Bake the best vegan chocolate chip cookies—easy, dairy-free, egg-free, and chewy! Tips, tricks, and full recipe included for beginners and pros.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Essential Ingredients in Vegan Cookies
- Easy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Baking Tips & Texture Tricks
- Flavor Variations & Vegan-Friendly Brands
- Storage, Nutrition & FAQs
Key Takeaways
✔️ No eggs, no dairy—just chewy, gooey cookie perfection
✔️ Plant-based ingredients that don’t sacrifice flavor
✔️ Easy to customize: oats, peanut butter, gluten-free, more
✔️ Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or late-night cravings
✔️ Backed by tested tips and popular vegan swaps
1. Introduction
If you thought going vegan meant giving up warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, think again.
These vegan chocolate chip cookies are:
- Just as chewy and sweet as the classic version
- Made with easy-to-find, plant-based ingredients
- Perfect for those avoiding dairy, eggs, or processed foods
And the best part? You won’t even notice they’re vegan. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your kids, or a holiday party—these cookies deliver every time.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to replace butter, eggs, and milk without losing flavor
- Which vegan chocolate chip brands actually taste amazing
- Multiple tested recipes (including vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies)
- Smart baking tips for better texture, rise, and storage
- Healthy swaps for gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and even protein-rich cookies
Let’s jump into the pantry and explore what makes a great vegan cookie base.
2. Essential Ingredients in Vegan Cookies
The magic of vegan cookies is in the substitutes—how we recreate the rich flavor and chewy texture without dairy, eggs, or processed fats.
🧈 Replace Butter the Vegan Way
Butter is usually responsible for richness and softness. Replace it with:
| Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|
| Vegan butter | Best for 1:1 swap with regular butter. Mimics flavor and texture. Try Earth Balance or Miyoko’s. |
| Coconut oil | Adds chew and slight crisp. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor. |
| Nut butters | Great in oatmeal-based cookies or vegan bites. Adds protein and healthy fats. |
🥚 Egg-Free Options That Work
Eggs bind the dough and help it rise. But you don’t need them here.
| Egg Replacement | Best Used For… |
|---|---|
| Flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water) | All-purpose binding (best overall option) |
| Unsweetened applesauce | Moist, soft-baked cookies |
| Mashed banana | Adds moisture and subtle banana flavor (great in simple vegan chocolate cookies) |
| Dairy-free yogurt | Soft cookies with extra richness |
| Chia egg (same ratio as flax) | Similar effect, slightly thicker dough |
📝 For most recipes, flax egg is the most reliable and neutral.
🍫 Vegan Chocolate Chip Brands to Look For
Many chocolate chips contain dairy. Here are trusted vegan chocolate chip brands:
- Enjoy Life Mini Chips – allergen-free and rich in cocoa
- Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet Chips – vegan (always check packaging)
- Lily’s Dark Chocolate Baking Chips – stevia-sweetened and dairy-free
- Guittard Extra Dark Chips – rich, bold, and plant-based
🌾 Other Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | Adds moisture and chewiness |
| Granulated sugar | Helps cookies spread and crisp |
| Vanilla extract | Balances the flavor of the dough and chocolate |
| Non-dairy milk | Helps bring the dough together—use almond, soy, or oat milk |
| All-purpose flour | Standard for structure. Use GF blend for vegan gluten free cookies3. Easy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (Step-by-Step) This classic vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe is easy to make, chewy in the middle, and slightly crisp on the edges—just like the bakery ones, but without butter or eggs. 🍪 Ingredients (Makes ~16 Cookies) Ingredient Amount Vegan butter or coconut oil ½ cup (softened) Brown sugar ½ cup Granulated sugar ¼ cup Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon Flax egg (flax + water) 1 (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water) All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups Baking soda ½ teaspoon Salt ¼ teaspoon Vegan chocolate chips ¾–1 cup Non-dairy milk (optional) 1–2 tbsp (only if dough is dry) 👨🍳 Instructions Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Make flax egg: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water. Let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like. Cream fats and sugars: In a large bowl, mix softened vegan butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Add wet ingredients: Stir in the flax egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to wet mixture. Stir gently. Fold in chocolate chips. If dough feels dry or crumbly, add 1 tbsp of plant milk. Scoop and shape: Form dough into 1.5-tbsp balls and place 2 inches apart on the tray. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers look set. Cool: Let rest for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack to finish cooling. 🥣 Bonus: Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies Want to add more texture and fiber? Try this vegan oatmeal twist! Adjustments: Use 1 cup all-purpose flour + ½ cup rolled oats Optional: Add ¼ tsp cinnamon Reduce chocolate chips to ½ cup and add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or raisins for variety These cookies are slightly thicker, heartier, and taste like a chocolate-studded granola bar. |
4. Baking Tips & Texture Tricks
Whether you like your cookies gooey, cakey, or crispy-edged, these tips will help you perfect the texture of your vegan chocolate chip cookies.
🧁 How to Make the Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
| Tip | Result |
|---|---|
| Chill the dough (30 mins) | Thicker cookies with less spread |
| Use more brown sugar | Adds moisture + chewy middle |
| Use coconut oil for crisp edges | Creates delicate crunch |
| Don’t overbake | Soft centers that firm up while cooling |
| Let cool on tray for 5 minutes | Prevents falling apart |
🎯 Texture Adjustments Based on Preference
| Preference | Tip |
|---|---|
| Softer & cakier | Add 1 tbsp non-dairy milk + use applesauce instead of flax egg |
| Chewier | Use more brown sugar, rolled oats, and chill the dough |
| Crispier | Use coconut oil, flatten dough before baking, bake 1 extra min |
🍦 Flavor Boosters (Optional)
Want to level up your cookie game?
- Add ½ tsp almond extract for a subtle nutty twist
- Mix in orange zest or espresso powder for depth
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for sweet & salty contrast
- Use chunks instead of chips for bigger chocolate pockets
🍪 Make It Look Bakery-Style
- Save a few chocolate chips to press on top of each dough ball before baking
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform size
- Gently bang the pan on the counter after baking for a wrinkled, rustic look
5. Flavor Variations & Vegan-Friendly Brands
One dough. Endless possibilities. These vegan chocolate chip cookies are easy to modify based on dietary needs or flavor cravings.
🌾 Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make your cookies gluten and dairy free, simply swap the flour:
| Flour Option | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free baking blend | Use 1:1 for all-purpose flour |
| Almond flour (partial) | Replace ½ of flour for rich, soft cookies |
| Oat flour (DIY) | Great for earthy flavor, use slightly less |
Make sure your oats (if using) are certified gluten-free.
🥜 Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan Version)
Want a nutty and protein-packed variation?
Replace:
- Vegan butter with ½ cup peanut butter
- Flax egg with 1 mashed banana or ¼ cup applesauce
Optional: Stir in chopped roasted peanuts for crunch.
✅ These eggless peanut butter cookies are rich, chewy, and only need one bowl!
🍫 3-Ingredient Vegan Bites
Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or post-workout snacks.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 1 cup |
| Natural peanut butter | ½ cup |
| Maple syrup | ⅓ cup |
| (Optional) chocolate chips | ¼ cup |
Mix, scoop into balls, refrigerate—done. No baking needed.
🔍 Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Brands
Finding dairy-free chocolate chips that taste good is key. Here are top choices:
| Brand | Notes |
|---|---|
| Enjoy Life | Allergen-free, rich flavor, melts well |
| Lily’s | Stevia-sweetened, keto-friendly |
| Trader Joe’s | Check labels, semi-sweet usually vegan |
| Guittard Extra Dark | Deep cocoa flavor, bakery-quality |
Look for labels with cocoa butter, not milk solids.
6. Storage, Nutrition & FAQs
🧊 How to Store Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
| Storage Method | How Long | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 3–4 days | Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Keeps cookies firmer and slightly chewier |
| Freezer (baked) | Up to 3 months | Cool completely before freezing in freezer-safe bags |
| Freezer (dough balls) | 2–3 months | Scoop onto tray, freeze, then bag—bake from frozen |
Reheat Tip: 10 seconds in the microwave = fresh-baked magic.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Cookie – Classic Recipe, ~16 cookies)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190–210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbs | 27g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Protein | 2–3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Values vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are vegan chocolate chip cookies healthy?
Yes—especially when made with natural peanut butter, oats, or dark chocolate. They offer healthy fats, fiber, and no cholesterol.
What can I use instead of eggs in chocolate chip cookies?
Popular vegan options include:
- Flax egg
- Applesauce
- Banana
- Chia egg
- Dairy-free yogurt
Each adds moisture and acts as a binder.
What’s the best vegan chocolate chip brand?
Enjoy Life and Lily’s are top-rated for flavor, melt, and ingredients. Many dark chocolate chips are naturally dairy-free—just check labels.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free too?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or a mix of oat and almond flour for structure and chew.
Do vegan cookies taste different?
Not really! When made right, they’re just as soft, rich, and satisfying. Some testers can’t tell they’re vegan at all.
Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
Absolutely. In fact, chilling the dough improves texture and flavor. It also reduces spread when baking.
Can I turn these into cookie bars?
Yes! Press the dough into a greased 8×8″ or 9×9″ pan. Bake at 350°F for 20–24 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.
