Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies hold a special place in my kitchen because they remind me of childhood afternoons in Italy, when the sweet smell of cookies baking filled my nonna’s home. Back then, they were made with butter and wheat flour, but the memory of sneaking warm, melty chocolate chips from the mixing bowl inspired me to recreate that same joy in a way that everyone can enjoy—completely vegan and gluten-free.

That’s how these vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies were born. Chewy in the center, crisp at the edges, and filled with melty chocolate, they taste just like the real thing. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a holiday platter, these cookies are a treat everyone can share. If you’re planning a festive baking session, don’t miss my guide to holiday gluten-free cookies—it’s the perfect place to gather more inspiration.

What Are Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies and Why You’ll Love Them?

Vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are exactly what they sound like—classic cookies made without eggs, dairy, or wheat. Instead, they use clever substitutes: a gluten-free flour blend, plant-based butter or coconut oil, and a simple “flax egg” to hold it all together.

The result? Cookies that are:

• Chewy and soft inside, with just enough crisp on the edges.
• Rich and chocolatey, thanks to dark dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Inclusive—safe for friends and family with gluten or dairy sensitivities.

Bite into one, and you’ll never guess they’re vegan or gluten-free. They’re everything you want in a cookie: comforting, indulgent, and joyfully shareable.

Who Are They For?

These cookies are perfect for:

• Families with different dietary needs.
• Plant-based eaters craving something nostalgic.
• Anyone who loves cookies but wants them a little lighter and allergen-friendly.

When to Bake Them?

Honestly? Anytime the cookie craving strikes. But they shine especially when:

• You need a cozy weekend baking project.
• You want to surprise your kids after school.
• You’re filling a holiday cookie tray or bringing a sweet gift to friends.

How to Make the Best Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Baking these cookies is as comforting as it is simple—just a few bowls, a whisk, and the aroma of chocolate filling your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup coconut oil or vegan butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cane sugar (or coconut sugar for less refined)
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Stir together the ground flaxseed and water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until it thickens into a “flax egg.”
3. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a larger bowl, beat the coconut oil (or vegan butter) with both sugars until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the flax egg and vanilla.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
7. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
8. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
10. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Enjoy warm, with chocolate still melty.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium, one small)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Baking sheet + parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional but handy for even portions)

For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes

If you’re watching sugar, swap the brown and cane sugar with monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or allulose. They keep the cookies sweet without spiking blood sugar. Avoid honey or maple syrup—they don’t hold structure as well in this recipe.

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What Makes This the Best Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

Every gluten-free and vegan cookie recipe has its charm, but this one carries a secret I learned from years of testing and tasting: balance. The right mix of flours, the creaminess of coconut oil, and just the right amount of sugar give these cookies their soft middle and golden edges. The dough chills beautifully, which means no spreading disasters—just perfectly round cookies every time.

What makes these cookies unforgettable is the texture: a little crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with pockets of melted chocolate that feel like tiny treasures in every bite. Pair that with the comforting aroma of vanilla and the gentle nuttiness of flaxseed, and you’ve got cookies that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

And because I know many of you love the classics, I’ve also shared my go-to gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. They’re not vegan, but they carry the same heartwarming, homemade flavor.

Tips for Baking Perfect Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

After years of baking (and a few dozen test batches), I’ve gathered little secrets that make all the difference when baking gluten-free vegan chocolate chips cookies.

1. Don’t skip the chill time.
Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the flour hydrate and keeps the cookies from spreading too thin.

2. Measure flour the right way.
Spoon it into the cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly can pack too much flour, leaving cookies dry and crumbly.

3. Watch the oven closely.
Take the cookies out when the edges are golden but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy bite.

4. Swap ingredients mindfully.

• Almond flour makes them slightly denser and nutty.
• Oat flour gives them a heartier, rustic taste.
• Coconut oil adds a gentle sweetness, while vegan butter makes them taste closer to the traditional kind.

5. Avoid overmixing.
Once the dry ingredients are added, stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.

For another cookie that depends on careful mixing and measuring, take a peek at my gluten-free sugar cookies. They’re simple, classic, and a perfect holiday companion.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the joys of these vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies is that they keep beautifully—if they last that long in your kitchen! Here’s how to store them so they taste fresh every time:

• On the counter: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
• In the fridge: Keep in a sealed glass jar or container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• In the freezer: Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last for 2–3 months.

Quick reheat tip: Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to bring back that melty chocolate magic.

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. With a few simple swaps, you can create new flavors and textures while keeping everything vegan and gluten-free.

Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies with Almond Flour

Swap half of the gluten-free flour blend with almond flour for a cookie that’s softer, slightly nutty, and rich in flavor. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Oatmeal Vegan Gluten-Free Cookies

Fold in ½ cup of gluten-free rolled oats to give your cookies a rustic, hearty bite. This twist is perfect if you love the chew of gluten-free oatmeal cookies.

No Butter Version

If you don’t have vegan butter, use coconut oil instead. It gives the cookies a light sweetness and makes the edges extra crisp. For more inspiration, check out my gluten-free peanut butter cookies—another dairy-free favorite.

Egg-Free Variation (No Flax Egg)

Not in the mood to make a flax egg? Try unsweetened applesauce—use 3 tablespoons per egg replacement. It adds natural moisture and a hint of fruitiness.

And of course, when the holidays arrive, these variations can happily join your gluten-free Christmas cookies platter. Together, they make a beautiful, allergen-friendly spread that everyone can enjoy.

FAQs

Conclusion

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of cookies from the oven—the warmth, the aroma, the promise of that first bite. With these gluten-free vegan chocolate chips cookies, you don’t have to compromise on taste or tradition. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and made to be shared with everyone around your table, no matter their dietary needs.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the scent of fresh-baked cookies fill your kitchen. Just like my nonna taught me, the best recipes aren’t only about food—they’re about comfort, connection, and joy.

Come hang out with me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!