Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved classic worldwide, and Indian cuisine offers a unique twist by incorporating traditional vegetarian ingredients and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these vegetarian chocolate chip cookie recipes inspired by India will delight your taste buds with wholesome goodness and a touch of cultural flair.
From using desi ghee for richness to adding cardamom for aromatic depth, these recipes celebrate the fusion of Indian pantry staples with the universally loved chocolate chip cookie.
In this blog post, you’ll discover multiple delicious, easy-to-make recipes that are 100% vegetarian, perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or an everyday treat. Plus, we’ll cover tips on how to customize your cookies and suggestions for serving these treats with a cup of chai or other Indian beverages.
Get ready to bake some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Indian-inspired vegetarian chocolate chip cookie recipes are more than just sweet treats; they are a blend of tradition and comfort. Using natural ingredients like whole wheat flour, jaggery, and desi ghee makes these cookies healthier and richer in flavor compared to conventional versions.
The addition of warm spices such as cardamom or cinnamon brings a delightful aroma and complexity that elevates the humble chocolate chip cookie to a gourmet snack.
Moreover, these recipes are versatile, egg-free, and perfect for anyone following a vegetarian lifestyle. Whether you want soft, chewy cookies or crisp and crunchy ones, we’ve got you covered.
Baking these cookies at home allows you to control sweetness and ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (atta) – a wholesome Indian staple flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida) – for lightness and texture
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps cookies rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
- 1/2 cup desi ghee or unsalted butter – provides rich flavor
- 3/4 cup jaggery or brown sugar – Indian natural sweetener
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar – helps with crispness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – classic cookie flavor enhancer
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom – traditional Indian spice
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips – for that perfect chocolate hit
- 2 tablespoons milk – to bind the dough
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) – adds crunch and nutrition
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Oven (preheated to 350°F / 175°C)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the desi ghee (or butter), jaggery (or brown sugar), and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk to the creamed mixture, and mix well to combine.
- In another bowl, sift together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and optional nuts evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
“For a truly Indian twist, try adding a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk to the dough for a subtle floral flavor.”
- Use jaggery for a more authentic Indian flavor and a deeper caramel-like sweetness compared to regular brown sugar.
- Substitute desi ghee with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that adds a pleasant coconut aroma.
- Add chopped dried fruits like raisins or cranberries along with chocolate chips for extra texture and sweetness.
- For crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer and flatten the cookie dough balls slightly before baking.
- Experiment with spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of black pepper can add warm layers of flavor.
- Try using different types of chocolate: white, milk, or ruby chocolate chips can change the taste profile.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Cookie (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 16 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugar | 9 g |
Serving Suggestions
These Indian-style vegetarian chocolate chip cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of masala chai or cardamom-spiced tea, enhancing their aromatic spices. For a refreshing option, serve them with a glass of cold buttermilk or lassi.
They also make a delightful midday snack or a sweet ending to your meals.
For festive occasions, consider presenting these cookies alongside traditional Indian sweets or as part of a dessert platter. You can also pack them in decorative boxes as gifts during Diwali or other celebrations.
Conclusion
Bringing together the classic charm of chocolate chip cookies with the wholesome, aromatic ingredients of Indian cuisine offers a delightful baking experience that’s both comforting and unique. These vegetarian recipes emphasize simple, natural ingredients like whole wheat flour, jaggery, and desi ghee, making them a healthier alternative to conventional cookies.
Whether you bake them for your family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite treat that bridges cultures and flavors.
Don’t forget to explore more recipes to diversify your cooking repertoire. Try the delightful Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a healthy side dish, or indulge in the rich flavors of the Peanut Butter Ganache Recipe.
For a unique savory twist, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is also worth trying. Happy baking and exploring!
📖 Recipe Card: Chocolate Chip Cookies – Veg Recipes of India
Description: Deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies made with plant-based ingredients popular in Indian vegetarian cooking. Perfect for a sweet treat anytime.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted vegan butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered jaggery
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy)
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Mix whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream vegan butter with brown sugar and jaggery until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and plant-based milk to butter mixture and combine.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips and nuts.
- Scoop dough onto baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire rack before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 20 g
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