Popular Vegan Cookie Types
For those adopting a plant-based diet, a common question is which classic treats are still on the table. The great news is that almost any cookie can be made vegan with a few smart ingredient swaps. From scratch-made delights to conveniently packaged options, the vegan cookie world is expansive and delicious.
Homemade Classics
Baking your own vegan cookies gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to perfect your favorite classic flavors. With a little experimentation, you can recreate any traditional recipe using plant-based alternatives.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A fan-favorite, this classic is easily veganized by using a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil and plant-based milk. Vegan chocolate chips are widely available, or you can chop a solid bar of vegan dark chocolate.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Hearty and wholesome, these cookies are a great vehicle for flax eggs or applesauce as a binder. Ensure your recipe uses vegan butter and check that your brown sugar is processed without bone char.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: These naturally dairy-free and egg-free friendly cookies are simple to adapt. Most recipes simply require a swap from dairy butter to a plant-based alternative.
- Sugar Cookies & Snickerdoodles: Both of these traditional treats rely on a good creaming of fat and sugar. Use a solid vegan butter alternative for the best results and ensure your sugar is truly vegan.
Accidentally Vegan Store-Bought Treats
Sometimes you need a quick fix, and many brands offer "accidentally vegan" cookies—products not marketed as vegan, but made without animal products. Always double-check the ingredients, as recipes can change.
- Oreos: The classic, original Oreo is famously vegan, though cross-contamination with milk is possible in the factory. Most varieties, including Double Stuf, Golden, and Mint, are also typically vegan.
- Nutter Butters: The classic peanut butter sandwich cookies from Nabisco are a pleasant surprise for vegans.
- Biscoff Cookies: These spiced, crunchy airline cookies are vegan and widely available in grocery stores.
- Some Girl Scout Cookies: Several varieties are accidentally vegan, but you must check which baker makes the cookies for your region as recipes can differ. ABC Bakers usually has more vegan options than Little Brownie Bakers.
Vegan Baking 101: Ingredient Swaps
Making any cookie vegan relies on replacing the core animal products: butter and eggs. Fortunately, a variety of excellent substitutes exist that make this a simple and successful process.
Butter Alternatives
- Vegan Butter Sticks: Designed for baking, these sticks mimic the flavor and texture of dairy butter. Earth Balance and Melt Organic are popular brands.
- Coconut Oil: A versatile, solid fat that can be used as a 1:1 replacement for butter. It can impart a mild coconut flavor, so choose refined coconut oil for a neutral taste.
- Applesauce or Mashed Banana: These can replace half the butter in a recipe for a healthier, moister result. The fruit flavor will be noticeable.
Egg Replacements
Eggs are a binder, leavener, and source of moisture. The right substitute depends on the cookie’s desired texture.
- Flax Egg: Combine 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous. Ideal for chewy, denser cookies.
- Chia Egg: Similar to a flax egg, this uses 1 tbsp of chia seeds and 3 tbsp of water. It's a great binder, though it may add visible specks.
- Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas. Use 3 tbsp per egg for binding, or whip it into a meringue-like consistency.
- Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Use ¼ cup per egg for binding and moisture, best for dense, cakey cookies.
Vegan Cookie Comparison Table
| Ingredient Category | Traditional Non-Vegan Option | Vegan-Friendly Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Fat | Dairy Butter, Lard | Vegan Butter Sticks, Coconut Oil, Vegetable Oil, Applesauce |
| Binder/Leavener | Chicken Eggs | Flax Egg, Chia Egg, Applesauce, Aquafaba, Baking Soda + Vinegar |
| Milk | Cow's Milk | Soy Milk, Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Coconut Milk |
| Sweeteners | Refined Cane Sugar (often not vegan) | Organic Cane Sugar, Brown Sugar (check sourcing), Maple Syrup |
| Inclusions | Milk Chocolate Chips | Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips, Dried Fruits, Nuts |
Key Tips for Successful Vegan Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Many vegan cookie doughs benefit from at least 30 minutes of chilling in the fridge. This solidifies the plant-based fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and resulting in a better texture.
- Room Temperature Vegan Butter: Just like traditional baking, softened vegan butter that's not melted is crucial for the creaming process with sugar. This helps create a light and fluffy texture.
- Correctly Measure Flour: Spoon and level flour into your measuring cup to avoid a dense, dry cookie. Too much flour can throw off the balance of your dough.
- Use Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup, always line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Don't Overbake: Vegan cookies can firm up significantly as they cool. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly underbaked. Let them cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Conclusion
The world of vegan cookies is not one of deprivation, but of delicious and creative alternatives. Whether you prefer baking from scratch or picking up a package from the store, countless options ensure you can satisfy your cookie cravings without compromising your vegan values. From classic chocolate chip to spicy snickerdoodles, the key is knowing the right substitutes and techniques. With so many choices available, discovering what kind of cookies are vegan is the first step towards a whole new world of plant-based indulgence. For inspiration, explore some of the many recipes online, like this one for Chewy & Soft Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies.
