Author: These are hands down the best vegan chocolate chip cookies you will ever make! Crispy on the outside, ultra-chewy in the middle, and loaded with melty chocolate-they taste just like classic cookies, but completely egg-free and dairy-free. No one will believe they're vegan! This easy one-bowl recipe comes together with just 10 pantry-friendly ingredients and a secret trick for the chewiest cookies ever. 🍪
FEATURED COMMENT:
These are the best vegan chocolate chip cookies I have ever made. Wait, they're the best ever chocolate chip cookies, bar none, and I've been baking for over 50 years. You're a genius. - Lisa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chocolate chip cookies were the first recipe I ever veganized! I've been writing vegan recipes for over 9 years, and while I still love my original recipe (find it on page 161 of Fuss-Free Vegan), I've learned some new tricks along the way. This version is my best one yet, and one of my tips might sound a little weird-but trust me, it works! Enjoy these cookies still warm out of the oven with a glass of cold almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or your favorite plant-based milk.
Why You'll Love These Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
✔ Easy & quick - One bowl, no chilling required!
✔ Perfect texture - Crispy edges, soft and chewy centers.
✔ 10 simple ingredients - No hard-to-find substitutes.
✔ Better than classic cookies - Seriously, they're that good!
✔ Dairy-free & egg-free - Perfect for plant-based eaters and allergies.
The Secret to Perfect Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are already foolproof, but a few key tricks make them even better:
1️⃣ Chop Your Own Chocolate
Vegan chocolate chips work fine, but chopped dark chocolate melts into big, gooey pools of chocolate for the best texture. Use a dairy-free dark chocolate bar and chop it into uneven chocolate chunks for the best chocolate flavor and melty perfection.
2️⃣ Add a Splash of Vinegar
Sounds weird, right? A touch of apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda, making the cookies extra chewy. You won't taste it, but your cookies will have that perfect soft bite.
3️⃣ Applesauce = The Perfect Egg Replacement
Applesauce is the secret to moist, chewy cookies! It outperforms flax eggs by binding the dough perfectly and adding a subtle sweetness. Say goodbye to dry cookies-applesauce makes all the difference!
How to make the best vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe ever!!!!
- Preheat your oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, white sugar, vegan butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the dry ingredients: Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, then use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well. Lastly, fold in the chocolate to the mixture.
- Scoop the dough: Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough (I used a cookie scoop) and place the ball of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat, leaving space for spreading, making about 18 cookies. Do not flatten the cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan. They will be puffy at first but will flatten as they cool. The texture will get chewier over time and will become super chewy if left uncovered overnight at room temperature.
Storage: Once cooled, store these cookies at room temperature, uncovered, on a plate or in a cookie jar. They also freeze beautifully-just place them in an airtight container in the freezer for later!
These cookies are:
- Easy to make
- 1 bowl, 10 ingredients
- Crispy on the outside, chewy in the middle
- The perfect cookie
More Delicious Vegan Cookie Recipes:
- Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Easy Chewy Vegan Molasses Cookies
- Vegan Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies
- Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Servings: cookies
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter, melted ( I used Earth Balance)
- ¼ cup applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, (trust me on this)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz chopped vegan chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, white sugar, vegan butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add the dry ingredients: Add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, then use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well. Lastly, stir in the chocolate.
- Scoop the dough: Take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough (I used a cookie scoop) and place the ball of dough on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat, leaving space for spreading, making about 18 cookies. Do not flatten the cookies.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown.Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the pan. They will be puffy at first but will flatten as they cool. The texture will get chewier over time and will become super chewy if left uncovered overnight at room temperature.
Lori Hobgood says
Best chocolate cookies Ever!!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! We love that!
Betsy says
This is without a doubt, the best chocolate chip cookie recipe I have ever had, vegan or otherwise! I have given this recipe to my daughter and my sister and they both are as addicted to them as I am! Thank you so much for changing our lives for the better!!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Woohoo!! That makes me so happy!! Thank you so much Betsy!!
Betsy says
Thank you for your fabulous recipes!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
You're most welcome 🙂
Shai says
I looooove these. I've made them several times usually ever few weeks and they turn out perfect everytime. I always use the vegan Cadbury chocolate bars but I also usually only use one bar per batch since they are expensive and I like my chocolate chip cookies light on the chocolate.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So thrilled you love them so much Shai!! Thank you for the wonderful review 🙂
Marie says
Delicious but dry. Had more of a scone texture. Also, they did not spread and stayed round balls.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Marie, 'm so glad you enjoyed the cookies! It sounds like the dough may have needed a bit more moisture, or there could have been too much dry ingredient. Did you happen to adjust the measurements or make any substitutions? If you find the dough too dry, you can try adding a little more liquid (like plant-based milk) next time to help with the texture. Also, if the dough is too thick, it can prevent the cookies from spreading. I hope that helps!
Ruthanne says
Mine did the opposite, they flattened and are very thin. That was after refrigerating the dough for 4 hours. The flavor is good though
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Ruthanne, I’m glad you enjoyed the flavor! I'm wondering if you used Earth Balance Buttery Spread Original for this recipe, or did you perhaps use a different vegan butter? Different brands can react quite differently. I hope that helps!
Jules says
mine also flattened, I wonder if I needed to add more flour. one time I made these I believe I added more flour and they came out like the picture but I don't remember how much more I put in
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Jules, sorry to hear they flattened too much! That can happen if the melted vegan butter was too warm, if a bit too little flour was used, or if the dough was too warm going into the oven. Next time, try letting the butter cool a bit before mixing, double-check your flour measurement, and pop the dough in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before baking. Hope that helps! 😊
Michelle says
Wow! These are simply delicious. I’ve made them several time and each time they are perfection. My usual is simple chocolate chips but I’ve also added nuts but my favourite addition is vegan marshmallows for a s’mores cookie!
I’m currently baking a double batch for a bbq I’m going to this afternoon but I’m afraid they might not make it 😉. I have to keep fighting of my hubbys quick hands.
Fantastic recipe Sam.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha, that's so great Michelle!! So thrilled you love them so much (and your husband does too)! Enjoy the bbq! 🙂
Joanne Montana says
This is our go-to for all things chocolate chip as we have never had such a delightful easy recipe that makes the chewiest cookies ever. I tossed all my other vegan chocolate chip recipes and will use no other ever again. The size, the flavor, the texture are better than any recipe I've ever tried and I've tried many, being vegan since 2008. Love these cookies! Can you tell?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww melt my vegan heart! Thank you for the wonderful review Joanne!! 🙂
Diane says
This the note I left for myself after I made these the first time: “THIS is a Great recipe! I used 1/2 gf baking flour, 1/2 chickpea flower, a dab of vegan “egg” and added walnuts. Cooked a little longer than it said. Parchment paper on stainless was fine.”
And today, I made them again, using vegan white chocolate chips (regular chocolate gives me headaches).
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Amazing! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Joanne says
Where do you get your vegan white chocolate chips? I only found one and it lacked that creamy buttery flavor I miss. juts like white sugar drops.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Jumping in here, I haven't tried them myself but I generally like most products from this brand. I hope that helps!
Joanne Montana says
Sam, I see that they are offered in Canada (the white chocolate chips...vegan) but sadly, not US. I don't want to guess on the others. Le bummer. Thank you though, for the referral.
Ally McG says
These are the only Chocolate Chip Cookies I make now. Fabulous
Courtney Moses says
These really are the best chocolate chip cookies, vegan or not! They are my go-to if I need a quick dessert to bring to a gathering. Easy to make and so delish with the perfect chewiness!
Jacqui says
my non vegan grandson is spending the summer with us. have tried several different recipes for cookies but he said these are the best cookies he's ever had - vegan or not!
Justine Nemeth says
My husband says these are the best chocolate cookies I’ve ever made!
Tori says
These turned out ABSOLUTELY delicious! Will be making these again soon!
Dillan’s Mom says
Easy recipe but followed instructions exactly and cookies came out tasty but too flat. Will try out another recipe that will yield better results.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We're sorry they didn't turn out! Flat cookies are sometimes a result of expired baking soda or too much butter. In this recipe, they also need to be rolled into neat balls so they won't spread too much when baking.
Cynthia says
Can these be made with gluten free flour?
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
It hasn't been tested but we believe they could work well with a 1:1 gluten free flour.
Mary Gordon says
Just jumping in here to say I did make them with gluten free flour and it turned out pretty good!! ❤️
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
yay! So happy to hear that, thanks for the update Mary!
Tammi says
these are so good I browned the vegan butter first and then added a touch more flour until it was a slightly sticky consistency and all I can say is *chefs kiss* thank you for this I love the recipe!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Beautiful! Sounds delish!
Jenny says
These are the best vegan chocolate chip cookies ever! Thank you so much for a fantastic recipe. I substituted the apple sauce for a flax egg and they still were perfect. My whole family agrees that these are fab!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yay! We love that! Thanks for your review, Jenny!
Brenda Pitts says
can you make these with gluten free flour? My mom has alphagal and gluten allergies. I was wondering if I could make these for her for a tasty treat.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Other readers have had success with a 1:1 gluten free all purpose flour.
Moneva says
Loved it! Great recipe! I used mashed banana, because in Greece where I am at this time, there is no applesauce to be had. Apples do not grow well in most of Greece (too hot, no winter).
I used a ripe banana instead, and it turned out very well.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Keith says
I make these regularly and the chewiness is always a big hit. Sometimes I substitute milk chocolate chips, chopped craisins and a bit of shredded coconut for the dark chocolate.
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yummy! Thanks for sharing your tips!
Тереза Маджарова says
Hello, Sam! I just found your site yesterday night when I looked about vegan chocolate cookies recipes. And this morning tried your recipe. I could say is the best ine I ever found and made! They are just perfect! Exactly what I had looking for! Thank you endlessly! I stay your fan!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
We are delighted to hear it!
Val says
Oh my gosh!!! we Added a 1/2 cup of walnuts to the recipe and enjoyed these for days! They stayed soft (which no other vegan cookies I have made have donte that!) This doesn't surprise me that this recipe comes from Sam -- she is a genius. I did question you though when I saw how greasy the dough was and I actually said out said to my husband .....this is going to be a disaster, but I am going to trust Sam -- and boom! Life changing cookies for my Vegan son!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Fantastic! Glad it all worked out!
Colleen McCoy says
Hi Sam, do you think I could sub oil for the vegan butter?
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
It should work though you may need to cut the oil down a little bit or they'll end up spreading quite a lot.
Lisa says
Can't believe I've just found this recipe! These are the best vegan chocolate chip cookies I have ever made. Wait, they're the best ever chocolate chip cookies, bar none, and I've been baking for over 50 years. You're a genius.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Amazing!! Thank you so much Lisa!!! I'm so glad you love my recipe so much 🙂