Vegan Chocolate Cherry Cookies (coconut oil)
This recipe provides a dairy-free dessert option that uses coconut oil as a fat alternative. These cookies deliver the classic combination of chocolate and cherry in a chewy texture.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
- 3/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons plant-based milk if needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If the dough seems too dry, add plant-based milk one tablespoon at a time.
- Fold in the chopped dried cherries and vegan chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll into balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
I developed this recipe last winter when I was craving something rich and fruity but wanted to avoid butter and eggs. After several batches of testing different ratios, I discovered that coconut oil creates the most wonderful chewy texture while letting the chocolate and cherry flavors shine through. Now these cookies are my go-to treat for satisfying my sweet tooth guilt-free.