Cacao Cookies Recipes Vegan: Delicious & Easy Treats

Updated On: October 7, 2025

If you’re craving a rich, indulgent treat that’s both vegan and utterly delicious, look no further than these cacao cookies recipes vegan style! Perfectly fudgy, with deep chocolate flavor and a satisfying chewy texture, these cookies will quickly become a staple in your plant-based baking repertoire.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply love wholesome, dairy-free desserts, these cacao cookies deliver on every level.

Crafted with simple, natural ingredients and free from any animal products, these cookies are not just kind to your body but also to the planet. The intense cacao provides antioxidants while the wholesome flours and natural sweeteners create a balanced cookie that’s both nutritious and decadent.

Plus, these recipes are easy to customize, so you can add your favorite nuts, spices, or even vegan chocolate chips to make them uniquely yours.

Ready to bake? Let’s dive into some tasty cacao cookies recipes vegan style that will satisfy any sweet tooth while keeping it 100% plant-based!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan cacao cookies are a perfect blend of healthy and indulgent. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:

  • Rich cacao flavor: Using high-quality cacao powder ensures every bite is bursting with deep chocolate goodness.
  • Vegan-friendly ingredients: No eggs, dairy, or animal products—just pure plant-based deliciousness.
  • Simple and quick: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make it ideal for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
  • Customizable: Add nuts, seeds, or vegan chocolate chips for your personal twist.
  • Perfect texture: Chewy on the inside with a slight crisp on the edges, these cookies satisfy all cravings.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cacao powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (acts as egg replacer)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cacao powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and plant-based milk until creamy and well incorporated.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  5. If using, fold in vegan chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a fudgier cookie, slightly underbake by 1-2 minutes and let cool fully on the rack.

Try swapping coconut sugar for maple syrup or agave nectar, reducing the milk slightly to compensate.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warming spice kick.

Use almond meal or oat flour for a nuttier flavor and different texture.

For crunchy cacao cookies, add chopped pecans or walnuts. For a double chocolate experience, sprinkle extra cacao nibs on top before baking.

These recipes give you plenty of flexibility, so feel free to experiment!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Cookie (approx.)
Calories 110 kcal
Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Carbohydrates 14 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 6 g
Protein 1.5 g

Serving Suggestions

These cacao cookies are perfect on their own or paired with a warm plant-based milk latte or iced coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Serve them with fresh berries or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an elegant dessert.

They also make great gifts! Package a batch in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade present.

For more delicious vegan baking ideas, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or try the hearty Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

More Vegan Cacao Cookies Recipes to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are two more cacao cookie variations to explore for different textures and flavors:

Vegan Cacao Oatmeal Cookies

  • Ingredients: rolled oats, whole wheat flour, cacao powder, flaxseed meal (egg replacer), coconut sugar, coconut oil, plant milk, baking soda, salt, and vegan chocolate chips.
  • Instructions: Mix dry ingredients, combine wet separately, then blend. Fold in oats and chocolate chips. Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until golden and chewy.
  • Why try it? The oats add extra fiber and a rustic texture while still celebrating the cacao flavor.

Vegan Double Chocolate Cacao Cookies

  • Ingredients: all-purpose flour, cacao powder, baking powder, coconut sugar, melted vegan butter, applesauce, vanilla, plant milk, vegan chocolate chunks.
  • Instructions: Combine dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients, then combine. Stir in chocolate chunks. Bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes for gooey, fudgy cookies.
  • Why try it? Double the chocolate means a richer, more decadent cookie perfect for chocoholics.

For inspiration on how to pair these decadent treats, explore other versatile vegan recipes like the Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe or the delightful Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

Conclusion

These vegan cacao cookies recipes are a delightful way to enjoy chocolate without any dairy or eggs, making them perfect for plant-based eaters and anyone looking for a healthier dessert option. They’re simple to make, packed with rich cacao flavor, and wonderfully customizable to suit your preferences.

Whether you want a chewy, fudgy cookie or a crunchier oatmeal variety, these recipes offer something for every chocolate lover.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time for a satisfying sweet treat that everyone will enjoy. Remember, baking vegan doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture.

Treat yourself to these cacao cookies and discover how delicious plant-based desserts can be!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cacao Cookies

Description: Deliciously rich and fudgy vegan cacao cookies made with simple ingredients. Perfectly chewy with a deep chocolate flavor.

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

Servings: 12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cacao powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix ground flaxseed with water and set aside to thicken.
  3. In a bowl, sift together flour, cacao powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, combine coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, and flax egg.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  6. Fold in vegan chocolate chips.
  7. Scoop dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set.
  9. Let cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

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

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Photo of author

Marta K

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