I’ll never forget the first time I made vegan chocolate chip cookies for my niece’s birthday party. “No eggs? No dairy?” she asked skeptically, before devouring three in a row. That’s when I knew this recipe was something special. These cookies prove vegan baking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or that perfect chewy-gooey texture we all crave. With just a few simple swaps (hello, flax eggs) and one bowl, you’ll have warm cookies ready faster than you can say “where’d the whole batch go?” Trust me, these disappear fast – whether you’re vegan or just cookie-obsessed like me.
Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These aren’t just any cookies – they’re the kind that make you do a little happy dance when they come out of the oven. Here’s why they’ve become my go-to recipe:
- They come together in under 30 minutes from bowl to baking sheet – perfect for sudden cookie cravings
- The flax egg works magic, giving that perfect chew without any weird aftertaste
- You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now (no specialty store runs needed)
- They satisfy that childhood nostalgia with every bite, just like the classic version – but better for you
Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies – I promise it’s all simple stuff, The magic happens when these basic ingredients come together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing)
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened (I like Earth Balance, but any plant-based butter works)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – press it into the measuring cup for that perfect moisture
- 1/4 cup white sugar – don’t skip this It gives that crisp edge we all love
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water – let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – the good stuff makes a difference
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – fresh is best for maximum rise
- 1/4 tsp salt – balances all that sweetness perfectly
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand melts beautifully)
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples transformed into cookie magic. If you are looking for more sweet treats, check out my no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars recipe.
Equipment You’ll Need
Grab these basic tools – chances are you’ve got them all in your kitchen already Here’s what I always have ready when cookie cravings strike:
- 1 large mixing bowl (my favorite well-loved ceramic one does the trick)
- Baking sheet (no need to grease if you’ve got a good non-stick one)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon for shaping (though fingers work in a pinch)
That’s it No fancy gadgets required – just simple tools for simple, delicious cookies. For other quick recipes, see my guide on last minute dinner recipes.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Alright, let’s get baking These cookies come together so easily – I’ve made this recipe dozens of times (maybe hundreds?), and it never fails me. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfect cookies every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Flax Egg
First things first – let’s make our magical egg substitute In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir it well and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets thick and gloopy – just like a real egg
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Now grab your softened vegan butter (if it’s too hard, microwave it for 5-10 seconds – but not melted), brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix them together until they’re completely combined and look creamy. This is where the magic starts – the mixture should lighten in color slightly and get fluffy. Don’t rush this step – good creaming makes for perfect cookie texture
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. I like to sift mine to avoid any lumps – nothing worse than biting into a pocket of baking soda Once your dry ingredients are well mixed, gradually add them to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until just combined – overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want these babies tender.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you fold in those chocolate chips. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your baking sheet – they’ll spread a bit, so leave some space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet after you take them out – this is the secret to that perfect chewy center Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before transferring (if you can resist).

Tips for Perfect Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
After making countless batches of these cookies (okay, maybe I have a problem), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies – this prevents spreading
- For crispier edges, bake 1-2 minutes longer and let cool completely on the baking sheet
- Always use room temperature vegan butter – too cold won’t cream properly, too warm makes greasy cookies
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt right after baking for that sweet-salty perfection
Trust me – these little tweaks take your cookies from good to “can I have the recipe?” amazing You can find more baking inspiration on my Pinterest page.
Ingredient Substitutions and Notes
Listen, I get it – sometimes you’re halfway through a recipe and realize you’re out of something. No panic Here are my tried-and-true swaps that still deliver amazing cookies:
- Butter substitute: Coconut oil works in a pinch (use refined if you don’t want coconut flavor)
- Flour options: For gluten-free, almond flour works beautifully (use 1:1 ratio)
- Sugar swaps: Coconut sugar gives a caramel-y depth, though cookies may spread more
- No flaxseed? Chia eggs work too (same 1 tbsp ground chia + 3 tbsp water ratio)
Just remember – the original recipe gives that perfect classic texture, but these alternatives still make darn good cookies when needed If you are interested in other baking projects, check out my recipe for fudgy brownies.
Storing and Reheating Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s the best part – these cookies stay delicious for days Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll keep their perfect texture for up to 5 days (if they last that long). For that just-baked warmth, pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds – it’s like magic Want to save some for later? Freeze the dough balls raw or baked cookies in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven when cravings strike.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – we’re eating cookies, not salad But if you’re curious, each of these vegan chocolate chip cookies clocks in at about 120 calories (estimates vary based on your exact ingredients). Here’s the breakdown per cookie:
- 8g sugar (that’s the good stuff)
- 6g fat (mostly from the vegan butter and chocolate)
- 1g protein (who knew cookies could be nutritious?)
Remember, these numbers are estimates – but honestly, when they’re this delicious, who’s counting? For more healthy-ish treats, take a look at my energy boost chocolate muffins recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these vegan chocolate chip cookies over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely, Scoop the dough into balls first, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months – just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, but they adapt beautifully Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (I like 1:1 mixes). The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Usually means your butter was too warm or you skipped chilling the dough. Next time, pop the shaped dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use regular chocolate chips?
Of course But check the label – some contain milk products. For fully vegan cookies, stick with dairy-free chips.
Share Your Experience
Did you make these vegan chocolate chip cookies? I’d love to hear how they turned out, Leave a comment below or snap a photo – nothing makes me happier than seeing your cookie creations. Happy baking.
PrintIrresistible Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Ready in 30 Min
Delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegan butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the flax egg and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Cream the vegan butter and sugars together until smooth.
- Add the flax egg and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the vegan chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For a crispier texture, bake for an extra 2 minutes.
- Use coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
