Best Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cookie Recipe to Try Today

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Craving a rich, indulgent chocolate cookie but need to keep it both gluten free and vegan? You’re in the right place!

This best gluten free vegan chocolate cookie recipe hits all the marks — chewy, fudgy, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor without any dairy, eggs, or gluten in sight. Perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or those simply wanting a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you coming back for more.

We’ve crafted this recipe with accessible ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of tips to get perfect results every time. Plus, it’s a great base for variations, so feel free to customize with nuts, dried fruit, or your favorite chocolate chips.

Ready to bake the ultimate gluten free vegan chocolate cookies? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it uses pantry staples that are easy to find, so you won’t need specialty items.

It’s also designed to create cookies that are soft and chewy — not dry or crumbly like some gluten free treats.

Vegan and gluten free means it’s suitable for a wide range of diets, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting during the holidays. The rich cocoa and dark chocolate chips provide a decadent chocolate experience without added dairy or gluten.

Finally, these cookies are quick to whip up, with minimal prep and no complicated steps, so you can enjoy warm cookies fresh from the oven even on a busy day.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1 tsp separately)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for richer flavor)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted, or use vegan butter substitute)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed, for moistness)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacement)
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl (for flax egg)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens into a gel-like consistency.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine thoroughly and break up any lumps.
  4. Cream wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, flax egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  6. Add chocolate chips and nuts: Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts evenly through the dough.
  7. Shape the cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers still look slightly soft — they will firm up as they cool.
  9. Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For extra fudgy cookies, try adding 2 tablespoons of dairy-free yogurt or swap half of the coconut oil for vegan butter.”

  • Flour blend matters: Use a high-quality gluten free all-purpose flour that contains xanthan gum for best texture. If your blend lacks it, add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
  • Sweetener swaps: You can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the brown sugar, adjusting the wet ingredients slightly if using liquid sweeteners.
  • Nut-free option: Simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
  • Mix-ins: Try adding dried cherries, shredded coconut, or vegan white chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per cookie (makes ~24 cookies)
Calories 110 kcal
Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 8 g
Protein 1 g
Sodium 90 mg

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of almond milk, a cup of rich vegan hot chocolate, or your favorite plant-based coffee creamer latte. For an extra special treat, sandwich two cookies with vegan vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream.

They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes, serving at parties, or gifting in pretty jars wrapped with a ribbon. If you’re looking for additional vegan delights, check out our Magic Dough Recipe for more baking inspiration.

Conclusion

This best gluten free vegan chocolate cookie recipe is a delicious, accessible way to enjoy classic chocolate cookies without compromising dietary needs. With simple ingredients and a fail-proof method, it’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create something truly satisfying.

The chewy texture and deep chocolate flavor make these cookies stand out, whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends.

Don’t forget to experiment with mix-ins and toppings to make the recipe your own. If you loved this, you might also want to explore our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for hearty vegan meals, or try the creative twists in our Marzipan Challah Recipe for a sweet bread alternative.

Happy baking and enjoy every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cookie

Description: Deliciously soft and chewy gluten free vegan chocolate cookies that everyone will love. Easy to make with simple ingredients for a perfect treat.

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

Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 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, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  5. Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
  6. Scoop dough onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
  8. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Marta K

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