If you’re craving the warm, gooey comfort of a classic cookie—but want a plant-based twist—this one’s for you. These vegan chocolate chip cookies are just as rich, chewy, and satisfying as the originals. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or just looking for a no-fuss dessert, this recipe delivers every time. In this article, I’ll walk you through why I started baking without dairy and eggs, my top vegan swaps, baking techniques, and exactly how to pick the best vegan chocolate chips. Let’s make cookies that everyone—vegan or not—will love.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies That Remind Me of Grandma’s Kitchen
Baking vegan chocolate chip cookies has become one of my favorite rituals. It all started in my grandmother’s warm kitchen, where the smell of cookies meant love, joy, and a little mischief. I’d perch on the counter, sneaking handfuls of chocolate chips as she moved through her recipe by memory. Her cookies were perfect—crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, with melty chocolate in every bite.
Years later, when I embraced a plant-based lifestyle, I missed those moments—and those cookies. Determined to create vegan chocolate chip cookies that honored her legacy, I rolled up my sleeves and dove in. My first try? A total flop. I swapped butter for coconut oil, eggs for mashed banana, and ended up with thin, sticky blobs that didn’t taste right.
But I didn’t give up. I spent weeks testing different combinations, adjusting my technique, and learning how plant-based ingredients worked together. Slowly, my cookies got better. I found the right balance of brown sugar, flour, and non-dairy milk. I figured out the ideal vegan egg substitute and nailed the bake time. Eventually, I created a recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies that delivered everything I remembered—and more.
Now, these cookies are a staple in our house. My husband calls them “next-level” and friends are shocked when I tell them they’re vegan. They’ve even become one of the most requested desserts at gatherings.
If you’ve never baked vegan chocolate chip cookies before, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get that golden edge, chewy middle, and just the right amount of chocolate in every bite.
And if you love nostalgic treats with a twist, check out my cozy Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies . They’re proof that plant-based baking can be both easy and delicious.
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Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies That Taste Just Like Grandma’s
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Chewy, rich, and easy vegan chocolate chip cookies that taste just like the classic—only plant-based.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cane sugar
1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water (flax egg)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp non-dairy milk (optional if dough is too dry)
¾ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mix flaxseed and water in a small bowl, let sit 5 minutes.
3. Cream vegan butter and both sugars until smooth.
4. Add flax egg and vanilla, mix well.
5. Stir in dry ingredients until combined. Add non-dairy milk if needed.
6. Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
7. Scoop dough onto sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
Notes
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan chocolate chip cookies, eggless cookies, plant-based dessert
Smart Swaps for the Perfect Vegan Cookie Texture
Creating the best vegan chocolate chip cookies starts with a few smart substitutions. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just a little know-how about how to replace eggs and butter without losing that chewy, golden texture everyone loves.
What can you substitute for eggs in chocolate chip cookies?
Eggs are often used in baking to bind ingredients and add moisture. Luckily, there are some awesome vegan swaps that do the job just as well. My favorite? Flax eggs. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and it thickens like a real egg. It adds structure to your vegan chocolate chip cookies without altering the flavor.
Another solid choice is unsweetened applesauce. About ¼ cup of applesauce replaces one egg and adds extra moisture. It’s perfect if you like softer cookies. Mashed banana works too, though it adds a mild banana flavor—great if you’re into a little fruity twist.
When I first tested egg-free versions of my vegan chocolate chip cookies, I was surprised how much of a difference each option made. Flax eggs gave the cookies the best chewy bite. Applesauce made them super tender, while banana gave a denser, cakier result.
What do vegan cookies use instead of butter?
Traditional cookies rely on butter for richness and structure. For vegan chocolate chip cookies, you’ve got two main options: vegan butter and coconut oil.
Vegan butter is the easiest one-to-one swap. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Creamery taste incredibly close to dairy butter, and they cream perfectly with sugar. This keeps your cookie texture close to the original.
Coconut oil is another option—it melts fast and gives cookies crispy edges and a subtle tropical note. Just make sure you’re using refined coconut oil if you don’t want that coconut flavor coming through too strong.
When I use vegan butter, I get that soft middle and crisp edge—just like the cookies I grew up with. For a crispier bite, coconut oil is my go-to.
| Egg Substitute | Best For |
|---|---|
| Flax Egg | Chewy texture, neutral flavor |
| Applesauce | Soft, moist cookies |
| Mashed Banana | Dense, slightly fruity flavor |
Once you’ve got your swaps down, the rest of the magic in vegan chocolate chip cookies is all about technique—which we’ll get into next. For now, if you’re in a cozy baking mood, don’t miss these other crowd-pleasers like my Double Chunk Chocolate Cookie or the whole Chocolate Cookies section packed with simple plant-based goodness.
What Are Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Of Exactly?
When it comes to making vegan chocolate chip cookies, the ingredient list might surprise you with how familiar it feels. No hard-to-find products or expensive alternatives—just pantry staples that come together in a seriously craveable way. Once you know how each part works, you can customize your cookies with confidence.
Simple Pantry Staples You Already Have
You don’t need specialty items to bake great vegan chocolate chip cookies. Start with all-purpose flour—it gives that reliable structure and chew we all want. For sweetness, a mix of brown sugar and cane sugar creates depth and softness. Baking soda adds lift and helps with browning, while a pinch of salt balances the flavors.
For fat, go with vegan butter or refined coconut oil—both deliver that rich, satisfying bite. Then there’s your egg replacer (like flax egg or applesauce), and a splash of plant milk to bring it all together.
And of course, chocolate chips. There are amazing dairy-free brands now (we’ll get to those in Part 4), but even store-brand dark chocolate chips are often vegan by accident—just check the label.
What’s awesome is that most of these ingredients show up in other everyday bakes too. If you’ve tried my Perfect Chocolate Cookies or even explored a few from the Chocolate Cookies, you’ll already recognize many of them.
Tips for Chewy Middles and Crispy Edges
Baking is part science, part magic—but with vegan chocolate chip cookies, technique makes a real difference. Start by creaming your vegan butter and sugar until smooth. This adds air and helps the cookies spread just enough. If you’re using coconut oil, melt it slightly before mixing to avoid clumping.
Chill your dough. Even 30 minutes in the fridge helps the flour absorb moisture, which leads to better texture. You’ll get golden edges and soft centers every time. It also keeps your cookies from overspreading in the oven.
Scoop your dough evenly so every cookie bakes the same. I use a medium cookie scoop for that classic bakery look. And don’t skip parchment paper—it helps them cook evenly and avoids burning the bottoms.
Bake at 350°F and check them at 10 minutes. They should look set around the edges but still a little soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Want to add a fun twist? Stir in chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for that sweet-salty combo. Or, if you like a soft, muffin-like bite, try replacing part of the flour with oat flour.
What Is a Vegan Substitute for Chocolate Chips?
Now that we’ve nailed the dough, let’s talk about the most important part of any vegan chocolate chip cookie—the chocolate! Picking the right vegan chocolate chips makes all the difference between a good cookie and a truly crave-worthy one. The best part? You’ve got options, and many are already sitting on your grocery store shelf.
How to Check Labels the Easy Way
You might be surprised how many chocolate chips are accidentally vegan. Look for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips that don’t list milkfat, whey, or casein in the ingredients. Brands often change formulas, so always check the label.
Here’s what you want to see: cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, and soy lecithin (an emulsifier). Avoid anything with “milk solids” or “milkfat.” If you’re unsure, a quick online search or store app check helps confirm if a brand is safe for your vegan chocolate chip cookies.
One easy rule? Stick with darker chocolate. Most high-quality dark chips are naturally dairy-free.
Top Vegan-Friendly Brands and Alternatives
Some brands go the extra mile and label their chips “vegan” right on the package, which makes things super simple. Here are a few trusted favorites I’ve baked with again and again:
- Enjoy Life: Certified vegan, allergy-friendly, and melts beautifully
- Guittard Extra Dark: Rich, smooth, and great for gourmet-style cookies
- Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet: Affordable and vegan-friendly
- Pascha Chocolate Chips: Organic, high-quality, and deeply chocolatey
You can even chop up a vegan chocolate bar if you’re in a pinch or prefer chunks over chips. Just make sure it’s labeled dairy-free.
Bonus tip: Stir in a mix of chocolate chips and chopped chocolate for texture and extra melty pockets in your vegan chocolate chip cookies.
If you’re feeling adventurous, swirl in a spoonful of vegan Nutella-style spread for a decadent twist. Or sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking to balance the sweetness.
And once you’ve got your perfect chocolate chips, you’ll be ready to roll into the fun part—baking! If you’re curious about creative twists on simple desserts, check out the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake where sweet meets practical in the best way.
What can you substitute for eggs in chocolate chip cookies?
There are several great egg substitutes for baking. For chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) are a top choice. Applesauce and mashed banana also work well. Applesauce adds moisture, while banana gives a denser, slightly fruity texture.
What do vegan cookies use instead of butter?
Vegan cookies typically replace dairy butter with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter or coconut oil. Vegan butter keeps the traditional cookie taste and texture. Coconut oil, especially refined, adds crisp edges and a smooth flavor that blends perfectly in vegan chocolate chip cookies.
What are vegan chocolate chip cookies made of?
These cookies are made with simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugars, baking soda, vegan butter or oil, a plant-based egg replacer, non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips. The combination delivers the same classic texture and rich flavor you’d expect in traditional cookies—just plant-based.
What is a vegan substitute for chocolate chips?
Vegan chocolate chips come from brands like Enjoy Life, Guittard, and Pascha. You can also chop up a dairy-free dark chocolate bar. Always check labels for ingredients like milkfat or whey to make sure the chips are truly vegan. Dark chocolate is usually a safer bet for vegan chocolate chip cookies.
Conclusion: Bringing Joy with Every Vegan Bite
Baking vegan chocolate chip cookies isn’t just about skipping dairy or eggs—it’s about rediscovering the joy of creating something warm, sweet, and satisfying right from your kitchen. From my first cookie disaster to finally mastering the perfect batch of chewy, golden cookies, I’ve found that success in baking comes from patience, small tweaks, and plenty of heart.
These vegan chocolate chip cookies aren’t only for people living a plant-based lifestyle. They’re for anyone who loves that cozy smell of cookies fresh out of the oven and the satisfying bite of gooey, melted chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a quick weeknight treat or prepping a plate for friends, this recipe delivers big cookie comfort with simple ingredients.
I know trying vegan baking can feel new at first—but I’m here, sharing my journey one cookie at a time. These recipes are made to be easy, inviting, and full of flavor, no matter your skill level. And once you try these vegan chocolate chip cookies, you’ll see just how good plant-based baking can be.
Craving more cozy creations? Browse the Homepage for inspiration or try a slice of my White Chocolate Chip Cookies next. Because around here, simple and delicious go hand in hand.