There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie fresh from the oven. For those following a vegan lifestyle, finding the perfect cookie recipe that balances taste and texture can be a delightful challenge.
That’s where xanthan gum comes in—a secret ingredient that works wonders in vegan baking by providing structure and a tender crumb, mimicking the effects of eggs in traditional recipes. In this post, we’ll explore the best vegan chocolate chip cookie recipes featuring xanthan gum, ensuring your cookies are perfectly chewy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are designed to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things plant-based and delicious.
From classic chewy cookies to those with a twist of added flavors and textures, you’ll discover recipes that highlight the versatility of xanthan gum in vegan baking. So grab your mixing bowls, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into creating the ultimate vegan chocolate chip cookies that everyone will love—whether they’re vegan or not!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan baking can sometimes feel like a puzzle, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect cookie texture. Xanthan gum acts as a fantastic binder and stabilizer, replacing eggs and ensuring your cookies hold together beautifully without crumbling.
It also helps create a chewy, soft bite that’s hard to resist.
Besides texture, these recipes focus on using wholesome, plant-based ingredients that deliver rich flavor and satisfying chocolatey goodness. Plus, they’re easy to customize with nuts, seeds, or even different types of vegan chocolate chips!
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies come together quickly and bake up perfectly every time. And if you love experimenting, you’ll find plenty of tips and variations below to make these recipes truly your own.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- In a large bowl, beat the melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the applesauce and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined. The applesauce replaces eggs, adding moisture and binding.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips and nuts (if using) with a spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. This will ensure a chewy texture once cooled.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips & Variations
“Adding xanthan gum is a game changer for vegan baking—it mimics the binding power of eggs while keeping your treats tender and chewy.”
- Use flax or chia eggs: For an extra nutrient boost, replace applesauce with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that already contains xanthan gum; reduce added xanthan gum to 1/4 tsp.
- Add spices: Try 1/2 tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Mix-ins: Add shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or vegan white chocolate chips for variety.
- For crispier cookies: Bake 1-2 minutes longer and flatten dough balls slightly before baking.
- For softer cookies: Underbake slightly and store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Cookie (makes about 24) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 17 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sugars | 10 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan chocolate chip cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of almond milk or oat milk. For an indulgent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate.
They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If you want to elevate your cookie experience, try sandwiching two cookies with vegan peanut butter or your favorite nut butter for a delightful twist.
For holiday gatherings, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a gourmet touch.
Conclusion
Creating the best vegan chocolate chip cookies with xanthan gum is easier than you might think—and the results are truly rewarding. These recipes offer the perfect balance of chewiness, flavor, and structure, thanks to the magic of xanthan gum.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these plant-based treats will satisfy any cookie craving without compromising on texture or taste.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with mix-ins and spices to make the recipe your own. And if you’re interested in exploring more delicious vegan recipes, check out our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the delightful Leche De Pantera Recipe.
For a fun baking adventure, our Magic Dough Recipe is also a fantastic choice to try next!
More Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes with Xanthan Gum
Chewy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Coconut Sugar
This recipe uses coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor and incorporates xanthan gum for perfect chewiness. The addition of vegan butter adds richness, making these cookies incredibly satisfying.
- Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp xanthan gum, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup vegan butter, 3/4 cup coconut sugar, 1/4 cup applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 cup vegan chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Follow the same method as the main recipe, but chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect for gluten-sensitive friends, this recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend and reduces xanthan gum slightly to avoid gumminess. The cookies remain soft and chewy with a delightful crumb.
- Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour blend, 1/4 tsp xanthan gum, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, 1/4 cup applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Bake at 350°F for 11-13 minutes.
Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adding rolled oats adds a lovely texture and nuttiness to your cookies. The xanthan gum helps bind the oats with the flour and wet ingredients for a sturdy, chewy cookie.
- Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp xanthan gum, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, 3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Combine dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients, then fold together. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Each of these recipes highlights how xanthan gum enhances vegan cookie textures, making your baking adventures fun and tasty. For more sweet vegan inspiration, you might also enjoy our Jan Hagel Cookie Recipe or the Italian Twist Cookie Recipe, both excellent additions to your dessert repertoire.
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies with Xanthan Gum
Description: Deliciously soft and chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies made with xanthan gum for perfect texture. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream vegan butter with brown and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in applesauce and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 20 g
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