Dairy-free cookie recipes prove that with a dash of innovation and a sprinkle of passion, you can enjoy the irresistible pleasure of cookies cut off the dairy; the demand for delicious dairy-free treats has never been higher. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking to explore new flavours, dairy-free cookies are a delightful choice that can satisfy sweet cravings without compromising on taste and texture.
In this article, we will take you through a collection of mouthwatering dairy-free cookie recipes that prove you don’t need dairy to create delectable, homemade treats. Get ready to embrace a world of dairy-free sweet cookies that will have your taste buds dancing joyfully.
What Kinds of Cookies Are Dairy-Free?
Dairy-free cookies are made without dairy ingredients like butter, milk, or milk derivatives. There are many cookies in stores which are dairy-free. Oreo cookies are typically considered dairy-free in terms of their ingredients. Still, they may have a “may contain” statement on the packaging due to the possibility of cross-contamination with dairy during manufacturing. Always check the packaging for the most up-to-date information and allergen warnings.
Biscoff cookies, also known as Lotus Biscoff cookies, are often dairy-free. However, like with any food product, checking the specific package’s ingredient list and allergen information is essential, as formulations may vary by brand or country.
Checking ingredient labels, especially for hidden dairy-derived ingredients, is essential when looking for dairy-free cookies. Also, remember that some store-bought cookies may be labelled as “vegan” or “dairy-free,” making it easier to identify suitable options.
Do Most Cookies Have Dairy?
Many traditional cookie recipes contain dairy in butter, milk, or other dairy-derived ingredients. However, various cookie recipes and commercial cookie brands offer dairy-free options. Whether a cookie contains dairy or not depends on the specific recipe or brand. If you are looking for dairy-free cookies, you have several options:
Homemade Cookies: You can make dairy-free versions of your favourite cookies at home by substituting dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives. For example, you can use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free milk (such as almond, soy, or oat) instead of regular milk.
Vegan Cookies: Many vegan cookie recipes are naturally dairy-free because they avoid all animal products, including dairy. These recipes typically use plant-based fats, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil, and non-dairy milk.
Dairy-Free Brands: Some commercial cookie brands offer dairy-free cookie options. Look for cookies labelled “vegan” or “dairy-free” in the store. These cookies are made without dairy ingredients.
Specialty Bakeries: Some bakeries and online retailers specialise in dairy-free and vegan baked goods, including cookies. You can check with local bakeries or search online for dairy-free cookie options.
Cookie Mixes: There are dairy-free cookie mix options available in stores, which can be convenient if you want to make cookies at home without needing individual dairy-free ingredients.
It’s recommended to read ingredient labels carefully, as dairy or dairy-derived ingredients can be hidden in cookies under names like whey, casein, or lactose.
What Can You Substitute for Milk in Cookies?
If you want to make dairy-free cookies and substitute milk, you can use several dairy-free alternatives. The substitute choice may depend on your dietary preferences and the flavour profile you want for your cookies. Here are some common milk substitutes for cookies:
Dairy-Free Milk: There are various dairy-free milk options available, such as soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, Hemp Milk, and rice milk. You can use any of these milk alternatives as a 1:1 replacement for dairy milk in your cookie recipes.
Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is a richer and thicker alternative to regular coconut milk. It can add a coconut flavour and richness to your cookies. Use it as a 1:1 replacement for milk.
Homemade Nut Milk: Making nut milk at home is double, such as almond or cashew, at home. Blend soaked nuts in water with the mixture through a fine mesh or nut milk bag. Homemade nut milk can be used as a direct replacement for dairy milk.
When substituting for milk in your cookie recipes, remember that different milk alternatives may impart slightly different flavours and textures to your cookies. It’s a good idea to choose dairy-free milk that complements the overall flavour of your cookies. Additionally, if your cookie recipe calls for non-fat milk, you can use any of the above substitutes without significant issues in most cases.
How Can You Make the Most Delicious Dairy-Free Cookie Recipes?
Here are some of the simplest, delicious dairy-free cookies that can be done at home:
Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwiKZ4qmRnQ
Here is the most simple way to make a delicious dairy-free homemade chocolate chip cookies:
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup dairy-free margarine or coconut oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven before baking, then set the baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add the pure vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
Mix the dry (flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt) ingredients with the wet ingredients until a cookie dough forms.
Add in the dairy-free chocolate chips.
Put the cookie dough onto the baking sheet and leave a space between each.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. It’s enough to see the golden edges at the beginning. The centre may still look slightly undercooked, but that’s okay, as the cookies will continue to cook as they cool.
Allow the cookies to completely.
Enjoy your dairy-free chocolate chip cookies! Feel free to customise this recipe by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins.
Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT1uDGg677Y
Here is how to make delicious dairy-free peanut butter cookies:
Ingredients
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the oven by preheating it and a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the peanut butter, granulated sugar, and the teaspoon of vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl.
Mix 2tb ground flaxseed and 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl to prepare the flax egg. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Add the flax egg, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the peanut butter, and mix until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Scoop out spoonfuls of dough and form them into balls. Put them on the prepared baking sheet and then, with a fork, create a crisscross pattern on each cookie.
Bake for 10-14 minutes or until you get golden edges.
Let the cookies cool completely before consuming on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
1/2 cup dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 flax egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
a pinch salt
1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven.
Cream the dairy-free margarine, coconut oil, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
Combine the water and ground flaxseed in a small dish to make the flax egg. Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it thickens.
Stir the flax egg into the sugar mixture until well mixed.
Blend the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
Add the dry and wet ingredients gradually, then mix until a cookie dough forms.
Mix 2 tp of sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Roll spoonfuls of dough into balls and roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
Place the coated dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart.
Put them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes until they cool completely.
Enjoy your dairy-free almond butter and snickerdoodle cookies!
Creativity knows no bounds, and the recipes in this article are just a few of what already exists. Whether crafting classic chocolate chip cookies using dairy-free margarine, experimenting with the rich flavours of nut butter, or diving into the world of coconut and almond-based delights, there’s a dairy-free cookie recipe for every palate. So, embrace the joy of dairy-free baking, whip out your mixing bowls, and savour the sweet rewards of cookies that are both kind to your dietary choices and bursting with flavour.
Asmaa Alhashimy 
Nouran Ashraf