Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our go-to Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe that is super simple to make using Pantry Staples. No chill time required!

Hello friends, hope you are all staying healthy and safe! With Thanksgiving over and the Christmas season just around the corner, we thought to (finally) share our favorite recipe for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Since we are awaiting the first snow of the season this week I think these cookies will go hand in hand with a steaming cup of hot chocolate while looking out the window and decorating our Christmas tree!

So, these Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect, as they only need a couple of pantry ingredients, you may already have at hand!

• coconut oil – use solid coconut oil, not melted. We like to use refined coconut oil for this recipe, as it has a really neutral taste. Unrefined coconut oil will add a hint of a coconut flavor to the cookies. You can replace the solid coconut oil with vegan butter if you like.
• brown sugar – we only use one type of sugar in this recipe, specifically, we used light brown sugar (refined). You may substitute with other types of sugar, but this will result in a different texture of the final cookie.
• vanilla extract – we don’t have a favorite brand, but make sure the vanilla you use is high quality. If you can switch it for vanilla paste, which has an even reacher vanilla taste.
• coconut milk – use the thick coconut milk you can find canned, not the type for drinking.
• apple sauce – This will add some sweetness and also bind the ingredients together. You can substitute it with apple butter or mashed banana (mind you, it will impact the taste of the cookies).
• all-purpose flour – we recommend using unbleached, all-purpose flour, but you could also use spelt flour (the cookies will turn darker and denser).
• baking powder – will help the cookies rise while baking
• salt – salt will enhance the flavors. We always use locally sourced sea salt, but other types of salt will work just as well.
• dark chocolate chips – this is the cherry on top. Make sure to use chocolate, that you enjoy eating. We normally use dark chocolate chips, as they are vegan (Callebaut), but you can use your favorite kind. We like to fold most of the chocolate chips in the dough, and then add more on top when the cookies are baked and still hot.

How to make Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Making these cookies is really easy-peasy! All you need is some pantry staples and one bowl.

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C / 350°F and lining a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Then, in a large bowl whisk together solid coconut oil (make sure that it’s solid, if necessary refrigerate before using), brown sugar, and vanilla extract.

Next, add your coconut milk and apple sauce and whisk again.

Separately, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then sift onto the wet ingredients and fold in to combine.

Now all you need is some chocolate chips! We like to use vegan dark chocolate chips, but feel free to use any kind you have available. Fold most of the chips in the dough, but save some to press into the cookies once they are baked and still hot from the oven!

Once your dough is done, scoop it with a spoon and place onto the lined baking tray, then press each dough ball gently into the tray to form cookies. And don’t forget to leave at least 2 inches of space between cookies, as the dough will spread out while baking.

Place the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 9-10 minutes, until the cookies start to turn golden brown. Do not over bake, or they will dry up. Baking time will depend on your oven, as some ovens run hotter than others (I usually need to lower the temperature of my oven a bit).

When the cookies are baked, set them on a rack to cool, but while they are still hot, press a few additional chocolate chips into the cookies for extra chocolate taste and decoration.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

No, this recipe does not require chilling the dough, so you can simply make the dough and then immediately bake the cookies.

How to store the cookies?

These cookies store really well, and will last for days – that is if you don’t eat them up first! Store on the counter in an air-tight container for up to a week.

Holiday gift idea!

With Christmas approaching, you can also make a few batches of these cookies, box them up and ship them over to your favorite people as a cute and tasty homemade gift! Wrap them up in a natural brown packaging paper or even parchment paper, secure with a natural yarn, and add a lovely message for a unique Christmas gift. 

Alternatively, add dry ingredients to a jar and enclose a handwritten recipe with the package, so the recipient can make these cookies fresh at home as a lovely Christmas holiday activity with the kids!

This recipe is brought to you by Hofer Slovenija.

Find more dessert recipes here.

Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments below or on social media by using #vibrantplate and tag us @vibrantplate. We’re always happy to read your feedback and LOVE seeing your take on our recipes.

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