Are you looking for a sweet treat that’s free from butter? Look no further! We’ve got 20 mouth-watering cookie recipes that use alternative ingredients instead. From classic chocolate chip to seasonal pumpkin spice, we’ve gathered some of the most scrumptious and innovative cookies you’ll ever try.
Say goodbye to traditional butter-based cookies and hello to a world of new flavors and textures. Our list includes vegan and gluten-free options, as well as creative uses for coconut oil, applesauce, and avocado. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll dive into 20 delectable cookie recipes without butter that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So grab a glass of milk, get cozy, and let’s get baking!
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These chewy cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on your vegan values. Made with plant-based milk and rich, dark chocolate chips, they’re a treat you can feel good about enjoying.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg replacement (such as Ener-G Egg Replacer or flaxseed)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg replacement, vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Coconut Oil
Classic oatmeal raisin cookies get a delicious twist with the addition of coconut oil, adding a hint of tropical flavor. These soft-baked treats are perfect for snacking or sharing.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, and unsweetened shredded coconut.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in raisins.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
These classic cookies are a staple of peanut butter lovers everywhere. With no flour in sight, these chewy treats get their structure from the natural binding properties of peanut butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped peanuts or sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream peanut butter and sugars until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
5. Flatten slightly with a fork or your fingers.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
These tender and crumbly cookies are perfect for snacking or serving as a sweet treat. Made with almond flour, they’re also gluten-free and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Banana Walnut Cookies
Banana Walnut Cookies Recipe
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of chopped walnuts and a hint of vanilla, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add mashed bananas, butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in chopped walnuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes per batch
Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Applesauce
Warm up your kitchen with the cozy aroma of pumpkin spice cookies, infused with the natural sweetness of applesauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 cup applesauce
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the richness of dark chocolate and ripe avocados to create a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Add mashed avocados and mix until well combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Stir in chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
8. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
10. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Coconut Macaroons
Coconut Macaroons Recipe
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A classic treat that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these coconut macaroons are the perfect sweet indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup egg whites (about 4 large eggs)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine coconut, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Fold the egg mixture into the coconut mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each macaroon.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Cinnamon Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon with the sweetness of maple syrup, perfect for a cozy treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup and mix until combined.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Add a burst of citrus sunshine to your day with these sweet and tangy lemon poppy seed cookies. Perfect for a snack or as a dessert, they’re sure to brighten up any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in lemon juice, vanilla extract, and poppy seeds.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Ginger Molasses Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the warmth of ginger and the richness of molasses, making them a perfect treat for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped crystallized ginger for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and ground ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and then stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Matcha Green Tea Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these refreshing Matcha Green Tea cookies, infused with the subtle bitterness and grassy notes of high-quality matcha powder.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon matcha powder
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flours and matcha powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
These cookies combine the deep flavors of dark chocolate and hazelnuts with a hint of sweetness, making them perfect for satisfying your cravings. Perfectly chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, then stir in chocolate chips and hazelnuts.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Warm up with a classic treat that combines the flavors of apple and cinnamon – Apple Cinnamon Cookies!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups diced apples (about 2-3 medium-sized)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in diced apples.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Carrot Cake Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the warm spices of carrot cake with the sweetness of sugar and the comfort of walnuts. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup grated carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, and spices.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in carrots, walnuts, and baking powder.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
These classic cookies are elevated by the addition of sweet and tangy raspberries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these delicious thumbprints in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Flatten slightly to create a thumbprint.
6. Place a few fresh raspberries in the center of each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Snickerdoodle Cookies with Oil
These classic Snickerdoodle cookies get a modern twist by replacing butter with oil, making them even more tender and soft. With just the right amount of spice from cinnamon and nutmeg, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., circles or squares).
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dark Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these indulgent cookies that combine the deep flavors of dark chocolate and tart cherries. Perfect for a special treat or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Stir in dark chocolate chips and chopped cherries.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pistachio Cardamom Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with the unique combination of crunchy pistachios and warm cardamom spices. These sweet treats are perfect for a special occasion or just a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and cardamom.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Fold in chopped pistachios.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Chai Spiced Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the comforting flavors of chai spices, perfect for a cozy treat or gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 large eggs
– Chai spice blend (or a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add honey and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the flour mixture.
5. Stir in chai spice blend (or individual spices).
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of delicious cookies without butter! This article features 20 mouth-watering recipes that use alternative fats like coconut oil, applesauce, and avocado. From classic flavors like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to unique twists like pumpkin spice and matcha green tea, there’s something for every cookie lover. Discover how easy it is to make scrumptious treats without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for a butter substitute, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
