Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you think you have to sacrifice that classic, gooey chocolate chip cookie joy just because you’re skipping dairy, get ready to be wowed by these Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. They deliver golden, crispy edges, thick chewy centers, and melty puddles of chocolate in every bite. This recipe is a tried-and-true favorite that’s perfect for anyone seeking a delicious cookie that’s easy on the tummy and friendly for all kinds of eaters, from dairy-free folks to cookie connoisseurs of every stripe.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their straightforward, pantry staples—each one thoughtfully chosen to coax out classic flavor, chewy texture, and crave-worthy results you’ll want to make again and again.

• Coconut oil or dairy-free butter: Both options add richness and keep these cookies tender without any dairy; coconut oil brings a hint of tropical flavor, while dairy-free butter keeps things classic.
• Brown sugar (packed): This essential adds moisture and that irresistible chewy center, thanks to its molasses content.
• Granulated sugar: For that delicate crisp edge and perfect balancing sweetness.
• Large egg: Holds everything together and gives the cookies their soft, cakey lift—simply swap for a flax egg if you want the vegan route.
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon of vanilla draws out the warm, comforting cookie aroma and rounds out the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of any great cookie, flour provides structure and chews beautifully in the finished treat.
• Baking soda: Just half a teaspoon helps these cookies rise and get that slightly crinkled top.
• Salt: A quarter teaspoon sharpens all the rich, sweet notes—never skip it!
• Dairy-free chocolate chips: The star of the show, ensuring every bite bursts with gooey chocolate that’s totally allergy-friendly.

How to Make Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, but it also helps the Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly from edge to middle.

Step 2: Cream Together the Fats and Sugars

In a large bowl, combine your softened coconut oil (or dairy-free butter), brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until well blended—the mixture will look fluffy and lighter in color. This creamy base creates that coveted just-chewy texture and helps the cookies spread beautifully.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Stir in the egg and vanilla extract. Blend until the mix is smooth and glossy. If you’re opting for vegan Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, swap in a flax egg (just mix ground flaxseed and water, then let it gel for five minutes)—it works like a charm!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Separately, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rise and flavor agents, so you won’t have any salty bites or pockets of powder in your cookies.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The dough will smell utterly tempting. Now it’s time for the best part!

Step 6: Fold In The Chocolate Chips

Tip in the dairy-free chocolate chips and gently fold them through, making sure you get plenty of chocolate bits in every scoop. There’s no such thing as too much chocolate here.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, lay out even portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden and the centers puffed up but still a bit soft—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool, Then Enjoy

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This little pause in the pan gives them time to firm up and sets their perfect texture.

How to Serve Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For next-level Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm cookies as they come out of the oven. The salt brings out the chocolate and makes every bite a little celebration. You can even drizzle with a bit of dairy-free melted chocolate for a cookie that looks as fancy as it tastes!

Side Dishes

There’s nothing like pairing these cookies with a tall glass of ice-cold almond, oat, or soy milk—the classic combo, made dairy-free. If you want to take things up a notch, serve alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or even some fresh berries for a fun dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies into adorable ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream between two cookies. Stack them on a tiered platter for festive gatherings or wrap them up in parchment and twine for the sweetest gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll happily stay soft and fresh for up to four days. To keep that just-baked texture, slip a slice of bread into the container—the cookies absorb the moisture, staying tender without getting soggy.

Freezing

Both baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze beautifully. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then pop into a freezer-safe zip bag for up to three months. If you’d rather freeze the dough, scoop it onto a tray to freeze solid, then transfer the dough balls to a bag—just bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

Want warm, gooey Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies on demand? Microwave cookies for 10 to 15 seconds for irresistible melty chocolate, or pop them in a 300°F oven for about five minutes to revive that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free as well as dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (ideally one meant for 1:1 baking). Just check that your blend contains xanthan gum or similar for the best chewy structure in your finished cookies.

What kind of dairy-free chocolate chips work best?

Look for chocolate chips specifically labeled “dairy-free” or “vegan”—brands like Enjoy Life and Trader Joe’s offer options with rich chocolatey flavor and that classic melty texture. Chopped dark chocolate bars that are dairy-free also work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, coconut sugar offers a slightly deeper, almost caramel-like flavor and works as a 1:1 swap for brown sugar in these Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. Expect the cookies to be a little darker in color with a subtle difference in sweetness.

How do I keep the cookies extra soft?

Slightly underbake your cookies so the centers remain just a touch gooey when you pull them from the oven—they’ll set up as they cool. Also, storing them with a slice of bread (as mentioned above) keeps them bakery-soft for days!

Is it possible to double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! The ingredients scale up perfectly. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly to evenly distribute the chocolate chips, and bake in batches for the best results.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing what a batch of homemade Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies can do to bring joy to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a family treat, a classroom party, or just because you need a delicious pick-me-up, these cookies truly deliver. Go on—gather those simple ingredients and enjoy a classic cookie moment, dairy-free and delicious!

Print