Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan)
Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies are the best vegan chocolate chip cookies ever! These chewy cookies are large and in charge, made with real ingredients, without eggs and butter, and require no chilling time. What could be better!?
Every food blogger needs a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe in their recipe box, and I am so excited to share mine with you!
These bakery-style chocolate chip applesauce cookies are thick and chock full of gooey chocolate with slightly crisp edges. In my opinion, it’s the perfect easy everyday chocolate chip cookie recipe. And the best part is that they have the same great taste as regular cookies, but you don’t have to chill the dough which really cuts down on the time.
Being a chocolate lover, I am very critical and can be called a connoisseur in this department.
So if I’m telling you they are that good, you won’t want to miss these!
Just to prove to you my chocolate obsession, I have found ways to add it into SO many of my baking recipes!
- Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies
This list goes on! If you follow me on Instagram you already know this 🙂
Not only does this applesauce chocolate chip cookie recipe have lighter swaps than classic cookies, but they make great treats for schools since there are no allergens.
What’s In Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Flour – For these cookies, I am combining all-purpose and whole wheat.
You can also use white whole wheat flour or strictly all-purpose if you prefer.
I haven’t tried using only whole wheat flour, but if you do, I recommend using whole wheat pastry flour.
I don’t recommend swapping it for almond flour, oat flour, or coconut flour.
Applesauce – For less added sugar, be sure to use unsweetened applesauce. This is the secret to making cookies with no butter and no egg!
Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar – The recipe calls for brown sugar, but you can also swap it for coconut sugar. White sugar could be used as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Coconut Oil – Don’t forget to melt it! You can sub regular butter if you are not vegan, or use a vegan butter as well.
Other Ingredients: Baking soda, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate chips can be used as well).
How to Make the Best Applesauce Cookie Recipe
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together.
In a separate bowl, combine the oil and sugar. Then mix in the applesauce and vanilla.
Pour the dry ingredients into the applesauce mixture and mix until combined. Fold the chocolate chips in gently.
Roll the cookie dough or use a cookie scoop to make 1.5 ounce balls of dough and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the eggless chocolate chip cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes.
Allow the soft chocolate chip cookies to cool on the baking pan for 5-10 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
What Does Applesauce Do in Cookies?
Many people wonder how you can use applesauce in cookies, or why it doesn’t change the consistency. Here’s why.
Applesauce is a great alternative to replace fat or portions of fat such as butter and oil. Applesauce can also be used in place of eggs in some recipes.
Since apple sauce contains so much water, it works great for keeping your baked goods nice and moist.
Are These Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookes Vegan?
Yes! As mentioned above, I was able to replace the butter and eggs with applesauce and coconut oil.
So, no dairy and no eggs in this cookie recipe, which also means you can enjoy the raw cookie dough if you would like!
Can I Use Homemade Applesauce?
Absolutely! If you are a fan of homemade applesauce you can use the exact same amount when comparing to my version.
How to Store
Keep leftover cooled cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 1 week.
If you want to make an extra batch of dough and save it for later you can definitely freeze them.
Simply follow the instructions and instead of baking, freeze for later.
Then before cooking them the next time, let them come to room temperature, then you can bake them.
When freezing in layers, just place parchment paper or saran wrap between so they aren’t stuck together.
Tips for Baking
- Anytime I bake I always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This means you can omit cooking spray and keep your cookies from sticking.
- When adding in your chocolate chips, be careful to NOT overmix.
- Always allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. After they finish cooking place them on a wire rack so you aren’t storing them with excess moisture.
- For that perfectly chewy cookie, smack the pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. If you like them flat, remove them while baking at the 7-minute mark & smack the tray on the counter a few times to make them fall, then repeat the process once they are out of the oven.
The best ratios to swap applesauce in baking:
Eggs: Replace one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce in sweet desserts. See more details here.
Butter: In most cases, you can substitute applesauce for butter using a 1:1 ratio (if the recipe calls for 1 cup of butter, use 1 cup of applesauce).
Oil: Applesauce can be used as a direct replacement for oil in baking, meaning in a 1:1 ratio.
Sugar: You can substitute unsweetened applesauce for sugar in a 1:1 ratio in recipes, but you must reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe. Reduce the liquid by 1⁄4 cup.
I can’t wait to see what you think, these may be my new favorite cookie! Grab a glass of milk and start dipping!
Be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your cookies!
Other Cookie Recipes You Will Love:
- Gluten-Free No Bake Cookies with Peanut Butter
- Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Soft Baked Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies with White Chocolate Chips
- Oatmeal Apple Pie Cookies
More applesauce dessert recipes you will love:
- No Sugar Added Banana Bread with Applesauce | Dairy-Free, Oil-Free
- Healthy Snickerdoodle Muffins Made with Applesauce
- Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread
PIN ME FOR LATER!
Common FAQs
Applesauce adds moisture and allows you to bake without eggs, reduces the sugar content, reduces oil and butter, and makes for a gooey texture.
No! You won’t taste the apple at all. It doesn’t affect the taste, only the texture.
Applesauce can replace eggs, oil, butter, and sugar in baking.
Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (can sub 1 cup all purpose and 1 cup whole wheat)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/3 (100g) cup Coconut Oil melted
- 1 cup Brown Sugar (can sub coconut sugar)
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 (175g) cup Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F, and line a baking tray with parchment paper, or a silicone mat. Set aside.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
- Whisk together the coconut oil and sugar until combined. Add the applesauce, and vanilla, and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Roll the dough into 1.5oz balls, and place onto the prepared baking tray. Bake for 10-11 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking tray for 5 – 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Pro-Tip! For that perfectly chewy cookie, smack the pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. If you like them flat, remove while baking at the 7-minute mark & smack the tray on the counter a few times to make them fall, then repeat the process once they out of the oven.
So I reduced the coconut oil to 50g upped the applesauce to replace the oil and added a dash of oat milk, I also subbed the milk choc chips for dark and reduced the sugar to 3/4 cup and the cookies were still banging delish. Thanks for the inspiration.
I’m so glad I found this recipe! They were easy and came out perfect! This will be my new go to chocolate chip cookie recipe for sure! Thanks so much! 🙂
I’m so excited! I recently went to a gluten-free dairy-free diet. I used one cup of almond flour and then one cup of the all-purpose flour. And then instead of brown sugar, I used a replacement for brown sugar that sugar free! I can’t believe how nice the dough turned out. I’m currently cooking them and I’m just so excited!
These are, hands down, the best cookies I make! I bring them to every gathering and everyone asks for the recipe. I have shared with so many people and they come out perfect every time! Thank you Elizabeth!
I used arrowroot instead of cornstarch, they turned out great! Was craving a bit of peanut butter…wonder if I doubled batch and used organic peanut butter in place of coconut oil for one batch how that would turn out.
I’ll be making again!!
I love an easy recipe that is also healthy! This was so simple, and my treat to take to a Super Bowl party, that I know everyone will enjoy! And they also turned out delicious! 🙂 From one Elizabeth to another, you rock! 🙂
These came out quite nice! Only used 120 grams chocolate chips; more than enough already. And next time I think I would sub 1/3 cup of coconut oil for applesauce. Quite oily. Make sure you bake on the middle rack, otherwise the oil seems to sink to the bottom of the cookie. With these modifications, will gladly make again. Quick and easy 🙂
Thanks for sharing all these tips and adjustments as I’m sure others will find it helpful! Glad you enjoyed them!!
Oh my these are so soft and delicious!! You would never guess they’re “healthy.” Will definitely make them again!!!
Oh my these are so soft and delicious!! You would never guess they’re “healthy.” Will definitely make them again!!!
Made these exactly as instructed and they were oooh so good. Gooey chocolate and moist, everyone was eating them as they came out of the oven. I had to hide some for myself!! Awesome recipe, thank you!!
These are awesome cookies! I only had AP flour, but I bet the combo would be really good! Thanks for such a quick and delicious cc cookie recipe!
Yay!! So happy to hear you enjoyed them! Thank you for taking the time to leave your kind words and a rating 🙂
Hi! These look so great! Is there anything I can sub in for the coconut oil to lower the amount of fat in the cookies?
Hi! I have only made the cookies as listed. You could try subbing more applesauce but I’m not sure how they would turn out. Good luck!
Looks amazing! Should I pack the brown sugar or leave it unpacked? Thanks!
Thank you! I pack it slightly!
Just made these! Sooo good… can I completely sub the coconut oil with apple sauce??
Hi! I’m not sure! I haven’t tried, but if you do, let me know how it works! 🙂
This is simply the best healthified chocolate chip cookie recipe that I have found out there! Even the dough itself tastes so similar to a standard chocolate chip cookie dough. This will definitely be a new go-to recipe for all the cravings!
As I was making these cookies my fiancé came over and was like “oh no “healthy” cookies…”. However, after one bite he was now saying “wow these are amazing!” I would definitely make again!
Love these cookies!! One of my go to recipes, I have made them several times already and will continue to make them. The texture is spot on!! Thanks and can’t wait for all your upcoming recipes!
Just loved these! My son keeps asking for more! so fun to make and I feel healthier too 🙂 Again another great recipe from you! thanks
The BEST chocolate chip cookies! Can’t wait to make them again
It was a very good recipe the only thing different I would do would be one of two things. Either reduce the chocolate chips by half a cup Or double the batter. Because there was a ton of chocolate chips more than was needed for this recipe. But other than that it was a very good recipe very tasty.
Thank you so much for this recipe, Elizabeth. My daughter and I really love it.
Thank you so much for the review! I’m glad you both enjoyed them 🙂 If you could, do you mind leaving a 5-star review? It really helps me out! Thanks again!!
Can you omit the butter/oil and substitute with the same amount of applesauce? Or what can you use instead of an oil?
Hi! I have only ever made them as listed. That might be a bit too much applesauce since apple sauce is already replacing the eggs. You could try greek yogurt or butter!
So good! I used half wheat flour and I only had half the applesauce I needed so I used a apple, mango, carrot fruit pouch! They are amazing!!!
Yay! So glad you liked them and love those swaps!! Thank you 🙂
Can I use oil instead of coconut oil?
I would probably use a vegan butter before using a different oil, but you’d probably be fine using another oil!
Have you tried or do you have a GF recipe for this but still Vegan?
Hi! I have not. I’m sure you could use a GF flour that subs 1:1, just be sure it’s an even swap!
So yummy!! Love the ingredients in these cookies. Definitely passing this recipe along to friends and family.
Yay!! So happy to hear that! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Can you use anything is place of the corn starch?
I’ve only made the recipe as listed, but you could try using wheat flour or ground flaxseed?
Hi Elizabeth! Thank you for this amazing recipe. I made your former recipe with banana instead of applesauce and they turned out delicious! I am GF so I substituted the wheat flour with Bob’s Red Mill pancake mix but they had a powdery texture. What other substitutes would you recommend? Half oat flour, half almond flour? I am thinking of trying this next.
Hi Monica! Thank you for the kind words! I haven’t made a GF version so to be safe I would say to use cup4cup. Do you have that? Oat flour and almond flour aren’t going to swap 1:1 for all-purpose flour.