Few things can rival the comforting aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting from the oven. And the best part? You can enjoy this classic treat without using any animal products. This recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies delivers on taste and texture, proving that delicious baked goods can also be plant-based and incredibly satisfying.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Vegan Baking Bliss
Before we embark on our cookie-making journey, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe calls for pantry staples and a few key substitutes that ensure our cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
Easy Steps to Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Perfection
Now that we have our ingredients prepped and ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible vegan chocolate chip cookies.
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Cream Together the Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft and chewy cookie texture.
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Incorporate the Flax Egg and Vanilla: Add the prepared flax egg (flaxseed meal mixed with water) and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well to combine. The flax egg acts as a binder, replacing traditional eggs, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, resulting in a consistent cookie texture.
Mixing Dry Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Gradual Incorporation: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): For optimal flavor and texture, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thinly while baking.
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Preheat and Prepare: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Portion and Bake: Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough on Baking Sheet
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Success
- Vegan Butter Matters: Use a good-quality vegan butter that is specifically designed for baking. This will ensure the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Flax Egg Consistency: Make sure your flax egg has a gel-like consistency before adding it to the batter. Let it sit for a few minutes after mixing with water.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake, as oven temperatures can vary. Slightly underbaked cookies will result in a softer and chewier texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookie dough for later use.
FAQs About Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the granulated and brown sugars. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the cookies.
What can I use instead of a flax egg?
If you don’t have flaxseed meal, you can use a commercial egg replacer or 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would be delicious additions. Simply fold them in along with the chocolate chips.
My cookies turned out flat. What happened?
This could be due to several factors, such as not chilling the dough long enough, using overly soft vegan butter, or an inaccurate oven temperature. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Enjoy these deliciously easy vegan chocolate chip cookies as a delightful treat any time of day! You might also enjoy these other vegan recipes on Purely Vegan, like our vegan yellow curry recipe or vegan potato and broccoli soup.
