Can Vegan People Have Cookies? A Delicious Guide to Plant-Based Treats

October 8, 2025 •

5 min read

According to VegNews, over 20 popular store-bought cookies are "accidentally vegan," making sweet treats surprisingly accessible for those on a plant-based diet. The often-debated question, can vegan people have cookies?, has a simple and delicious answer rooted in smart ingredient swaps and careful label-reading.

Quick Summary

This guide explains how traditional animal-based ingredients like butter and eggs can be replaced with plant-based alternatives. It covers common non-vegan culprits, details ingredient substitutions for baking, and identifies popular store-bought brands that are surprisingly vegan-friendly, proving that cookies are still on the menu.

Key Points

Vegan cookies exist: Vegan people can enjoy cookies by choosing plant-based or accidentally vegan store-bought options or by baking their own using alternative ingredients.
Avoid key animal products: Traditional cookies are not vegan because they contain animal-derived ingredients like butter, milk, eggs, honey, and some additives.
Substitutions are easy: Common baking ingredients like eggs and butter can be easily replaced with plant-based alternatives such as flax eggs, applesauce, vegan butter sticks, and various plant milks.
Master label-reading: To find store-bought vegan cookies, look for clear vegan labels, check the allergen list for milk and eggs, and read the full ingredients carefully.
Accidentally vegan options are plentiful: Many popular brands, including most Oreo varieties, Nutter Butters, and Biscoff, are surprisingly free of animal products and suitable for vegans.
Consider ethical sourcing: Some vegans also take into account sourcing for ingredients like palm oil or refined sugar, which may involve ethical concerns during their production.
Homemade is a great option: Baking your own allows full control over ingredients and lets you experiment with different textures and flavors using vegan substitutes.

For many, the idea of a vegan diet brings to mind a life without comfort foods like warm, chewy cookies. However, this assumption is far from the truth. With a little knowledge of ingredients and an adventurous palate, vegan people can not only enjoy cookies but also discover a vibrant world of plant-based baking. The key lies in understanding which common cookie ingredients are derived from animals and exploring the myriad of plant-based alternatives available.

What Makes a Cookie Non-Vegan?

Traditional cookie recipes rely on several animal-derived ingredients for their texture, flavor, and structure. The most common culprits include:

Butter and Dairy: Most standard cookies contain butter, a dairy product, or other milk derivatives like whey, casein, or milk powder. These are not suitable for a vegan diet.
Eggs: As a primary binding and leavening agent, eggs are a staple in many recipes. Eggs, including egg whites (albumen), are animal products and must be replaced.
Honey: While often perceived as a natural sweetener, honey is produced by bees and is therefore avoided by most vegans.
Lard: Rendered animal fat, lard, can be found in some baked goods, especially traditional recipes.
Gelatin: Made from animal connective tissues, gelatin is used as a gelling agent in certain fillings or candies.
Additives and Colorings: Some seemingly harmless additives, such as the red coloring carmine (E120) derived from insects, or L-cysteine (E920/E921), which can come from feathers or hair, are not vegan.

The Ethical Ambiguity of Processed Ingredients

Some ingredients, though technically plant-based, are viewed with caution by certain vegans due to how they are processed or sourced.

Sugar: In the U.S., some refined white sugar is processed using bone char, a charcoal from animal bones, to achieve its white color. While no bone particles remain, some vegans avoid such sugar. Organic sugar is a safer bet.
Palm Oil: This vegetable oil is a frequent ingredient in many processed cookies. However, its production is heavily linked to deforestation and habitat loss, particularly impacting wildlife like orangutans, leading some vegans to avoid it on ethical and environmental grounds.

Mastering the Art of Vegan Baking

For homemade treats, replacing animal products is surprisingly simple, thanks to a wide array of plant-based alternatives that mimic the function of their traditional counterparts.

Essential Vegan Substitutions

Egg Replacers: For binding, a "flax egg" (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or "chia egg" works wonders, creating a gel-like consistency. For leavening and texture, options include applesauce, mashed banana, silken tofu, or a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped like egg whites for lighter textures.
Butter Replacements: Vegan butter sticks are a direct substitute, but melted coconut oil, vegetable shortening, or nut butters can also be used depending on the recipe. Applesauce can also add moisture and reduce fat.
Milk Alternatives: Almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk can replace dairy milk. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile and texture.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave syrup, and date paste are popular vegan alternatives to honey.
Chocolate: For chocolate chips or chunks, ensure you are buying a product labeled as vegan, as milk solids can be hidden in many brands. Enjoy Life is a popular vegan brand.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cookies

Chill the Dough: Many vegan cookie recipes benefit from chilling the dough. This solidifies the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and resulting in a chewier, more consistent texture.
Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
Adjust Baking Time: Plant-based ingredients can react differently, so watch your cookies carefully and adjust baking time as needed.

Spotting Store-Bought Vegan Cookies

For those who prefer a ready-made treat, finding vegan cookies at the grocery store is easier than ever. With the rise of plant-based diets, many brands now clearly label their vegan products. However, you can also uncover "accidentally vegan" options by checking a few key things.

How to Check if Cookies are Vegan

Look for Labels: The most straightforward method is to look for a vegan certification logo or a "suitable for vegans" label on the packaging.
Scan the Allergen List: Check the allergen information for milk or eggs, which are usually highlighted in bold. This is a quick way to rule out many products.
Read the Ingredient List: Always scan the full ingredient list for hidden animal-derived ingredients like whey, casein, or honey. Be aware of ingredients with multiple sources, such as lactic acid or certain emulsifiers, and contact the manufacturer if unsure.
Consider Cross-Contamination: A "may contain milk" warning indicates the product was made on shared equipment. This is typically an allergy warning, and whether to consume is a personal choice.

Famous Accidentally Vegan Cookies

Many cookies you might already know and love are vegan by coincidence. The most famous example is the classic Oreo, which famously uses no milk in its filling. Other examples include many varieties of Nutter Butters, Biscoff cookies, Fig Newtons, and certain Girl Scout cookies.

Comparison Table: Traditional vs. Vegan Cookie Ingredients


Traditional Ingredient	Vegan Alternative(s)	Function in Baking	Best For...
Egg	Flax/Chia Seed Egg	Binding, Moisture	Chewy cookies, quick breads
Egg	Aquafaba	Leavening, Binding	Meringues, macaroons, light batters
Butter	Vegan Butter Stick	Flavor, Texture	Cookies, crusts, any recipe needing solid fat
Butter	Coconut Oil	Flavor, Texture	Chewier cookies, nutty flavor
Dairy Milk	Almond, Soy, Oat Milk	Moisture	Any cookie recipe calling for milk
Honey	Maple Syrup, Agave Syrup	Sweetener	Any recipe needing a liquid sweetener
Gelatin	Agar-Agar	Gelling Agent	Jam tarts, fruit-filled cookies
Chocolate Chips	Vegan Chocolate Chips	Flavor, Texture	Chocolate chip cookies

Conclusion

The idea that a vegan diet restricts you from enjoying delicious treats is a misconception. From baking your own decadent chocolate chip cookies using flax eggs and vegan butter to enjoying a classic store-bought Oreo, the options are plentiful and accessible. By understanding the key non-vegan ingredients and familiarizing yourself with the many excellent plant-based alternatives, you can confidently navigate the world of cookies. The next time you're craving a sweet bite, you can be sure that a delicious, vegan-friendly cookie is well within your reach.

For more vegan baking inspiration, you can explore detailed recipes from vegan baking blogs, such as those at The Chestnut Bakery, which offer tips for perfecting your plant-based treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the classic Oreos and many other varieties are considered 'accidentally vegan' because they do not contain milk, some special editions, like the fudge-coated or Cakester varieties, contain milk and are not vegan. Always check the packaging for specific varieties.

For binding in cookies, a 'flax egg' (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) is an excellent vegan substitute. Mashed banana or applesauce can also be used for moisture, while aquafaba can be used to add lightness to certain batters.

Yes, coconut oil is a common vegan substitute for butter. It works well, especially for chewy cookies, but keep in mind it can impart a mild coconut flavor. You can also use vegan butter sticks or vegetable shortening for a more neutral taste.

To check if store-bought cookies are vegan, look for a 'Suitable for Vegans' label, scan the allergen list for milk and eggs, and carefully read the ingredient list for animal-derived products like whey, casein, or honey.

This warning indicates that the product was manufactured in a facility or on equipment that also handles milk. It is primarily an allergy warning, not a declaration of ingredients. For many vegans, especially those without a severe allergy, this is acceptable, but it is ultimately a personal choice.

Not all sugar is vegan. In some regions, particularly the U.S., refined white sugar may be processed using bone char. To ensure your sugar is vegan, look for organic or beet sugar, as these are typically not processed with bone char.

Chilling the dough is often recommended for vegan cookies. It helps the plant-based fats solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and results in a better, chewier texture.