If you’re someone who is passionate about both baking and veganism, then you’re in luck! Vegan cookies recipes are the perfect solution for those who are looking to indulge in some sweet treats without compromising their commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. Vegan cookies can be just as delicious, if not more, than their non-vegan counterparts. This article will provide you with some amazing vegan cookies recipes that are easy to make, taste amazing and will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting on your journey, you’ll love these yummy treats that are free from animal products.
What are Vegan Cookies?
Vegan cookies are a type of cookie that is made without any animal products. This means that they do not contain any dairy, eggs, or other animal-based ingredients. Instead, they are made with plant-based ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits.
One of the most common ingredients in vegan cookies is coconut oil. This oil is used as a substitute for butter, which is a dairy product. Other ingredients that are often used in vegan cookies include nut butters, such as peanut or almond butter, and soy milk, which is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk.
There are many reasons why people choose to make and eat vegan cookies. For some, it is a matter of ethics. They believe that it is wrong to use animal products in any form, and therefore, they choose to follow a vegan diet. For others, it is a matter of health. Studies have shown that consuming a plant-based diet can have many health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Regardless of why someone chooses to eat vegan cookies, they are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cookies. With so many different ingredients and flavors available, there is sure to be a vegan cookie recipe to suit any taste preference.
Health Benefits of Vegan Cookies
Vegan cookies have gained popularity over the years as more people are embracing a plant-based lifestyle. Vegan cookies are made from plant-based ingredients and are free from animal products such as eggs and dairy. Besides being kinder to animals, vegan cookies offer numerous health benefits that can enhance your well-being. Here is a list of health benefits associated with vegan cookies:
1. Low Saturated Fat and Cholesterol
Vegan cookies are made without butter, eggs, or milk, which are some of the ingredients that contain high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol. Studies show that a diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart diseases and stroke. Vegan cookies, on the other hand, are made with healthier ingredients such as coconut oil, almond milk, and avocado, which contain unsaturated fats that can lower “bad” cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
2. High Fiber Content
Fiber is a crucial component of a healthy diet. It aids digestion, keeps you feeling full longer, and can help control blood sugar levels. Vegan cookies are rich in fiber since they are made with whole grain flours, nuts, and seeds that are high in fiber. The fiber content in vegan cookies can benefit your digestive system and prevent constipation. A single serving of vegan cookies can provide up to 3-5 grams of dietary fiber.
What’s more, the fiber in vegan cookies can help control blood sugar levels by limiting the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This makes vegan cookies an excellent snack option for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood glucose levels.
3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Vegan cookies are often made with nutrient-dense ingredients such as almond flour, flaxseed, and dark chocolate. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals that can boost your overall health. For instance, almond flour is high in vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties that protect the body against oxidative damage. Flaxseed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve heart health and reduce inflammation. Dark chocolate contains iron, magnesium, and zinc, which are essential minerals that support various body functions.
Additionally, vegan cookies can be fortified with vitamins such as B12, which is often lacking in a vegan diet. Fortified vegan cookies are an excellent way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake, particularly if you are new to a plant-based lifestyle.
Top 5 Vegan Cookie Recipes
Veganism has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it a more ethical and sustainable way of living, but it can also be incredibly delicious. Vegan desserts, in particular, have come a long way, and can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with some vegan cookies, here are the top 5 vegan cookie recipes:
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite, and they can be just as delicious without the use of eggs or butter. To make vegan chocolate chip cookies, you can use vegan butter (such as Earth Balance) or coconut oil in place of regular butter, and replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg. There are many variations of vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes out there, but this one by minimalist baker is a tried and true favorite.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or softened coconut oil
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks
2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Oatmeal raisin cookies are another classic favorite, and they happen to be naturally vegan. There are many vegan oatmeal raisin cookie recipes out there, but this one by It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken is particularly delicious.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raisins
3. Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter lovers, rejoice. There are many vegan peanut butter cookie recipes out there, but this one by Loving It Vegan is particularly delicious. These cookies are both soft and chewy, and have the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Peanut butter cookies are also very versatile, so feel free to add in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even some shredded coconut.
4. Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodles are soft, pillowy cookies coated in cinnamon sugar. They’re not to be confused with sugar cookies, as snickerdoodles are rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking. This vegan snickerdoodle recipe by Nora Cooks is simple, easy, and delicious.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
5. Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are another classic favorite, and they can be just as delicious without the use of butter or eggs. This vegan sugar cookie recipe by Loving It Vegan is simple and buttery, and the cookies come out perfectly soft and sweet.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp non-dairy milk or water
These 5 vegan cookie recipes are sure to satisfy any craving for something sweet. Give them a try and see for yourself how delicious vegan desserts can be.
Ingredient Substitutions for Vegan Cookie Baking
Vegan baking can seem challenging, especially when it comes to replacing ingredients like eggs and dairy. Cookies are no exception, as they usually require both of these ingredients to achieve the right texture and flavour. However, there are many easy and tasty substitutes that can be used instead. Below is a list of dairy-free and egg-free substitutions that can be used in vegan cookie recipes.
Non-dairy milk
Milk is often used to provide moisture to cookie dough, as well as to help bind the ingredients together. However, many dairy-free milk options are available that can be used instead. Soy, almond, coconut, and oat milk are popular options that can be found at most grocery stores. For the best results, choose an unsweetened milk to avoid adding extra sugar to the recipe.
Applesauce
Applesauce is a popular ingredient in vegan baking because it can replace both eggs and oil. It is often used in cookie recipes because it adds moisture and sweetness without adding any fat. Use ¼ cup of applesauce for each egg the recipe calls for. If the recipe requires both eggs and oil, use ½ cup of applesauce and omit the oil.
Flax/chia eggs
Flax and chia seeds can be used to make an egg-like substance that can be used in vegan baking. To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. For a chia egg, use 1 tablespoon of ground chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and becomes gel-like. Use one flax/chia egg to replace one regular egg in cookie recipes.
Bananas
Bananas can be used as a natural sweetener and as a replacement for eggs in many cookie recipes. They also add moisture and flavour to the dough. To use bananas in place of eggs, mash one ripe banana and use it to replace one egg in the recipe. This substitution works best in recipes that call for one or two eggs.
Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Cookies
As more people adopt vegan diets for health or ethical reasons, the demand for vegan cookies is on the rise. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or new to the world of animal-product-free desserts, here are some tips to help you bake the perfect batch of vegan cookies every time.
1. Pick the Right Ingredients
One of the biggest challenges in vegan baking is finding substitutes for eggs and dairy products that will help bind your ingredients together and give your baked goods that traditional texture. Luckily, there are plenty of vegan-friendly alternatives available!
- For butter or margarine, try using vegan butter products like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Kitchen, or even coconut oil.
- For eggs, try using flax or chia seeds. These can be mixed with water to create a gel-like substance that will bind your ingredients together.
- For milk, try using almond, soy, or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk. There are now plenty of vegan-friendly milk substitutes available in most supermarkets.
2. Measure Precisely
Baking is an exact science, and this is especially true when baking vegan desserts that may not have the same binding agents as traditional recipes. Be sure to measure your ingredients precisely, and consider using a kitchen scale to get even more precise measurements.
3. Adjust Your Baking Temperature
Some vegan baked goods may require a lower baking temperature than traditional recipes. This is because vegan ingredients may not have the same moisture content or binding agents as their non-vegan counterparts, and can dry out or burn more easily. Experiment with different baking temperatures to find the sweet spot for your recipe.
4. Cool Properly
Allow your vegan cookies to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet. This will help them firm up and hold their shape better. Consider placing them in the refrigerator or freezer for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process if you’re short on time.
5. Don’t Forget the Flavor
Just because a cookie is vegan doesn’t mean it has to be bland or boring! Add some extra flavor to your cookies with ingredients like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or citrus zest. You can also experiment with different types of vegan chocolate or nuts to add some additional texture and taste.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking delicious, satisfying vegan cookies that will please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Happy baking!
Common Mistakes When Baking Vegan Cookies
Vegan cookies are a tasty treat that many people enjoy, and with the rise of plant-based diets, they have become more popular than ever. However, baking vegan cookies can be tricky, particularly if you are used to making traditional cookies that contain animal products. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when baking vegan cookies.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing the dough for vegan cookies can result in a tough and dry texture. Unlike traditional cookie dough, vegan cookie dough doesn’t contain any eggs, which act as a binding agent, so it is essential to be careful not to overwork the dough. Only mix the dough until all the ingredients are combined to avoid this mistake.
Using Too Little/Too Much Liquid
Getting the consistency of vegan cookie dough right can be a little trickier than regular cookie dough. Using too little liquid can result in cookies that are too dry and crumbly, while too much liquid can make them too soft and sticky. Generally, you need to use more liquid than you would for traditional cookies as the dough needs to hold together without the help of eggs. Be mindful of the consistency as you mix the ingredients.
Not Preheating the Oven Properly
When baking vegan cookies, it is essential to preheat your oven thoroughly before putting your cookies in. The temperature needs to be exact to ensure even baking and to avoid burning or lack of doneness. If you don’t preheat your oven enough or if you’ve baked other items previously, it can take longer to bake, which can result in uneven texture.
Using the Wrong Type of Flour
Vegan cookie dough often requires a bit more structure to the recipe, and because it doesn’t have the extra proteins that eggs provide, vegan bakers will often get creative with the type of flour they use. However, using the right type of flour is essential when baking vegan cookies. All-purpose flour normally works well in vegan cookie recipes, if it isn’t self-raising, although other flours like almond flour, rice flour, or coconut flour can be used to achieve different textures and flavors.
Choosing the Wrong Sweetener
Sweeteners play a significant role in the structure and texture of vegan cookies. Walnut syrup, agave nectar, and maple syrup are popular alternatives in vegan baking, while many comfort foods rely on cane sugar. Choosing the wrong sweetener can throw off the texture of your vegan cookies and can result in overly sweet or bitter cookies.
Not Separating Wet and Dry Ingredients
In vegan cookie recipes, it is crucial to sift dry ingredients separately before adding them to the wet ingredients. Raw flour needs a little help breaking up in the recipe to avoid mixing too much, which makes cookies tough. Sifting also ensures correct measurement and keeps the flour from clumping together. Non-dairy milk, melted coconut oil, mashed bananas, or applesauce are common vegan wet ingredients, so be sure to mix them separately before adding to the dry ingredients.
FAQs about Vegan Cookies
Are you having trouble deciding to make a switch to vegan cookies? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about vegan cookies with answers that might help you out:
Yes, vegan cookies taste quite different from regular cookies because they are missing a major ingredient – the eggs. Eggs are usually a key binding ingredient in traditional cookie recipes. However, vegan cookies usually incorporate binding ingredients and other substitutes to taste just as good. Here are few ingredients that you can use for egg substitutes:
- Mashed bananas
- Applesauce
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
Yes, you certainly can! Freezing vegan cookie dough is an efficient way of baking when you don’t have much time to make it from scratch. Here’s what you have to bear in mind to freeze vegan cookie dough:
- Form the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer, making sure the cookie dough balls don’t touch each other.
- Once the cookie dough balls are entirely frozen (it may take a few hours), transfer them to a resealable plastic bag.
- When you are ready to bake, arrange the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven and bake the same way you would with fresh cookie dough.
Vegan cookies tend to be healthier than regular cookies. Regular cookies often include dairy products such as butter, milk, and eggs, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Vegan cookies, on the other hand, lack these ingredients, and by incorporating healthy ingredients such as nuts, oats, and fruits, they can still taste just as delicious as regular cookies while being more health-friendly. However, keep in mind that vegan cookies still contain sugar and can be high in calories if consumed in large amounts.
Absolutely! There are several brands of dairy-free chocolate chips available in grocery stores, made with alternatives like coconut oil, soy milk, or rice milk. You can use these chocolate chips for your vegan cookie recipes.
Most vegan cookie recipes call for all-purpose flour. However, you can also use other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, oat flour, coconut flour, or almond flour. Keep in mind that different flours will provide different textures, so choose the flour that best suits your desired cookie texture.
Yes, you can use coconut oil instead of butter in vegan cookie recipes. Coconut oil is a popular substitute for butter for those who are looking for a dairy-free and plant-based option. Use in a 1:1 ratio in place of butter.
If you prefer crispy cookies, here are some tips to get your vegan cookies crispy:
- Bake cookies at a higher temperature than recommended.
- Use a dark-colored baking sheet. The darker the pan, the crispier the cookies will be since dark baking sheets absorb more heat.
- Sprinkle sugar on top of the cookies before baking. The sugar will caramelize and create a crispy texture.
- Add a bit of oil to your cookie dough to achieve a crispy texture.
- Don’t overmix the flour. Overmixing flour can result in softer cookies.
Happy Baking and Stay Vegan
It’s time to whip up some delicious vegan cookies in your kitchen! These easy and tasty recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying true to your vegan diet. Thank you for reading and we hope you’ll come back soon for more vegan food content. Keep exploring and sharing your passion for veganism!