Cookies are a beloved treat for many, and you don’t have to miss out on them if you’re following a vegan diet. This vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe is easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The cookies are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and loaded with chocolate chips.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened (use margarine or a butter substitute)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups vegan chocolate chips (ensure they’re dairy-free)
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside as you’ll need it a bit later.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This can take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the Vanilla and Applesauce: Add the vanilla extract and applesauce to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat until well combined. The applesauce acts as an egg substitute, providing moisture and helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.
- Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips and any optional add-ins like nuts. Ensure that the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheets.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled, enjoy them with a glass of your favorite plant-based milk or share them with friends and family!
Tips for the Best Vegan Cookies
- Butter Consistency: Ensure your vegan butter is softened but not melted. This will help achieve the right texture in your cookies.
- Sugars: Using both granulated and brown sugar creates a nice balance of sweetness and chewiness.
- Chocolate Chips: Check the packaging to ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Many brands offer vegan options.
- Nuts and Extras: Feel free to customize your cookies with other add-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or even coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them as needed for fresh cookies anytime.
Nutritional Benefits
These vegan chocolate chip cookies are a delicious treat, but they also come with some nutritional perks. By using vegan butter and applesauce, you reduce the saturated fat content compared to traditional cookies. Additionally, if you choose to add nuts, you’ll be incorporating healthy fats and protein.
Variations to Try
- Double Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and increase the applesauce by 2 tablespoons for a rich chocolate cookie.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Replace 1 cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier cookie with a chewy texture.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a delightful peanut butter twist.
This vegan cookie recipe proves that you don’t need eggs or dairy to create mouthwatering treats. These cookies are perfect for vegans, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone looking to try something new. Happy baking!
This recipe ensures that anyone can enjoy a classic chocolate chip cookie while maintaining a vegan lifestyle. With simple substitutions and some baking know-how, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your household.
