge in a sweet snack without worrying about the negative impact on their health or the environment. Here are some reasons why vegan cookies are the way to go:
Health Benefits
Vegan cookies are made with plant-based ingredients, which means they are free from animal products such as butter and eggs. This means that they are lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, making them a healthier option for those looking to watch their intake of these elements. Also, vegan cookies are often made with whole-grain flours like oats, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
But the benefits don’t end there! Vegan cookies also contain more fiber, essential nutrients, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snack choice. Plus, they are often lower in sugar than traditional cookies, which can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
Impact on the Environment
The production of animal products, meat, dairy, and eggs places a significant burden on the environment. Raising animals for food requires land, water, and other resources that could be used for other purposes such as crop production or water conservation. It also leads to deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
Vegan cookies, on the other hand, don’t require any animal products, which means they are more environmentally-friendly. The use of plant-based ingredients reduces the carbon footprint of these cookies, which means that their overall impact on the environment is less severe.
If you want to make an even bigger positive impact on the environment, you can choose to buy ingredients that are locally produced and organic. This is because the transport and production involved in food products cause a lot of greenhouse gas emissions.
Important Ingredients for Easy Vegan Cookie Recipes
Vegan cookies are a delightful treat that brings many health benefits. By eliminating animal products from your recipe, you are consuming only plant-based ingredients that are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants. Below are some essential vegan ingredients for making easy vegan cookie recipes.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They are a perfect egg replacer in vegan baking because they bind ingredients together and provide moisture to the baked goods. To use flaxseeds, grind them into a fine powder in a blender or food processor. For every egg, mix one tablespoon of flaxseed powder with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the recipe.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a versatile ingredient that adds flavor and healthy fats to vegan cookies. It is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which boost metabolism and provide sustained energy. You can use coconut oil as a substitute for butter or vegetable oil in vegan baking. However, since coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, you might need to melt it before adding it to the recipe.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is a gluten-free and protein-rich ingredient that adds nuttiness and texture to vegan cookies. It is a great flour substitute for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergies. Almond flour is made from blanched almonds, which are ground into a fine powder. It can replace wheat flour in a one-to-one ratio, but it requires more moisture and eggs than wheat flour to bind the ingredients together.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds richness and depth of flavor to vegan cookies. It is a good alternative to refined sugars because it contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Use pure maple syrup instead of pancake or corn syrup, which are high in fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. You can also use other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar, brown rice syrup, or coconut nectar.
| Ingredient | Benefits | Substitution Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Flaxseed | omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants | 1 tbsp of flaxseed powder + 3 tbsp of water for every egg |
| Coconut oil | medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), flavor, and healthy fats | 1:1 substitution for butter or vegetable oil |
| Almond flour | gluten-free, protein-rich, nuttiness, and texture | 1:1 substitution for wheat flour, requires more moisture and eggs |
| Maple syrup | natural sweetener, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins | 3/4 cup of maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar |
Easy Vegan Cookie Recipes
Are you looking for some delicious vegan cookie recipes to try out? Look no further! Here are six easy vegan cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These classic cookies are a staple in any household. To make them vegan, simply swap out the butter for a vegan alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Cream together the vegan butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Roll the dough into balls and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
If you’re a fan of oatmeal raisin cookies, this vegan version is just as delicious as the original. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raisins
Cream together the vegan butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the rolled oats and raisins. Roll the dough into balls and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
3. Peanut Butter Cookies
These vegan peanut butter cookies are rich, buttery, and perfect for peanut butter lovers. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cream together the vegan butter, peanut butter, and sugars until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Roll the dough into balls and use a fork to press down on them in a criss-cross pattern. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
4. Double Chocolate Cookies
If you’re looking for something a little more decadent, these double chocolate cookies are sure to hit the spot. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Cream together the vegan butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Roll the dough into balls and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until set.
For an extra indulgent twist, try sandwiching vegan vanilla ice cream between two double chocolate cookies.
5. Snickerdoodles
These vegan snickerdoodles are soft, chewy, and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture that makes them truly irresistible. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cream together the vegan butter and sugars until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Mix in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Roll the dough into balls and then roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
These gluten-free vegan chocolate chip cookies use almond flour as the base, giving them a delicious nutty flavor. You’ll need:
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Cream together the vegan butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add the vanilla extract. Mix in the almond flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Flatten the balls slightly and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Now that you have six easy vegan cookie recipes to choose from, happy baking!
Tips for Baking Perfect Vegan Cookies
Vegan cookies are a perfect option for those who want to indulge in sweet treats while also following a plant-based lifestyle. Baking vegan cookies can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips, you can easily whip up a batch of delicious vegan cookies. Here are some valuable tips for baking perfect vegan cookies:
1. Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of ingredients used in baking vegan cookies can make a significant difference in the outcome. Take the time to carefully choose the ingredients you use to ensure that they are high in quality and are as fresh as possible. Organic ingredients are always the best choice, especially when it comes to the main ingredients such as flour, sugar, and oils.
2. Choose the Right Flour
The type of flour you use can have a significant impact on the texture and overall taste of your vegan cookies. Almond flour, for example, is a great option for those who prefer a nutty flavor, while oat flour and coconut flour are excellent choices for those who want a gluten-free option.
3. Be Mindful of Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking time and temperature are crucial when it comes to baking vegan cookies. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and don’t overcook the cookies. Vegan cookies tend to be delicate, so it’s best to undercook them slightly to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
4. Add Moisture to Your Cookies
Vegan cookies can be drier than traditional cookies, so it’s essential to add moisture to your cookie dough to prevent them from being too crumbly. Try adding applesauce or mashed bananas to your cookie dough to add moisture and natural sweetness.
5. Store Your Cookies Correctly
Once your vegan cookies are baked, it’s essential to store them correctly to ensure that they stay fresh for as long as possible. Store your cookies in an airtight container, in a cool dry place to prevent them from being exposed to air or humidity. You can add a slice of bread to your container to help keep your cookies fresh and soft for longer.
Vegan Cookie Substitutes FAQs
Baking is one of the greatest pleasures of life, but when you’re vegan, it may seem like a daunting task to find cookie substitutes for classic recipes that require animal-based ingredients. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based ingredients that can be used as substitutes in vegan cookies without compromising flavor or texture. Here are commonly asked questions regarding vegan cookie alternatives, including egg and butter substitutes, flour substitutes, and sweeteners.
Eggs help in binding and leavening, but when you’re baking vegan cookies, you can use flax eggs, chia eggs, applesauce, mashed bananas, or even silken tofu as an egg substitute. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon ground flaxseeds with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit for five minutes until it becomes thick and gelatinous, much like an egg. Chia eggs are made using the same method with chia seeds instead of flaxseeds.
Butter adds richness and flavor to cookies, but for vegan cookies, you can use coconut oil, vegetable oil, vegan butter, or nut butters such as almond butter or cashew butter. Coconut oil is an excellent substitute for butter because it’s solid at room temperature and imparts a lovely coconut flavor to cookies.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb option, almond flour is an excellent choice because it’s high in protein and healthy fats. However, it doesn’t contain gluten, which means that it won’t provide structure to vegan cookies. You can use it in combination with other gluten-free flours such as rice or oat flour.
Brown sugar adds flavor, moisture, and sweetness to cookies, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, or date paste. Coconut sugar is low-glycemic and has a caramel-like flavor, while maple syrup and agave nectar are natural liquid sweeteners that enhance the flavor of vegan cookies.
If you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake, you can use alternative sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol. Stevia is a natural no-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia plant, while monk fruit sweetener and erythritol are low-calorie sugar substitutes that do not raise blood sugar levels.
Besides vanilla extract, which is a classic ingredient in cookies, you can add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to vegan cookies to enhance their flavor. You can also add vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, lemon or orange zest, or even matcha powder for a unique twist.
| Egg Substitutes | Butter Substitutes | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|
| Flax eggs, Chia eggs, Applesauce, Mashed bananas, Silken tofu | Coconut oil, Vegetable oil, Vegan butter, Almond butter, Cashew butter | Coconut sugar, Maple syrup, Agave nectar, Date paste, Stevia, Monk fruit sweetener, Erythritol |
Happy Baking with Easy Vegan Cookie Recipes!
We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these delicious and simple vegan cookie recipes that anyone can make. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying out a plant-based lifestyle, these cookies are a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without sacrificing your values. There are so many creative ways to experiment with vegan ingredients and flavors, so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these recipes. And if you ever need more inspiration, be sure to check back here for more vegan food ideas! Thanks for reading, and happy baking!