Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Hey friend, if you’re on the hunt for the ultimate treat that checks all the boxes—delicious, vegan, and gluten-free—then you’ve got to try this Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies have been my go-to whenever I want a cozy, allergy-friendly indulgence without sacrificing flavor or texture. Trust me, once you bake a batch, you’ll never reach for another recipe again!
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Texture: Thanks to the gluten-free flour blend, these cookies have that perfect chewy but tender bite every time.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess: Using vegan butter gives the cookies a rich flavor without any dairy, keeping them moist and soft.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples, making this recipe super approachable for home bakers.
- Customizable Sweetness: Brown sugar provides warmth and depth, but you can easily swap in coconut sugar for a different twist.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s chat about the ingredients that come together in this Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Every single one plays a part to make sure your cookies aren’t just good, but memorable. These staples are easy to find, and I’ll share a few tips to make your shopping a breeze.
- Vegan butter: I’m a big fan of Miyoko’s—its flavor and texture really take these cookies up a notch, and the stick form is easiest to work with.
- Brown sugar: It adds moisture and a lovely caramel hint; I recommend lightly packing it when measuring for the best consistency.
- Pure vanilla extract: It rounds out the flavor beautifully—don’t skip it!
- Non-dairy milk: Soy milk works great here, but feel free to use almond, oat, or whatever you have on hand.
- Gluten-free flour mix: I recently fell in love with Better Batter for its smooth texture and reliable rise in baked goods. Just ensure your mix includes xanthan gum for stability.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies spread perfectly and get a nice crumb.
- Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Vegan chocolate chips: Of course, the star of the show! I like the semi-sweet varieties for that classic cookie taste.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you want to add a little extra crunch or infuse new flavors, these cookies take your personal touch like a charm.
- Add nuts or seeds: I’ve tossed in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture—great for a little nutty surprise.
- Chocolate chip swap: Try dark chocolate chips or even vegan white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Spice it up: A dusting of cinnamon or a pinch of ground cardamom brings warm, cozy vibes.
- Sweetener swap: Using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar adds a slightly different depth; just expect a bit less chewiness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Like a Pro
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—that non-stick layer makes cookie removal a breeze and keeps your sheets clean. In my experience, prepping your pans ahead saves you from scrambling when the dough is ready to go.
Step 2: Cream Your Vegan Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or a handheld mixer), beat the softened vegan butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and creamy—about 2 minutes. You’re aiming for a texture that’s light and holds a little air, which helps the cookies come out with just the right softness.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Non-Dairy Milk
Next, pour in the vanilla extract and non-dairy milk, mixing to combine the flavors and soften the mix. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything merges evenly—you’ll avoid dry pockets in your dough this way.
Step 4: Mix in Your Dry Ingredients
Stop your mixer, then add the gluten-free flour, sprinkling the baking soda and salt right on top. Turn your mixer to low speed and mix until everything is just combined — no overmixing here or the cookies could turn out tough. Then fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Scoop, Space & Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls of about 1 to 2 tablespoons each and roll them lightly between your palms. Place them on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread.
Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown. The centers will look quite soft, but that’s perfect—they’ll firm up as they cool. If you want to, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top right after baking for a delicate salty-sweet kick.
Step 6: Cool & Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, which helps them set up and makes moving them less messy. Then transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. I usually sneak one or two warm—I won’t lie! But they taste amazing at any stage.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Use Quality Gluten-Free Flour: I can’t stress enough how Better Batter makes a smoother cookie—less gritty and more tender than other mixes.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies—especially important when gluten-free baking.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Slightly underbaking (edges light golden) keeps the centers soft and chewy as they cool.
- Salt Finish: Sprinkling coarse sea salt after baking creates a lovely contrast that brings out the sweetness and chocolate flavor.
How to Serve Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple—just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate chips pressed gently into the warm cookies makes them look extra special when guests come over.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy—you name it). For parties, I’ve served them alongside vegan vanilla ice cream or even a fresh fruit salad to balance sweet and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or holiday gatherings, I like stacking the cookies with layers of vegan chocolate ganache or frosting in between like a cookie cake. You can also package them in cute tins with parchment paper squares for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of apple or a damp paper towel in the container—they absorb excess dryness nicely.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! After baking, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for whenever a sweet craving hits.
Reheating
When you want that fresh-baked feel, pop frozen cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out, and if you like, toss in a few extra chocolate chips before reheating for gooey pockets.
FAQs
-
Can I make these cookies nut-free as well as gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally nut-free as long as you use nut-free gluten-free flour and check that your vegan chocolate chips don’t contain any nut traces. It’s always a smart practice to verify all ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.
-
What’s the best way to soften vegan butter if I forget to take it out of the fridge?
No worries! I gently microwave the wrapped vegan butter in 5-second bursts until it’s just soft but not melted. Alternatively, cut it into small cubes and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes—it softens pretty quickly that way.
-
Can I substitute coconut oil for vegan butter?
You can, but the texture will be a bit different. Coconut oil tends to make cookies spread more and be a little crisper. For softer, fluffier cookies like these, I recommend sticking with vegan butter.
-
Do these cookies freeze well before baking?
Yes! Scoop the raw dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready, bake without thawing, just add a minute or two extra baking time.
-
What’s the secret to chewy vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies?
The combination of rich vegan butter, brown sugar, and careful baking times makes all the difference. Using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum also helps capture moisture and give that chewy texture we all crave.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has been a little kitchen hero for me. It’s one of those recipes I turn to whenever I want something that tastes indulgent but fits my lifestyle and my loved ones’ needs. I hope you give it a whirl and that it becomes a comfort food staple in your house too. Happy baking, friend—you’re going to nail these!
Print
Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with dairy-free chocolate chips. Made with vegan butter and a high-quality gluten free flour mix, they are perfect for those with dietary restrictions looking for a classic treat without compromise.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (soy milk recommended)
- 1 3/4 cups gluten free flour mix (Better Batter recommended)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream Vegan Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat the softened vegan butter and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Vanilla and Non-Dairy Milk: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and non-dairy milk until fully combined, scraping the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stop the mixer, add the gluten free flour, then sprinkle baking soda and salt on top. Turn the mixer on low speed and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the vegan chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion 1-2 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 minutes until the edges are barely golden brown. The cookies will look soft but will firm up as they cool. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sea salt immediately after baking.
- Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious vegan gluten free chocolate chip cookies!
Notes
- Use stick-type vegan butter such as Miyoko’s for best taste and texture. Avoid container style butter.
- Brown sugar provides the best flavor, but coconut sugar can be substituted for a different sweetness profile.
- Choose a quality gluten free flour mix that contains xanthan gum to avoid gritty texture. Better Batter is highly recommended for its smooth consistency.
- If desired, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking for a nice sweet-salty balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
