How to Make Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Who doesn’t love the classic taste of chocolate chip cookies? They’re a universal favorite, and they never seem to go out of style. But what if you’re trying to stick to a vegan diet? Does that mean you have to give up on this delightful treat? Absolutely not! Vegan baking has come a long way, and nowadays, it’s entirely possible to whip up a batch of delicious, cruelty-free chocolate chip cookies that will please vegans and non-vegans alike. Let’s dive into how you can make your very own vegan chocolate chip cookies with some simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients:

1 cup (220g) vegan butter (make sure it’s room temperature)
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) almond milk (or any other plant-based milk)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (350g) vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it enough time to reach the right temperature while you’re preparing your cookie dough.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the vegan butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Then, stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these ingredients are thoroughly mixed to avoid any clumps in your cookie dough.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. You want to mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that!
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the vegan chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This step is always a bit exciting because it visually comes together as the chocolate chip cookie dough we all love.
Scoop & Place Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each dough ball, as they will spread out a bit while baking.
Bake : Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a golden brown. The center might look a bit soft, but don’t worry, it’ll firm up as the cookies cool down.
Allow to Cool: Once out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes. After, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because it stops the baking process and ensures your cookies won’t turn hard or overly crispy.
Enjoy!: Now comes the best part – eating your freshly baked vegan chocolate chip cookies! Serve them up with a glass of plant-based milk for the ultimate treat.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Cookies:

Butter Substitute: If you can’t find vegan butter, coconut oil is a good alternative. Just make sure it’s solid, like butter, at room temperature.
Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a customized twist.
Measurement is Key: For consistent cookie sizes, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoons to ensure each dough ball is the same size. This leads to even baking.
Quality of Ingredients: Using high-quality vegan chocolate chips can make a big difference in taste. Some brands are better than others, so if you find one you love, stick with it!

Baking vegan chocolate chip cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Whether you’re making them for a crowd, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, put on your apron, and let’s bake a difference, one vegan cookie at a time!