Chewy outside, soft on the inside, and filled with lots of chocolatey goodness, this Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe will have you wondering how something so delicious can be dairy-free. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to holiday parties, these cookies mimic the classic Nestle Tollhouse flavor but are made without dairy. Enjoy a delightful treat that is both rich and satisfying while accommodating dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of vegan butter and brown sugar creates a rich, sweet taste that rivals traditional cookies.
- Versatile Options: Customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily substitute with gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Baking these cookies is a great activity to enjoy together with friends or family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk or electric mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (use gluten-free 1-1 flour if gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp arrowroot
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup vegan butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raw cane sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (at room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Enjoy Life dairy-free chocolate chips
Servings: 18 cookies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 142 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

How to Make Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Arrowroot
4. Sea salt
Set aside once mixed well.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In another mixing bowl, combine the softened vegan butter with brown sugar and raw cane sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to cream until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until golden around the edges. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool Down
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
These delightful dairy-free chocolate chip cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a sweet treat at home, here are some serving suggestions to maximize their enjoyment.
Pair with Milk Alternatives
- Almond Milk: A light option that complements the cookies perfectly.
- Soy Milk: Creamy and rich, soy milk enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Oat Milk: Offers a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream: Create indulgent ice cream sandwiches using dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert twist.
- Chocolate Sorbet: For an extra chocolate hit, use chocolate sorbet between two cookies.
Decorate with Sprinkles
- Rainbow Sprinkles: Add a fun touch to your cookies by sprinkling colorful bits on top before serving.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some unsweetened coconut flakes on each cookie.
Serve Warm
- Microwave for 10 Seconds: Warm up the cookies slightly before serving for gooey chocolate goodness.
- Fresh Out of the Oven: Enjoy them straight from the oven for the ultimate experience.
How to Perfect Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
To ensure your dairy-free chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients mix better, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined will keep your cookies soft rather than tough.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and prevent spreading.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your dairy-free chocolate chip cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Nut Butter Dips: Almond or peanut butter can be served as dips for added richness and protein.
- Coconut Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious complement.
- Granola Bars: A chewy granola bar offers an easy snack alongside your sweet treats.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert pairs wonderfully with chocolate flavors while remaining dairy-free.
- Dairy-Free Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a warm cup of hot cocoa made from almond or oat milk to enhance the chocolate experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking dairy-free chocolate chip cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using the Wrong Butter: Not all vegan butters are created equal. Ensure you choose a high-quality, dairy-free butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold eggs or butter can affect how well your cookies mix. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined and avoid overworking the dough for softer results.
- Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure accurate measurements for perfect texture.
- Skipping Chilling Time: Chilling cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking. Don’t skip this step for thicker, chewier cookies.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
- For best freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.
Freezing Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Consider freezing cookie dough balls for fresh cookies anytime by baking them directly from frozen.
Reheating Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 1-2 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour in this Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Yes, using gluten-free 1-1 flour is an excellent alternative that works well in this recipe without compromising taste or texture.
How do I make Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, ensure not to overbake them and consider adding an extra egg yolk or using less flour.
What kind of dairy-free chocolate chips should I use?
Look for brands like Enjoy Life that offer dairy-free chocolate chips specifically designed for allergy-friendly baking.
How long do these Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.
Can I customize my Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even swap out chocolate chips for other flavors like peanut butter or white chocolate for variety.
Final Thoughts
This dairy-free chocolate chip cookies recipe is sure to impress with its chewy exterior and soft interior! Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert option, these cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins and enjoy the deliciousness guilt-free! Try making a batch today and indulge in every bite!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. With a perfectly chewy exterior and a soft, gooey interior, these cookies deliver all the classic chocolate chip flavor without dairy. Made with simple pantry staples like vegan butter and brown sugar, they are quick to whip up for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to festive holiday parties. Customize your batch with nuts or dried fruits for an exciting twist, or keep them classic with just chocolate chips. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or paired with your favorite milk alternative, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1–1 flour)
- 3/4 cup vegan butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raw cane sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, arrowroot, and sea salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened vegan butter with brown and raw cane sugars until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir until just incorporated.
- Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons onto a lined baking sheet with space between each cookie.
- Bake for about 12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For softer cookies, do not overbake and consider adding an extra egg yolk. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes can help enhance flavor and prevent spreading. Feel free to substitute dairy-free chocolate chips with other varieties like peanut butter or white chocolate.





