Our Best Vegan Cookie Recipes

February 12, 2025

Looking for tasty vegan cookie recipes? You’re in luck!

Vegan cookies can be just as delicious as traditional ones. With a few simple swaps, you can create sweet treats everyone will enjoy.

These vegan cookie recipes use plant-based ingredients like non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and egg replacers to make cookies that are free from animal products.

You’ll find options for classic flavors like chocolate chip and peanut butter, as well as creative twists.

Whether you follow a vegan diet or just want to try something new, these recipes offer yummy cookie choices for all.

1. Chewy Chocolate Chip Vegan Cookies

Chewy chocolate chip vegan cookies are a classic treat you can enjoy without animal products.

These cookies use simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and plant-based butter.

You don’t need egg replacers or unusual additives. The cookies turn out soft and delicious with basic pantry staples.

For the best texture, try adding a bit of cornstarch to your dough. This helps make the cookies extra soft and chewy.

Use vegan chocolate chips or chop up a dairy-free chocolate bar for chunks. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

2. Classic Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

You can’t go wrong with these timeless treats. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor.

To make them, you’ll need vegan butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Mix these with flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.

Fold in oats and raisins for that classic texture and taste. The dough will be thick, but don’t worry – that’s normal.

Bake until golden brown. Let them cool before eating. You’ll love how these vegan cookies taste just like the ones you remember from childhood.

3. Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Vegan peanut butter blossoms are a tasty twist on a classic holiday cookie. These treats feature a soft peanut butter cookie base topped with a chocolatey kiss.

To make them, you’ll cream together vegan butter, sugar, and peanut butter. Then mix in the dry ingredients to form a dough.

Roll the dough into balls and coat them in sugar before baking.

Once the cookies are almost done, press a vegan chocolate kiss or dollop of ganache into the center. This creates the signature “blossom” look.

These cookies are perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving. You can make about 20-24 cookies per batch. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

4. Double Chocolate Vegan Cookies

These cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream. They’re soft, gooey, and packed with rich chocolate flavor.

You can make them in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients. The recipe uses vegan dark chocolate chips, but you can also use chopped chocolate bars.

For extra texture, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. You can adjust the sweetness by using milk chocolate chips instead of dark.

To bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (170°C). Roll the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet. Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.

5. Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookies

Vegan snickerdoodles are a delicious twist on the classic cinnamon-sugar cookie. You can make these soft and puffy treats with simple ingredients like vegan butter and ground flaxseed.

To prepare them, mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another. Combine them to form a dough, then roll it into balls.

Coat each ball in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.

These cookies bake up with crispy edges and fluffy centers. You can use either white sugar or coconut sugar, though white sugar gives slightly crispier results.

For best results, chill the dough before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies thick and chewy.

6. Vegan Lemon Sugar Cookies

Vegan lemon sugar cookies are a zesty twist on a classic treat. These cookies pack a punch of citrus flavor using both lemon zest and juice.

To make them, you’ll need vegan butter, sugar, flour, and fresh lemons. Mix the ingredients to form a dough, then roll it into balls and coat with sugar.

Bake the cookies until the edges start to brown slightly. For extra lemon flavor, you can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

These cookies turn out soft and chewy with a bright, tangy taste. They’re perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing sweet treat.

7. Almond Butter Vegan Cookies

Almond butter vegan cookies are a tasty treat you can easily make at home. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with almond flavor.

You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up these cookies. Almond butter, flour, and a sweetener are the main components.

Some recipes call for just 3 or 4 ingredients total. This makes them quick to prepare when you’re craving a sweet snack.

These cookies are often gluten-free and oil-free. They can also be made without refined sugar by using dates or maple syrup instead.

For extra indulgence, try topping your almond butter cookies with melted vegan chocolate. This adds a delicious finishing touch.

8. Vegan Salted Caramel Cookies

Vegan salted caramel cookies offer a sweet and salty treat without animal products. These cookies combine a soft, buttery base with rich caramel flavor.

To make them, mix vegan butter with sugar, then add plant-based milk and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt separately before mixing everything together.

Shape the dough into balls and bake at 400°F. Once cooled, top with vegan caramel sauce and a sprinkle of salt.

You can enjoy these cookies on their own or use them to make a skillet cookie dessert. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or satisfying your own sweet tooth.

9. Ginger Molasses Vegan Cookies

Ginger molasses cookies are a classic treat you can enjoy as a vegan. These cookies have a rich, warm flavor from ginger and molasses.

You’ll need vegan butter, sugar, molasses, and spices like cinnamon and ginger. Mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine them.

Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F. The cookies will come out soft and chewy.

For extra spice, add more ginger or some crystallized ginger pieces to the dough. You can also top the cookies with a simple sugar glaze if you like.

10. Vegan Thumbprint Jam Cookies

Vegan thumbprint cookies are a classic treat you can easily make at home. These soft, buttery cookies have a sweet jam center that adds a burst of flavor.

To make them, you’ll need almond flour, almond milk, and your favorite jam. Mix the ingredients to form a dough, then roll it into balls.

Press your thumb into each ball to create a well for the jam.

Fill each cookie with a spoonful of jam before baking. You can use raspberry, blueberry, or any jam you like. Bake the cookies until they’re lightly golden around the edges.

These cookies are gluten-free and low in carbs. They’re perfect for holiday baking or anytime you want a sweet treat. Your non-vegan friends will love them too!

11. Soft-Baked Vegan Pumpkin Cookies

Soft-baked vegan pumpkin cookies are a tasty fall treat. They’re easy to make and full of warm spices.

To create these cookies, you’ll mix pumpkin puree with plant-based butter and sugar.

Add flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice to form a soft dough. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies will be soft and cake-like when done.

For extra flavor, top your cookies with a simple maple glaze. Mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of non-dairy milk. Drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies for a sweet finish.

These pumpkin cookies freeze well, so you can enjoy them all season long. Just store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

12. Vegan Matcha Green Tea Cookies

Matcha green tea cookies are a tasty twist on classic sugar cookies. They have a subtle yet distinctive flavor from the matcha powder. The cookies turn out a beautiful pale green color.

You can make these cookies soft and chewy or slightly crisp around the edges. Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness that pairs well with the earthy matcha taste.

The recipe is simple to follow. Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them.

Roll the dough into balls and bake until set.

For variety, try adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dark chocolate chips to the dough. You can also top the cookies with a vegan frosting for an extra special treat.

13. Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Cookies

Vegan no-bake chocolate cookies are a quick and easy treat you can make without an oven. They’re perfect for hot summer days or when you want cookies fast.

To make these cookies, you’ll need sugar, cocoa powder, vegan butter, plant-based milk, and oats. Some recipes also include peanut butter for extra flavor.

Mix the sugar, cocoa, vegan butter, and milk in a pot. Heat until boiling, then remove from heat. Stir in oats and any other ingredients.

Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Let them cool and set for about 30 minutes. You’ll have delicious, fudgy cookies without turning on your oven.

These cookies are rich, chocolatey, and satisfying. They’re a great option for a quick vegan dessert or snack.

14. Vanilla Bean Vegan Shortbread Cookies

Vanilla bean vegan shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that’s easy to make. You’ll love their buttery texture and rich vanilla flavor.

To make these cookies, you’ll need vegan butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla bean powder. Mix the ingredients to form a dough, then roll it out and cut into shapes.

Bake the cookies until they’re lightly golden on the bottom. They’ll have a pale color overall, which is perfect for shortbread.

These cookies are great on their own or with a cup of tea. You can also add sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for extra fun.

15. Vegan Cranberry Orange Cookies

These cookies blend zesty orange with tart cranberries for a festive treat. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing during the holidays.

To make them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix ground flaxseed with water as an egg replacement. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.

Fold in dried cranberries and orange zest. Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before enjoying. These vegan cranberry orange cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

16. Vegan Raspberry Linzer Cookies

Vegan Linzer cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These elegant cookies are made with a shortbread-like dough and filled with raspberry jam.

To make them, you’ll need flour, sugar, ground almonds, and vegan butter for the dough. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the butter to form a crumbly texture.

Roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters. Bake until lightly golden, then let them cool completely.

Spread raspberry jam on the bottom cookies and sandwich them with the top cookies. Dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

These vegan Linzer cookies are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

17. Vegan Chai Spice Cookies

These cookies blend the warm flavors of chai with a classic vegan cookie recipe. You’ll love the mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger in every bite.

To make them, start by creating flax eggs as an egg substitute. Mix ground flaxseed with water and let it thicken for 15 minutes.

Next, cream together vegan butter and sugar. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and your chai spice blend.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients, then shape the dough into balls. Bake at 350°F for about 16-18 minutes until golden brown.

These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with cozy chai spices. They’re perfect for fall baking or anytime you want a comforting treat.

18. Vegan Banana Bread Cookies

Vegan banana bread cookies combine the best of both worlds – cookies and banana bread. These treats are soft, chewy, and full of banana flavor.

To make them, you’ll need overripe bananas, vegan butter, sugar, flour, and baking powder.

Mash the bananas well and mix with the other ingredients to form a dough.

Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden brown. The cookies will have a fluffy texture similar to banana bread.

You can customize these cookies by adding vegan chocolate chips or nuts. They’re perfect for using up those spotty bananas on your counter.

The Benefits of Vegan Cookies

Vegan cookies offer health perks and help the planet. They’re tasty treats that can fit into many diets and lifestyles.

Health Advantages

Vegan cookies skip animal products like eggs and dairy. This means they’re often lower in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Many recipes use whole grains, nuts, and seeds. These add fiber, protein, and healthy fats to your snack.

Some vegan cookies have less sugar than regular ones. They might use natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup instead. This can be good for your blood sugar levels.

Vegan cookies are great for people with milk or egg allergies. They’re also safe for those who can’t have dairy. Plus, they fit into plant-based diets that many doctors say are good for you.

Environmental Impact

Choosing vegan cookies can help the Earth. They don’t use animal products, so they need less land and water to make. This means they have a smaller carbon footprint than regular cookies.

Vegan cookies often use plant-based ingredients that are easier on the environment. For example, oat milk uses less water than cow’s milk. Almond flour takes less space to grow than wheat for white flour.

By picking vegan cookies, you support more eco-friendly farming. This can lead to less pollution and better land use. It’s a small step that adds up when lots of people do it.

Key Ingredients in Vegan Cookies

Vegan cookies use plant-based ingredients to replace traditional dairy and egg products. These swaps create treats that are just as tasty as their non-vegan counterparts. Let’s look at some key ingredients that make vegan cookies possible.

Plant-Based Sweeteners

Sugar is a big part of most cookies. For vegan options, you can use regular white sugar, brown sugar, or raw sugar. Some vegans avoid white sugar because it may be processed with bone char.

In that case, opt for organic sugar or alternatives like:

  • Maple syrup
  • Agave nectar
  • Coconut sugar
  • Date sugar

These sweeteners add flavor and help cookies brown. They also keep your treats moist. When using liquid sweeteners, you may need to adjust other liquids in the recipe.

Egg Replacements

Eggs bind ingredients and add moisture to cookies. In vegan baking, you have many options to replace eggs:

  • Ground flaxseed mixed with water
  • Mashed banana
  • Applesauce
  • Commercial egg replacers

Each option works differently. Flax eggs are great for binding. Banana and applesauce add moisture and flavor. Try different replacers to find what works best for your recipe.

Dairy-Free Alternatives

Milk and butter are common in cookie recipes. For vegan versions, you can use:

Milk substitutes:

  • Almond milk
  • Soy milk
  • Oat milk
  • Coconut milk

Butter alternatives:

  • Coconut oil
  • Vegan margarine
  • Nut butters

Choose alternatives based on the flavor you want.

Coconut oil makes crispy cookies. Nut butters add richness.

Non-dairy milks work well in most recipes without changing the taste too much.