Vegan baking has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for a good reason! Whether you follow a plant-based diet or simply want to cut out dairy and eggs, vegan cookies are a delicious and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or baking skills to whip up a batch of soft, chewy, and mouth-watering cookies.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the easiest and most delicious vegan cookie recipes, perfect for any occasion. From classic chocolate chip cookies to peanut butter delights, these recipes prove that you don’t need animal products to create bakery-style treats.
Why Choose Vegan Cookies?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to explore why vegan cookies are a fantastic choice:
- Healthier Ingredients – Vegan cookies often rely on whole food ingredients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.
- Allergy-Friendly – Many vegan recipes are naturally free from dairy, eggs, and sometimes gluten, making them a great choice for those with food allergies.
- Ethical and Sustainable – Choosing plant-based ingredients supports a more ethical and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
- Delicious and Easy – Vegan baking doesn’t have to be complicated! Most recipes require minimal ingredients and can be made in one bowl.
Essential Vegan Baking Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure your pantry is stocked with these vegan-friendly baking staples:
- Flour – All-purpose, whole wheat, oat flour, or almond flour can be used.
- Sweeteners – Maple syrup, coconut sugar, or agave syrup work well.
- Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil – These replace dairy butter.
- Non-Dairy Milk – Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk work great.
- Flax or Chia Seeds – Used as an egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flax or chia + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
- Nut Butters – Peanut, almond, or cashew butter add flavor and texture.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Essential for fluffy, chewy cookies.
- Vanilla Extract – A must-have for enhancing flavor.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips – Dairy-free chocolate is perfect for classic cookies.
Now that you’re prepped and ready, let’s dive into some easy vegan cookie recipes!
1. Classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Nothing beats a classic chocolate chip cookie! These vegan cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil or vegan butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before enjoying!
2. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
These peanut butter cookies are naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with peanut butter goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup flour (all-purpose or oat)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, coconut sugar, vanilla, and non-dairy milk.
- Stir in baking soda and flour until well combined.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
3. Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Soft, chewy, and packed with fiber, these oatmeal raisin cookies are a healthier dessert option!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose or oat flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix oats, flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk coconut oil, brown sugar, vanilla, and non-dairy milk.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in raisins.
- Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
- Allow to cool before enjoying.
4. Vegan Snickerdoodles
These cinnamon-sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and absolutely addictive!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ cup vegan butter or coconut oil
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cinnamon + 2 tbsp sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
- In another bowl, beat vegan butter, coconut sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Roll dough into balls and coat with cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool and enjoy!
5. Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies
For chocolate lovers, these rich and fudgy cookies are a dream come true!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup coconut oil or vegan butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and non-dairy milk.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Allow to cool before indulging.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the dough mix evenly.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of chewy.
- Chill the Dough – For best results, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with Add-ins – Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Baking vegan cookies is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With these simple recipes, you can enjoy delicious homemade treats that are completely dairy and egg-free. Whether you’re craving a classic chocolate chip cookie or something a little more unique like snickerdoodles, there’s a recipe here for everyone.
So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and start baking! You won’t even miss the traditional ingredients—these cookies are just that good.
More Delicious Vegan Cookie Recipes
We’ve already covered some of the most popular vegan cookies, but there are still so many more delicious variations to try! Below, you’ll find even more easy vegan cookie recipes, including nutty, fruity, and seasonal options to satisfy every craving.
6. Vegan Almond Butter Cookies
Almond butter adds a rich and nutty flavor to these chewy cookies, making them a delicious alternative to peanut butter cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond butter
- ¾ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup flour (oat or all-purpose)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond butter, coconut sugar, vanilla, and non-dairy milk.
- Stir in baking soda and flour until combined.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and press down slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool and enjoy.
7. Vegan Lemon Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies have a refreshing lemon twist, perfect for spring and summer treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, beat vegan butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add lemon zest, vanilla, and lemon juice, then mix well.
- Stir in flour until dough forms.
- Roll into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
8. Vegan Coconut Macaroons
These naturally sweet coconut macaroons are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup almond flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup non-dairy milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Scoop small mounds onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before enjoying.
9. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These cookies are full of warm fall spices, making them perfect for cozy autumn baking.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
10. Vegan Banana Oat Cookies
These naturally sweet cookies are made with just a few ingredients and are great for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup raisins or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash bananas in a bowl and mix in oats, cinnamon, and raisins.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
11. Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Short on time? These no-bake cookies come together in minutes and require zero oven time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Scoop onto a lined baking sheet and shape into cookies.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
12. Vegan Ginger Molasses Cookies
These soft, spiced cookies are a holiday favorite but delicious any time of year!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and spices.
- In another bowl, mix molasses, coconut sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let cool before enjoying.
Storage Tips for Vegan Cookies
Want to keep your cookies fresh for longer? Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Store in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and enjoy!
Conclusion: Vegan Cookies for Every Occasion
With these easy vegan cookie recipes, you’ll never run out of delicious treats to enjoy. Whether you prefer classic chocolate chip cookies, nutty peanut butter delights, or festive ginger molasses cookies, there’s something here for every craving.
The best part? Vegan baking is incredibly simple and doesn’t require complicated substitutions. You’ll be amazed at how tasty and satisfying these cookies are without any dairy or eggs.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these irresistible vegan cookies!
