• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Cheeky Chickpea
  • Home
  • Instant Pot
  • Sign up
  • About Verna
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Sign up
  • About
  • Contact
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
  • Breakfast & Baking
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Gluten free
  • Mains
  • Salads
  • Sauces & Dressings
  • Snacks & Sides
  • Soups
  • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • All Recipes
    • Sign up
    • About
    • Contact
    • Instant Pot
    • 30 Minute Vegan Recipes
    • Breakfast & Baking
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Gluten free
    • Mains
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dressings
    • Snacks & Sides
    • Soups
    • Vegan Holiday Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Desserts

    The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Updated: Dec 7, 2021 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 24 Comments

    609 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    Jump to Recipe
    vegan chocolate chip cookie being held
    vegan chocolate chip cookies on a plate

    This is seriously The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe ever! They’re rich, chewy, loaded with chocolate and walnuts, made in one bowl, and are ready to eat in just 30 minutes. You’ll be hooked after just one bite!

    vegan chocolate chip cookies on a plate ready to serve

    You won’t be able to get enough of these vegan chocolate chip cookies. Crispy edges, buttery on the inside, and full of luscious chocolate and crunchy walnuts… It’s no wonder why they call them The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies!

    There’s something so special about chocolate chip cookies. They’re a childhood classic and extremely popular for good reason! I wanted to take these vegan cookies up a notch and make a traditional recipe new again with a few flavor enhancers like:

    • Instant coffee
    • Walnuts
    • Cinnamon

    The depth and richness in each bite is to die for! Made with both traditional and non-traditional ingredients, this chocolate chip cookie recipe is still completely foolproof, mixed together in one bowl, and even freezer-friendly (perfect for hiding a secret stash). You’ll be hooked!

    Craving more vegan chocolate desserts now? Then you’ll definitely want to try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, Best Vegan Chocolate Cake, and Delicious Vegan Chocolate Pudding recipes!

    close up of a chocolate chip cookie on a cooling rack

    Easy vegan chocolate chip cookie ingredients

    • Flour - Both all purpose flour and a 1:1 gluten free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill) work well.
    • Vegan butter - Melted vegan butter helps these cookies turn out super moist, rich, and chewy. Melted coconut oil should also work well, but make sure to use refined oil to avoid the strong coconut flavors.
    • Sugars - A combination of brown and white sugar add sweet, caramelly notes to these chocolatey cookies.
    • Milk - Unsweetened almond milk, oat, coconut, or soy milk will all work nicely.
    • Instant coffee - Just like in my Raw Vegan Brownies, a little instant coffee in these cookies helps the sweetness in the chocolate chips to really shine. If you’re worried about the caffeine, you can use decaf instant coffee or leave it out entirely.
    • Molasses - You’ll find unsulfured molasses in almost any classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. It’s necessary for those rich caramel flavors!
    • Vegan chocolate chips - Of course!
    • Chopped walnuts - These are optional, but add a nice crunch.
    • Cinnamon - For warm and comforting flavors.
    ingredients for chocolate chip cookies in a mixing bowl

    How to make vegan chocolate chip cookies

    These soft and chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies are rich, flavorful, chocolatey, and delicious! You can easily make a batch in one bowl and in less than 30 minutes:

    1. Combine the wet ingredients: Whisk the melted vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and molasses together in a large bowl. 
    1. Add the dry ingredients: On top of your butter mixture, layer the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and instant coffee. Use a wooden spoon to stir until everything is just combined. Gently fold in your chocolate chips and walnuts.
    1. Form and flatten the cookies: Use a spoon to scoop about 3 tablespoons worth of dough onto a baking sheet. Flatten each cookie dough pile slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup.
    1. Bake and enjoy: Bake the cookies until the middles are set and the edges are beginning to brown and crisp. Let them cool for a few minutes out of the oven, then enjoy!
    step by step photos how to make vegan chocolate chip cookies
    vegan chocolate chip cookies baked on a cookie sheet

    Tips for success

    • Melted butter = moist, chewy cookies!
    • Be very careful not to overmix the cookie dough. Overmixing will cause extra gluten to form, resulting in gummy or dense cookies.
    • You can mix the cookies by hand or use a standing mixer on low speed.
    • Do you like your cookies extra crispy? Try replacing the brown sugar with additional white sugar or leave them in the oven for an extra 3 to 5 minutes.
    • If you want to make this recipe nut free, you can omit the walnuts completely or replace them with extra chocolate chips or other mix-ins.

    Customize your cookie mix-ins

    These thick and chewy cookies can easily be customized by swapping out the chocolate chips and walnuts for other fun add-ins, like:

    • Vegan white chocolate chips
    • Dollops of peanut butter
    • Chocolate chunks
    • Crushed pretzels
    • Potato chips
    • Vegan peanut butter cups
    • Dried fruit
    • Coconut flakes
    • Pecans
    • Maple syrup
    • Macadamia nuts
    • Hazelnuts
    • Sprinkles
    • Vegan marshmallows

    Frequently asked questions

    Why are my chocolate chip cookies coming out flat?

    This could be happening because the dough is too soft and warm. To prevent this, try chilling your chocolate chip cookie dough in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes before scooping and baking, or the butter to flour ratio could be off. I personally like them thinner😊

    Can they be made gluten free?

    Absolutely! To make these vegan chocolate chip cookies gluten free, simply swap out the all purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten free flour blend. Almond flour will not work.

    Where can I find vegan chocolate chips?

    You should be able to find vegan chocolate chips at most grocery stores or specialty stores. If you aren’t having any luck, chop up a dark chocolate bar instead.

    Storing and freezing vegan cookies

    To store, place the chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container and store at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

    To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the raw cookie dough in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months.

    More vegan cookie recipes you’ll love

    • Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Classic Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
    • Chewy Vegan Sugar Cookies
    • Vegan Shortbread Cookies
    • Easy Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

    Enjoy everyone! Happy Day! Please feel free to comment below and give this recipe a rating. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

    Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Plant Based  & Vegan Recipes❤️

    Subscribe here for free weekly recipes delivered right to your inbox! No need to scour the internet. Your one stop shop for recipes is here😊 No spam I promise!

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    vegan chocolate chip cookies on a plate ready to serve

    The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies


    ★★★★★

    5 from 10 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 27 minutes
    • Yield: 12 large cookies 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This is seriously The Best Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe ever! They’re rich, chewy, loaded with chocolate and walnuts, made in one bowl, and are ready to eat in just 30 minutes. You’ll be hooked after just one bite!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted and slightly cooled
    • 1/2 cup granulated white sugar*
    • 1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed*
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened non dairy milk
    • 1 teaspoon unsulphured molasses
    • 1 and 1/4 cups all purpose flour, do not pack your flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon instant coffee , reg or decaffeinated
    • 3/4 to 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
    • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

    Instructions

    1. To a large glass mixing bowl add the melted vegan butter (or melt right in the bowl in microwave) Whisk in the sugars, vanilla, plant milk and molasses.
    2. Add in the dry ingredients starting with the flour. Then add the baking soda, salt, cinnamon and instant coffee on top of the flour . Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is mixed. Then fold in your vegan chocolate chips and nuts.
    3. Drop the dough by large spoonfuls or cookie scoop, or roll into balls (about 3 tablespoons per cookie) onto the baking sheet. Flatten the cookies with the bottom of your measuring cup or fingers
    4. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. (for softer cookies remove at 10 minute mark- for slightly crispier cookies cook for 12 minutes). Let cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • For nut free: omit the walnuts
    • for crispier cookies use all white sugar. Coconut sugar does not work in this recipe
    • Flour: gluten free flour will work! have not tested with whole wheat flour, oat flour,- and almond flour will NOT work
    • To store and freeze: will stay fresh covered on counter or in the fridge for 4-5 days and they freeze well for a quick sweet treat

    This recipe was originally posted Sept 2018 and has been updated with new photos, tips and more. The recipe itself is unchanged

    Recipe inspired by  Martha Stewart 

    • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Desserts, Sweets , Gluten free
    • Method: Oven
    • Cuisine: American, Canadian,

    Keywords: vegan chocolate chip cookies

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

    More Desserts

    • Vegan Snickerdoodles
    • 1-Layer Vegan Apple Cake
    • Vegan Gluten Free Pie Crust
    • Vegan Pecan Pie
    609 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Allyson

      June 05, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      BEST COOKIES EVER! And I’m a big cookie fan

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        June 06, 2022 at 6:22 am

        Thank you so much for your review I am so happy you enjoyed the cookies!

        Reply
    2. Andrew

      May 12, 2022 at 11:06 pm

      I made these without molasses, coffee and nuts, doubled the cinnamon and they were fantastic. I put the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        May 12, 2022 at 11:18 pm

        Yay! Glad you enjoyed them, thanks for the wonderful feedback! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Allyson

      January 05, 2022 at 6:05 pm

      My fave cookies! Seriously the best ever!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        January 06, 2022 at 7:16 am

        Thank you so much you made my day!

        Reply
    4. Marj

      December 14, 2021 at 9:39 am

      Just made these yesterday,our kids love them!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 14, 2021 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    5. Troy Powell

      December 08, 2021 at 1:20 pm

      Something about the coffee, makes these great!!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        December 08, 2021 at 8:01 pm

        Thanks for your feedback Troy glad you like them! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Elaina

      March 06, 2021 at 8:10 am

      made your vegan chocolate chip cookies tasty tasty tasty! Great recipe

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        March 06, 2021 at 10:58 am

        thrilled you enjoyed them Elaina!

        Reply
    7. Rebecca

      August 19, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      Would it be possible to substitute almond flour in place of the all purpose flour?

      Reply
      • Verna

        August 19, 2020 at 11:15 pm

        I have not made these cookies using almond flour. The ratios would be different as almond four is so completely different than regular flour. If I give it a go I'll let you know!

        Reply
    8. Jennifer

      August 19, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Hi Verna can i use coconut oil in place of the vegan butter? Thank you

      Reply
      • Verna

        August 19, 2020 at 11:12 pm

        Hi Jennifer I haven't tried the recipe with coconut oil as of yet. I imagine it would be fine. Let me know how it works for you!

        Reply
    9. Dallas

      September 21, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      Cant wait to try these out. Could I add cranberries?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 21, 2018 at 6:05 pm

        Hi Dallas, yes you could definitely add cranberries . I'd say 1/4 cup or less. Enjoy! Thx for your comment!?

        Reply
    10. Andrea

      September 11, 2018 at 12:22 am

      This recipe sounds really good! I love cinnamon an coffee together

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 11, 2018 at 3:33 pm

        They are really good cookies. Thanks for your comment Andrea . Would love your feedback if you make them?

        Reply
    11. Sharon

      September 11, 2018 at 12:02 am

      made these for my family. really good cookies! thx for the recipe. I used decaf instant coffee though.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 11, 2018 at 3:41 pm

        Awesome! I'm so glad you loved them. Yes I keep meaning to get instant decaf! Definitely a good idea for the little ones. Thx for sharing Sharon.

        Reply
    12. [email protected]

      September 03, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      Great cookies?

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • The Cheeky Chickpea

        September 03, 2018 at 1:51 pm

        Thanks so much Troy! Happy day to you?

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

    More about me →

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Categories

    Popular Posts

    • The Best Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake
    • Best Vegan Meatballs! (Impossible Burger)
    • 5 Minute Vegan Ramen (Instant Noodles)
    • Ultimate Vegan Chili Recipe
    • Best Vegan Meatloaf Recipe! (Impossible Burger)
    • Sweet and Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Nutritional Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact
    • Affiliate and Photo Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 The Cheeky Chickpea