Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan double chocolate chip cookies are fudgy, gooey, super soft, and chewy! They are loaded with rich chocolate flavor, easy to make, and simply irresistible. This delicious dessert is made with one bowl, dairy-free, and can easily be gluten-free. It’s perfect for all chocolate lovers!

Hello, chocolate heaven! Raise your hand if you LOVE chocolate. *Throws both hands in the air at the speed of light* Yeah, that would be me. I’m pretty much addicted. But, hey, I think this obsession is completely reasonable. What’s not to adore about ooey gooey, rich and fudgy, chocolate-filled desserts?

My classic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies are one of the most popular desserts on the blog. This cookie recipe is quite similar, but a portion of the flour is replaced with cocoa powder. This addition makes them extra chocolatey. They’re also a bit fluffier, softer, and bake with less spread. In other words, if you enjoy the traditional chocolate chip cookies, you will also cherish this treat!

These double chocolate chip cookies are:

• Vegan, dairy-free, and contain a gluten-free option
• Reminiscent of light and fluffy brownies, but in cookie form
• Loaded with chocolate chips (because there’s no such thing as too much!)
• Best enjoyed freshly baked for an ooey gooey, melty chocolate filling
• A delicious dessert for holidays, like Valentine’s Day and Christmas
• Non-vegan approved!

Ingredients needed for this vegan chocolate cookie recipe

• Flour: All-purpose flour, also known as plain flour, is a main ingredient in this double chocolate chip cookie recipe. If you need a gluten-free replacement, be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum.
• Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavor. Use natural (regular) cocoa powder. Do not use dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Chocolate chips: Use your favorite vegan chocolate chips. I recommend dairy-free semisweet or milk chocolate. Personally, I find dark chocolate to be too intense while the other varieties help lighten up the cookies.
• Vegan butter: Vegan butter, also known as margarine, replaces traditional butter since these are dairy-free. I always use the Earth Balance brand. In particular, I prefer the type from a tub rather than the butter sticks. From my experience, this is the superior choice.
• Sugar: We’ll use a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar. This combination creates a perfectly-sweet cookie with a chewy texture.
• Non-dairy milk: Any non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or soy milk, can be used for these double chocolate cookies.
• Vanilla: In my opinion, vanilla extract is an essential ingredient for all cookie recipes. Don’t skimp on it – I suggest using two full teaspoons.
• Baking soda: Baking soda is the leavening agent. It helps the cookie dough rise, creating a deliciously soft baked good.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is necessary to balance the other flavors.

How to make vegan double chocolate chip cookies

For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

First, add the vegan butter, sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl. Using a handheld mixer or electric mixer, cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy. Add non-dairy milk and vanilla extract. Mix together.

Next, add sifted flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until evenly combined. After, fold in the chocolate chips.

Then, scoop the double chocolate chip cookie dough into 13-15 balls. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough room for the cookie dough to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Remove cookies from the oven while they still appear slightly underbaked. They will firm up and de-puff while cooling. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before devouring.

Natural cocoa powder vs dutch processed cocoa powder?

Did you know there are different types of cocoa powder? When it comes to baking, the type of cocoa powder used in a recipe is very important. Some recipes require natural cocoa powder, while others call for the dutch-processed variety.

What is natural cocoa powder?

Natural cocoa powder is also known as “regular” cocoa powder. It’s acidic, bitter, chalky, and has a pale brown appearance. This type of cocoa reacts with baking soda, allowing your baked goods to rise in the oven. (That’s why these vegan double chocolate chip cookies contain natural cocoa powder and baking soda!)

If you’re located in the United States, you’ve probably purchased a container of Hershey’s cocoa powder at some point in your life. Hershey’s regular cocoa powder is the natural type.

What is dutch processed cocoa powder?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder has been washed in an alkaline solution. Unlike the acidic natural cocoa powder, dutch-processed cocoa powder is neutral. Therefore, it does not react with baking soda in the oven. It’s also darker in color, smoother, and has a milder flavor.

Check the ingredients list on your bottle of cocoa. Does it say “dutch processed” or “processed with alkali” on it? That means it has been washed in the alkaline solution, and will not react with baking soda.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for cookies?

I always recommend following recipes exactly as they are written. However, generally speaking, you can follow the guidelines below.

• If a recipe uses baking soda as the leavening agent, you should use natural cocoa powder. This is because dutch-processed cocoa does not react with baking soda.
• If a recipe uses baking powder, you’re typically safe to use either natural cocoa or dutch-processed cocoa.
• No specification? If a recipe does not list a particular type of cocoa powder, the safest best is to use natural cocoa powder. Usually, the author didn’t point this out because they used the regular (natural) type.

To wrap things up – natural cocoa can generally be used in place of dutch-processed cocoa. However, the reverse scenario doesn’t always work out. I would not suggest using dutch-processed cocoa in place of natural cocoa.

Kaylie’s tips for perfect vegan chocolate cookies

Remove cookies from the oven while they appear underbaked. For soft and chewy double chocolate chip cookies, remove them from the oven while they still look underdone. Cookies always de-puff, further spread, and firm up while cooling. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After, dig on in and enjoy!

Measure the flour correctly. When it comes to baking, it’s important to accurately measure the flour. Too much or too little can negatively impact the final product. Flour should always be gently spooned into the measuring cup, then leveled off with a knife. Do not pack flour into the measuring cup; doing so will almost always result in too much flour.

Bake the cookies in the middle rack. I know, I know. This is kind of annoying. You’d rather bake three trays at once and be done with it. However, I highly recommend baking the cookies one tray at a time, using the middle rack in your oven. You will get the best results using this method!

This cookie dough is wetter than typical cookie dough. That’s normal! If your cookie dough doesn’t seem as dry as other recipes, don’t worry. You didn’t do anything wrong. It should be that way.

Store leftovers in a sealed container. The cookies are best stored in a sealed container. They will keep for a few days at room temperature. You can also freeze them for a couple months.

If you try these Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a rating and comment below! Ready for more? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Instagram and YouTube!

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