The Best Cookie Recipe No Butter (Easy, Chewy & Delicious)

Cookie Recipe No Butter

Who says you need butter to make irresistibly chewy and delicious cookies? Whether you’re out of butter, following a dairy-free lifestyle, or just want a healthier twist on traditional treats, this cookie recipe no butter is a game-changer. This recipe is quick, simple, and fits perfectly for home bakers, vegans, and anyone looking to experiment with butter-free desserts.

Read on for step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, and answers to common questions about making cookies without butter. By the end, you’ll be ready to whip up your own batch of butter-free perfection.

Why Make Cookies Without Butter?

Making butter free cookies isn’t just an emergency fix—it’s a baking adventure that opens doors to new flavours and styles! Substituting butter provides plenty of benefits:

  • Dietary flexibility: Perfect for vegans and those on dairy-free diets.
  • Health-conscious: Reduces saturated fats and calories yet keeps the texture indulgent.
  • Get creative: Beyond butter, you can explore ingredients like oils, nut butters, or fruit purées for unique flavour profiles.

This recipe makes beautifully chewy, moist cookies that rival their buttery counterparts. Whether you’re making chocolate chip cookies without butter, vegan creations, or desserts without butter, get ready for a taste explosion with every bite.

Using pantry staples and simple techniques, this recipe is perfect for anyone wondering how to make cookies without butter. Here’s everything you need.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar (adds chewiness)
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 2 large eggs (or flaxseed eggs for a vegan cookie recipe no butter no eggs)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (dairy-free for no butter chocolate chip cookies)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk your dry ingredients. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients. Stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs (or flax eggs), and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
  4. Combine. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until the dough comes together—do not overmix.
  5. Add chocolate chips. Fold in your chocolate chips or any preferred mix-ins like nuts or raisins.
  6. Shape and bake. Scoop small balls of dough (around 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your fingers. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Cool and enjoy. Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Top tip for extra chewyness: Slightly underbake the cookies so the centres stay soft and delightful.

Baking Tips for Perfect Butter-Free Cookies

  • Adjust your timing: Butter-free cookies bake faster as they don’t hold as much moisture. Keep an eye on them, especially the first batch.
  • Use the right oil: Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best for subtle flavours. Go bold with coconut oil or nut butters for richer taste.
  • Chill the dough: Prevent excessive spreading by chilling your dough for 15–20 minutes before baking.
  • Customise your flavours: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or fold in mix-ins like cranberries, nuts, or white chocolate chunks.
  • Store them well: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.

FAQ: Cookies Without Butter

Can I make cookies without butter if I’m vegan?

Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based oil like coconut or olive, and substitute eggs with flaxseeds or chia seeds.

Great options include vegetable oil, coconut oil, nut butter, applesauce, or mashed bananas. Each brings a unique texture and flavour.

Yes—cookies made with oil are moister and chewier. Butter gives more structure and produces crisper edges.

Can I make sugar cookies without butter?

Definitely! Use oil for soft and chewy sugar cookies, or experiment with vegan-friendly margarine alternatives.

How do I make chewy cookies without butter?

Using brown sugar, thicker oils like coconut, and slightly underbaking will create beautifully chewy cookies.

Yes! Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

How should I store butter-free cookies?

Store at room temperature in a sealed container, or freeze them individually wrapped for long-term storage.

Additional Tips & Resources

For more Cookie recipes inspiration, check out our Top Cookie Recipes. Craving classic flavors? Try our Edible Cookie Dough for One (No Eggs, No Bake & So Easy!).

Learn more about butter substitutes and baking chemistry to perfect your recipes.

Time to Bake Your Butter-Free Cookies!

Now that you’ve discovered the ultimate cookie recipe with no butter, it’s time to preheat your oven and give it a go. Whether you’re crafting butter-free chocolate chip cookies or vegan-friendly options, you’ll love the chewy texture and delicious flavours.

We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos or feedback on social media and tag us. Happy baking!

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