Vegan cookie recipes are consistently among the most searched-for plant-based desserts online. With approximately 6,600 monthly U.S. searches and low keyword difficulty (~18), the topic presents excellent potential for evergreen content that ranks well. Whether you're a new vegan, a busy parent, or simply seeking healthier dessert options, this list of healthy vegan cookie recipes has something for everyone.
These cookies are free from dairy, eggs, and refined ingredients—without sacrificing taste. From chewy oatmeal classics to chocolatey delights, you'll find easy, whole-food-based recipes for your sweet tooth and your health.
What Makes a Vegan Cookie Healthy?
When we say “healthy” vegan cookies, we’re looking beyond the absence of animal products. These cookies aim to be:
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Low in refined sugar or sweetened with natural alternatives like maple syrup or dates
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Free from refined flour—using whole wheat, oat, almond, or chickpea flours
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Baked with healthy fats, such as nut butter or coconut oil, instead of margarine
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Packed with fiber from oats, flaxseed, or chia seeds
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Nutrient-rich, using ingredients like banana, pumpkin, or nuts
1. Vegan Oatmeal Banana Cookies
These 3-ingredient cookies are naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with fiber.
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas (mashed)
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1 cup rolled oats
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¼ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
Optional Add-ins: cinnamon, raisins, dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined.
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Scoop onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Why it's healthy: No added sugar, flour, or oil.
2. Almond Flour Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft and chewy with crisp edges—these grain-free cookies are naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
Ingredients:
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2 cups almond flour
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½ tsp baking soda
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Pinch of salt
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet in another.
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Combine and stir until a dough forms.
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Scoop and shape into balls; place on parchment-lined tray.
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Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why it's healthy: High protein, low sugar, gluten-free.
3. Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Nutty, satisfying, and perfect for post-workout fuel.
Ingredients:
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1 cup natural peanut butter
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¾ cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
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1 cup rolled oats
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1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
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Drop spoonfuls onto baking tray and flatten.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes.
Why it's healthy: Rich in fiber, no refined flour, high in plant-based protein.
4. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Seasonal but craveable year-round, these cookies are full of fall flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pumpkin purée
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⅓ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla
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1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
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1 ½ cups oat flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Mix wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls.
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Combine and mix gently.
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Scoop dough onto lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.
Why it's healthy: Low sugar, high in beta-carotene and fiber.
5. No-Bake Vegan Coconut Macaroons
When it’s too hot to bake or you want something quick, try these naturally sweet treats.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil, melted
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
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Scoop into tablespoon-sized mounds.
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Chill for 30 minutes until firm.
Why it's healthy: No flour, gluten, or refined sugar.
6. Vegan Carrot Cake Cookies
Think carrot cake in bite-sized form—with all the flavor and less sugar.
Ingredients:
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1 cup grated carrots
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1 cup almond flour
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½ cup rolled oats
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or raisins (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Mix ingredients in a bowl.
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Form cookies and place on lined sheet.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes.
Why it's healthy: High fiber and loaded with antioxidants from carrots.
7. Tahini Oat Cookies (Nut-Free)
Creamy tahini adds richness without nuts—great for allergy-friendly baking.
Ingredients:
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1 cup rolled oats
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¼ cup tahini
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¼ cup maple syrup
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1 tsp vanilla
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Pinch of salt
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Optional: chopped dates or chocolate chips
Instructions:
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Mix everything in one bowl.
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Form into cookies and place on tray.
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Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why it's healthy: Nut-free, low sugar, calcium-rich tahini.
8. Vegan Matcha Green Tea Cookies
For an antioxidant boost with a subtle tea flavor.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups oat flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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1 tbsp matcha powder
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil
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½ tsp vanilla
Instructions:
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Mix dry ingredients.
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Stir in wet ingredients until dough forms.
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Bake at 325°F for 10–12 minutes.
Why it's healthy: High in antioxidants and free from refined sugar.
Healthy Cookie Baking Tips
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Choose unrefined sweeteners like maple syrup, coconut sugar, or mashed banana.
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Use whole grain flours like oat or whole wheat instead of white flour.
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Don’t overbake—vegan cookies firm up as they cool.
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Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes for thicker cookies.
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Store properly in an airtight container or freeze for later.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Most recipes can use certified gluten-free oats or gluten-free baking blends. Almond and oat flours are naturally gluten-free.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely. These cookies are soft, low in sugar, and made from whole food ingredients—great for lunchboxes or snacks.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Most of these cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Let them cool fully, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Add a Dash of Vegan Style
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Final Thoughts
Healthy vegan cookies can be just as delicious—if not more so—than their traditional counterparts. With wholesome ingredients, low sugar, and satisfying textures, these cookie recipes are ideal for anyone looking to indulge smarter.
Whether you're baking for your family, prepping for a holiday tray, or satisfying your own sweet cravings, there's a healthy vegan cookie here that fits the bill. Bake them, share them, and enjoy every bite—guilt-free.