Few things satisfy a sweet craving quite like a warm, gooey peanut butter chocolate cookie. But what if you’re following a vegan lifestyle? Don’t worry, these Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies will quickly become your new favorite treat! This recipe delivers all the flavor and texture of the classic cookie but with a plant-based twist. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these irresistible treats!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious vegan peanut butter chocolate cookies, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
A neatly arranged collection of ingredients for vegan peanut butter chocolate cookies on a wooden table.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to help you bake the perfect batch of vegan peanut butter chocolate cookies:
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Preheat and prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
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Cream together wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Pro Tip: Make sure your vegan butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaminess. This will ensure it incorporates evenly into the dough.
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Add peanut butter and flax egg: Gently incorporate the peanut butter and vanilla extract into the creamed sugar mixture. Then, add your prepared flax egg (flaxseed meal mixed with water) and mix until well combined.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix the dough.
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Fold in chocolate chips: Fold in your vegan chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Close-up view of vegan peanut butter chocolate cookie dough being scooped onto a baking sheet.
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Shape and bake: Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or a spoon. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
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Bake to perfection: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.
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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. Once cool, serve these chewy and delicious vegan peanut butter chocolate cookies with a cold glass of plant-based milk!
FAQs about Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the cookies may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of a flax egg?
If you don’t have flaxseed meal on hand, you can substitute the flax egg with a “chia egg” (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store your vegan peanut butter chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What are some fun variations on this recipe?
Get creative! You can add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor profile of your cookies.
Conclusion
These vegan peanut butter chocolate cookies are a testament to the fact that indulging can be both delicious and compassionate. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these plant-based treats that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of baking and savor the incredible flavors!
