If we played a word association game and I said “cookie,” what might you say in reply? For many people, the answer would be “chocolate chip,” arguably one of the most iconic and popular cookies of our time.
But the chocolate chip cookie is a newcomer to the long and storied history of cookie-making. People have been baking and enjoying cookies for millennia, and there are no signs of slowing down.
Baking cookies is often a holiday activity that brings people together. Take gingerbread (in both house and man form), for example. The warmth from the oven, the sweet and spicy aromas filling the home, and the joy of creating something delicious to share with friends and family can make for a truly memorable experience. The cookie tradition is also “baked” into Christmas, with households leaving out a plate of cookies and milk to energize Santa during his long ride.
But you don’t need a seasonal holiday to bake or eat cookies. They’re enjoyed all year long and all around the world.
However, they’re still baked goods and aren’t always the healthiest choice. So, what can you do if you want a sweet treat with a healthier spin?
Making vegan cookies at home is a wonderful way to participate in this tradition. You can still enjoy the yummy and fun while only using wholesome ingredients.
So, let’s take a quick look at the fascinating history of cookies, explore why store-bought cookies come with many health risks, and discover how to make healthy, plant-based cookies that will tick all your boxes.
And yes, chocolate chip cookies are included!
A Brief History of Cookie-Making
It turns out that cookies were involved in some of the most important historical events and movements of the past millennium and a half. They were probably invented in 7th-century Persia, the first region in the world to extract sugar from sugar cane on a large scale.
Shockingly, ancient Persian ovens didn’t have temperature markings on dials, so it was impossible to know exactly how the oven would handle various baked goods. Bakers didn’t want to risk a bunch of big cakes to discover that the oven was too hot or not hot enough, so they started breaking off small bits of the cakes to test for the Goldilocks temperature: just right.
These little cakes (fun fact: the English word cookie comes from the Dutch “koekje,” which means “little cake”) were a hit. They were ready in just a few minutes and had a crispy crunch that differentiated them from the cakes.
Aside from the sugar, these early cookies were relatively healthy. By all accounts, they probably contained nuts, honey, fruit, and spices.
Once Islamic conquerors reached Persia and continued to neighboring regions, cookies went with them. Since they were baked and didn’t contain much water, they didn’t spoil easily and preserved nutrients well. They then took on a new life as travel food, turning traditional hardtack into sweeter and more flavorful biscotti and rusks.
Now, just about every culture has some version of a cookie. Germany adopted the gingerbread man and house (and the Brothers Grimm frightened generations of children with their tales of witches’ cottages made of gingerbread). Italy perfected biscotti (literally “twice baked”), while England developed biscuits (“bickies” in everyday parlance), and the Netherlands contributed the stroopwafel (a waffled wafer) to global cuisine.
Why Store-Bought Cookies Aren’t Always Healthy
None of these classic cookies were exactly healthy foods; the main ingredients were some kind of sweetener (often sugar), refined flour, and fat (typically butter or shortening). But they were far “less bad” for us than the commercial cookie brands of today, which, in addition to sugar, flour, and fat, also contain hydrogenated oils, natural and artificial flavors and preservatives, and high fructose corn syrup.
All these ingredients can compromise your health. Excessive sugar consumption is associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Hydrogenated oils, often used to extend the shelf life of cookies and packaged cookie dough, contain trans fats. These fats can increase “bad” cholesterol (LDL) while lowering “good” cholesterol (HDL), impacting heart health. Some of these oils may also be bioengineered (aka GMO).
The flavorings and preservations have no nutritional value and may not even be recognized by your body as food. They can sometimes irritate digestion or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Just one example: Chips Ahoy, one of the most popular cookie brands in the US, contains three types of sugar (refined sugar, dextrose, and high fructose corn syrup), caramel color (which contains a known carcinogen) and three types of refined oils (palm, soybean, and canola). In other words, what looks like an innocent treat may negatively impact your short- and long-term health.
Also, I know I’m biased, but I truly believe that choosing homemade or thoughtfully crafted vegan cookies that skip these additives and prioritize whole, natural ingredients can benefit your health and taste much better and fresher than store-bought varieties.
How to Make Healthier Vegan Cookies at Home
Just to be clear, I’m not talking about replacing the flour in cookies with sawdust or other drastic measures that will suck all the joy out of life. There are plenty of ways to make healthier cookies at home without compromising taste.
You can replace white flour with whole-grain wheat flour. Or, to avoid gluten, look for gluten-free flour and flour mixes — there are plenty on the market these days. You can even leave out the flour entirely for some cookies and use nut and seed butter and/or rolled oats instead.
Here’s our article that takes a comprehensive look at flour, including a ranking of the health effects of 24 different types.
You can also substitute flaxseed and chia seeds for eggs (see our full article on vegan substitutions for cooking and baking for instructions).
Healthier alternatives to regular sugar include maple syrup, coconut sugar, and date paste. You can also bring out the sweetness with spices like cinnamon or vanilla.
For a satisfying, chewy texture with less fat, consider swapping out oil or butter with applesauce or mashed banana. Both add moisture and fiber without adding unhealthy fat.
For an extra touch of healthy authenticity, you can be inspired by the earliest cookies and add fruit, nuts, and seeds to your cookie recipes.
Vegan Cookie Recipes
Get ready to bake up some delicious, feel-good treats with these homemade vegan cookie recipes! There are many ways to make healthier cookies at home without compromising taste. Using whole food and plant-based ingredients, these recipes transform simple ingredients into cookies that are both nourishing and full of flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these treats prove that plant-powered baking can be as delightful as it is nutritious!
1. 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Nut Butter Breakfast Cookies
These 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Nut Butter Breakfast Cookies are a wholesome treat you can feel great about enjoying! Made with just bananas, rolled oats, peanut butter, and a touch of vanilla, they’re naturally sweet and packed with fiber and protein. A pinch of salt balances the flavors, making these cookies perfect for an energizing breakfast or snack. Simple, satisfying, and free from refined sugars, they’re a tasty way to start your day!
2. Nutty and Chocolatey Teff Cookies
Get ready for a treat with these Nutty and Chocolatey Teff Cookies! Made with nutrient-rich teff flour, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy hazelnuts, they’re packed with whole foods you can feel great about. Sweetened naturally with date paste and applesauce, each bite delivers a delicious balance of nutty richness and chocolatey goodness. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a boost of wholesome ingredients!
3. Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies combine wholesome ingredients and delicious flavor! Protein- and fiber-rich chickpeas combine with smooth almond butter and naturally sweet date paste to create a wonderfully gooey, soft cookie dough. With a cozy, plant-based twist, these treats are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an easy, satisfying dessert any day of the week!
4. Pecan Cranberry Snowball Cookies
Pecan Cranberry Snowball Cookies are the perfect festive treat, made entirely from wholesome, natural ingredients! With a mix of oat flour, almond meal, and creamy plant-based yogurt, these cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Pecans and dried cranberries add a cozy holiday flavor, while shredded coconut gives them a snowy finish. Ideal for holiday parties or as a seasonal naturally sweet snack, these cookies bring a touch of seasonal cheer to any occasion!
5. Oatmeal Macadamia Nut Cookies
These Oatmeal Macadamia Nut Cookies are proof that simple, natural ingredients can turn into truly delicious baked treats! Organic oats and almond flour form the base, medjool dates add natural sweetness, and chia seeds give a nutrient boost. The star? Rich, buttery macadamia nuts that add a delightful crunch. These cookies are the perfect way to enjoy a wholesome snack packed with flavor and texture!
6. Snickerdoodles
These refined-sugar-free Snickerdoodles make baking both fun and nourishing! Almond butter, date paste, and plant-based yogurt create a soft and tender cookie, while a dusting of coconut sugar and cinnamon gives them that classic Snickerdoodle finish. With natural ingredients and a deliciously spiced flavor, these cookies are a wholesome treat that brings joy to any baking day!
7. Lemon Drop Cookies
Baking vegan cookies has never been easier or more delicious with these Lemon Drop Cookies! Using simple, plant-based ingredients like silken tofu, almond flour, and fresh lemon juice, these cookies are both nourishing and flavorful. A touch of maple syrup adds natural sweetness, while a lemon zest and raw sugar topping brings brightness to every bite. They’re a refreshing, wholesome way to enjoy a treat!
It’s Okay, Have a Healthier Cookie!
Baking vegan cookies at home is more than just a healthier alternative — it’s a chance to create treats that align with your values and well-being. By using wholesome, plant-based ingredients, you can enjoy delicious cookies free from processed additives, artificial flavors, and animal products.
Plus, baking itself can be a rewarding, creative outlet that allows you to tailor each batch to your unique taste preferences and create memories and gifts for loved ones. Whether inspired by the rich history of cookie-making or driven to make treats that are kinder to your body, vegan cookies offer everyone a sweet, versatile option.
Tell us in the comments:
- What is your absolute favorite kind of cookie?
- What ideas did you get about how to make cookies healthier?
- Which cookie recipe will you try next?
Featured Image: iStock.com/takoburito
