If you have a soft spot for cookies that are fudgy, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate, then you are absolutely going to love The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. This recipe delivers the perfect blend of rich vegan butter, wholesome flours, and a luscious mix of vegan chocolate chunks and chips that create each bite bursting with flavor. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just a cookie lover hunting for a truly perfect plant-based treat, these cookies offer that irresistible homemade charm that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Get ready to bake your new favorite batch of cookies that balance sweetness, texture, and gooey chocolatey goodness all in one delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet incredibly essential in creating the perfect vegan cookie experience. Each element plays its part, from the flour providing structure to the vegan butter and yogurt giving moisture and tenderness, and of course, the variety of chocolates delivering that decadent melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- 188 g all-purpose flour: This is the base that gives the cookies structure and a soft crumb texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light and fluffy interior.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to add tenderness and a slight chew.
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt (plus flaky salt for garnish): Adds a balance to the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 100 g granulated sugar: For sweetness; organic sugar is a great choice if you’re in the US.
- 100 g soft brown sugar: Adds a depth of caramel flavor and chewiness to the cookies.
- 132 g vegan butter (block-style, melted): Key for richness and that satisfyingly tender crumb.
- 40 g vegan Greek-style yogurt or skyr (or unsweetened soy/coconut yogurt): Adds moisture to keep cookies soft and chewy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Infuses the dough with a warm, fragrant sweetness.
- 90 g vegan chocolate chips: Tiny pockets of melty chocolate for cookie bliss.
- 70 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa, cut into chunks): Adds luxurious richness and bursts of deep chocolate flavor.
- 70 g vegan milk chocolate (cut into chunks or more dark chocolate): Balances the dark chocolate with creamy sweetness and fun texture.
How to Make The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). While it heats up, line two baking trays with parchment paper—this simple step prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures easy clean-up. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. This dry mixture forms the essential backbone for your cookie dough and guarantees even distribution of leavening agents for the perfect rise.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar to create a balanced sweetness. Whisk in the melted vegan butter until smooth and glossy—this step is crucial because the melted butter creates a tender cookie rather than a cakey one. Then stir in the vegan yogurt and vanilla bean paste, which not only add moisture but also contribute subtle tang and depth of flavor, making the cookie anything but ordinary.
Step 3: Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in two or three parts. Folding carefully helps prevent over-mixing, which can make the cookies tough. Incorporate everything just until the dough comes together; it will be thick and luscious, promising a soft but sturdy cookie base.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate
Now for the best part! Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and chunks of both dark and milk chocolate. Reserve a few pieces to press on top of the cookies before baking — this trick creates those beautifully gooey, irresistible chocolate pools that everyone dreams of in a perfect cookie.
Step 5: Roll and Chill the Dough
Divide your cookie dough into 12 even portions and roll each piece into a ball. Place the balls back into the bowl, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances flavor development.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Arrange the chilled cookie balls on the parchment-lined trays, spacing them at least two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Press the reserved chocolate chunks and chips onto the surface of each dough ball — the dramatic chocolate “toppings” give an inviting, artisanal look and melt beautifully into gooey bites.
Step 7: Bake and Shape Your Cookies
Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Once out of the oven, take a large cookie cutter and gently round off the edges while the cookies are still warm. This step creates that picture-perfect round shape, adding a lovely professional touch to your homemade batch. Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the tray, and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a subtle contrast that amps up the flavor complexity.
How to Serve The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cookies even more special, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just as they come out of the oven brings that perfect pop of saltiness against the sweet and chocolatey richness. For a festive twist, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of dairy-free caramel sauce to take it up a notch.
Side Dishes
These cookies are divine on their own, but pairing them with a chilled vegan milk or a creamy plant-based coffee drink really rounds out the experience. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for an easy yet decadent dessert option.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the cookie box? Turn these beauties into ice cream sandwiches by gently slicing a cookie in half horizontally and sandwiching your favorite vegan ice cream between. Or stack them on a pretty platter tied with rustic twine for an irresistible gift idea or party centerpiece. Their beautiful round shape and rich chocolate chunks make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5-6 days when placed in a sealed airtight container. Keeping them airtight preserves moisture and prevents them from drying out, ensuring that each bite remains as soft and chewy as when fresh.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They will keep for up to 3 months, making them perfect to enjoy months from now whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or stored cookies, simply warm them in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 5 minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate effect. You can also microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds for an instant warm treat, but watch closely so they don’t become too soft or crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour?
While all-purpose flour gives the best texture for these cookies, you can experiment with gluten-free blends if needed. Just be aware that adjustments to moisture might be necessary since gluten-free flours behave differently. Adding a little extra vegan yogurt can help maintain moisture in those cases.
What can I substitute for vegan Greek-style yogurt?
Any unsweetened vegan yogurt works well here, including soy, coconut, or almond-based options. The key is to use a thick, creamy yogurt that adds moisture without too much additional sweetness.
Are these cookies nut-free?
Yes! This recipe contains no nuts and is suitable for those with nut allergies. However, always double-check your chocolate chips and other ingredients for potential cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling the dough for 20 minutes enhances the flavor and texture. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the raw dough balls for longer storage.
Why do you round off the edges with a cookie cutter after baking?
This simple step ensures each cookie has an even, professional-looking round shape instead of irregular edges. It also helps the cookies bake uniformly and gives that beautiful bakery-style finish that makes these cookies stand out.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the recipe that truly lives up to its name: The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress at your next gathering, these cookies are a celebration of plant-based baking at its very best. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience that perfect blend of chewy, melty, and utterly delicious that just might make these your all-time favorite vegan cookie. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate plant-based treat, featuring a perfect balance of soft, chewy texture and gooey, melty chocolate chunks. Made with simple ingredients like vegan butter, brown and granulated sugar, and dairy-free yogurt, these cookies deliver rich flavor with a hint of sea salt for an irresistible finish. Ideal for vegans and anyone craving a classic cookie without eggs or dairy.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 188 g all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt (plus flaky salt for garnish)
Wet Ingredients
- 100 g granulated sugar (use organic if in the US)
- 100 g soft brown sugar
- 132 g vegan butter (block-style), melted
- 40 g vegan Greek-style yogurt or skyr (or regular unsweetened soy or coconut yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Chocolate
- 90 g vegan chocolate chips
- 70 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa, cut into chunks)
- 70 g vegan milk chocolate (cut into chunks, or more dark chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line 2 baking trays or cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to a large mixing bowl and whisk in the melted vegan butter until fully combined. Then whisk in the vegan yogurt and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients in 2-3 increments using a spatula until the dough is just combined, being careful not to over mix.
- Add chocolate: Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips and chocolate chunks, reserving a few pieces for garnishing the cookie tops later.
- Roll and chill: Divide the cookie dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Place the balls back in the bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Assemble: Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking trays, leaving at least 2 inches between each. Press the remaining chocolate chips and chunks onto the top of each cookie ball to create melty chocolate pools.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. Once out of the oven, use a large cookie cutter to round off the edges of each cookie for a perfect circular shape. Let the cookies cool on the baking trays for about 5 minutes. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top for an enhanced flavor balance.
- Storage: After cooling completely, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-6 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Notes
- Using vegan butter and vegan yogurt keeps these cookies dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and results in a chewier texture.
- Rounding off the edges with a cookie cutter after baking creates a professional, uniform look.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- You can substitute the vegan Greek-style yogurt with unsweetened soy or coconut yogurt depending on availability and preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
