Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe for Soft, Chewy Treats

Updated On: September 29, 2025

There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie—especially when it’s vegan and everyone at the table can enjoy it! Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to eat more plant-based treats, this recipe will satisfy all your cookie cravings.

Developed through years of testing, these cookies are delightfully chewy in the center, with just the right amount of crisp edges. The best part?

You don’t need any fancy egg replacers or hard-to-find ingredients; simple pantry staples work wonders here.

Making vegan chocolate chip cookies should be fun, not fussy. That’s why I’ve created a foolproof recipe that’s just as indulgent as the classic version.

Each bite delivers a rich, buttery flavor, bursts of melty chocolate, and a soft texture you’ll love. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them in lunchboxes, or simply treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these cookies are bound to become your new go-to.

Ready to bake the best vegan chocolate chip cookies ever? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic taste, fully vegan: You won’t miss the eggs or dairy. These cookies are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.
  • Simple ingredients: No need for specialty items—everything can be found at your regular grocery store.
  • Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike adore these cookies. They’re perfect for sharing (or not!).
  • Customizable: Add nuts, swap in different chocolates, or make them gluten-free—this recipe is incredibly flexible.
  • Quick and easy: From mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes, and no chilling required.
  • Perfect texture: Crispy edges meet a chewy, soft center every time.
  • Allergy-friendly: These cookies are dairy-free, egg-free, and easily made nut-free or gluten-free.

“I’ve tested dozens of vegan cookie recipes, and this is the one I return to again and again. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!”

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
All-purpose flour 2 1/4 cups (270g) Can substitute half with whole wheat flour for heartier cookies
Baking soda 1 teaspoon Leavening agent for lift
Salt 1/2 teaspoon Balances sweetness
Vegan butter 1 cup (227g), softened Stick-style vegan butters (like Earth Balance) work best
Brown sugar 3/4 cup (150g) Packed; light or dark both work
Granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) For sweetness and crispness
Non-dairy milk 1/4 cup (60ml) Unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons For flavor
Vegan chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups (270g) Check for dairy-free, such as Enjoy Life or Trader Joe’s
Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans 1/2 cup (60g) For crunch (omit for nut-free)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer (optional but helpful)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking sheets (2, preferably)
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Cookie scoop or tablespoon
  • Wire cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven:

    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and even baking.

  2. Combine dry ingredients:

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

  3. Cream the vegan butter and sugars:

    In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).

  4. Add wet ingredients:

    Add the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat again until fully incorporated.

  5. Mix in the dry ingredients:

    Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or mixer on low speed to combine until just mixed—don’t overmix!

  6. Fold in chocolate chips (and nuts, if using):

    Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips and optional nuts. The dough should be thick and a bit sticky.

  7. Scoop the cookies:

    Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

  8. Bake:

    Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still slightly soft. For chewier cookies, err on the shorter side of baking time.

  9. Cool:

    Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.

  10. Enjoy!

    Serve warm for gooey chocolate, or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Tip: For perfectly round cookies, gently swirl the edges with a spoon right after they come out of the oven.

Tips & Variations

  • Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for best texture.
  • Nut-free version: Simply skip the optional nuts. Most vegan butters are nut-free, but always check labels.
  • Chocolate swaps: Try vegan dark chocolate chunks, mini chips, or chop up your favorite vegan chocolate bar for pools of chocolate in every bite.
  • Browned butter flavor: If your vegan butter can be browned (some can!), try browning it first for a rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
  • Add-ins: Dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top are delicious twists.
  • Make it a cookie cake: Press dough into a greased 9-inch round pan and bake for 18-22 minutes. Slice like a cake and serve!

“Don’t be afraid to experiment! Vegan baking is incredibly versatile, and this recipe is the perfect base for your creative twists.”

Nutrition Facts

Per Cookie (1 of 24) Amount
Calories 145
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 2.5g
Sodium 85mg
Total Carbohydrates 21g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugar 10g
Protein 2g

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on brands and add-ins. For lower sugar, reduce the quantity of chocolate chips or use a sugar substitute.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve warm with a cold glass of your favorite plant-based milk—almond, oat, or soy are all wonderful choices.
  • Sandwich a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream between two cookies for the ultimate dessert.
  • Crush cookies over a bowl of vegan yogurt and fruit for a fun breakfast parfait.
  • Pack them as a treat in lunchboxes, picnic baskets, or road trip snacks.
  • Gift a stack, tied with a ribbon, to friends, neighbors, or coworkers—they make a thoughtful homemade present.
  • Pair with a hearty soup (like Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating) for a comforting lunch or dinner.
  • Enjoy alongside a mug of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon break.

“Try them with a drizzle of vegan bechamel sauce for a playful, sweet-and-savory treat—or serve as dessert after your favorite Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas!”

Conclusion

Baking the best vegan chocolate chip cookies at home doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of cookies that everyone will rave about—vegan or not.

The chewy centers, crispy edges, and bursts of melty chocolate make these cookies irresistible from the very first bite.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Feel free to personalize your cookies with your favorite add-ins, or stick to the classic version for pure cookie bliss.

If you’re looking for more vegan treat inspiration, check out my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try a savory bake like this Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Happy baking—and don’t forget to share your cookie creations with friends, family, and fellow cookie lovers!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Description: These vegan chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with rich chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any dairy or eggs.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 18 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined.
  4. Add almond milk and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and stir.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  6. Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
  9. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 130 | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 18g

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Marta K

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