Are you looking for a substitute for butter in your regular chocolate chip cookies recipe? Well, you’re in luck!
We have compiled some of the best alternatives to using butter in your chocolate chip cookies.
Whether it’s because of dietary restrictions, health concerns, or simply because you are out of butter at home - these substitutes will help you create the perfect cookie for any occasion!
Keep reading to discover these delicious replacements that can help you make your favorite treats.
Why People Love Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most popular desserts around. With a crispy exterior and chewiness inside, these delicious treats are beloved by kids and adults alike!
Baked cookies have been a favorite snack for generations, and it's easy to see why!
With an unmistakable smell of sweetness and nostalgia baking in the oven, these treats are as much of a welcome sight as they are delicious.
People love them for their nostalgic flavors, sweet balance of chocolate chips, and simple ingredients that make baking possible even for beginners.
The best part about making chocolate chip cookies is that no matter what substitute you choose, there's usually a delicious result.
What Butter Does For Chocolate Chip Cookies
Butter is the traditional fat used in chocolate chip cookie recipes. It contributes a unique flavor and creates a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Butter also helps to create a firmer structure for the cookie as it bakes.
This is because butter has a higher fat content than other substitute fats, which tends to give cookies a sturdier structure.
Butter also helps to create the beautiful golden brown color that we all love in a chocolate chip cookie!
Why You Might Want to Substitute Butter in Your Cookie Recipe
There are many reasons why people substitute butter in their chocolate chip cookie recipe. Most commonly, it’s because of health concerns such as allergies or dietary restrictions.
Others might substitute butter for ethical or sustainability reasons. Or, the most common reason – simply running out of butter at home!
But whatever your reason, these substitute ingredients will help you make delicious, fluffy cookies without any butter.
10 Best Substitutes for Butter in Chocolate Chip Cookies
For crispier cookies, substitute butter with any of the following ingredients for the best chocolate chip cookies:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the perfect substitute for a delicious twist when it comes to making traditional chocolate chip cookies!
Just melt 100% unrefined, slightly melted Coconut Oil per the amount of butter called for in your recipe!
With just this one substitution, your cookies will become even crunchier and bring out the classic coconut flavor that makes these treats so irresistible.
Plus, you can finish up your cookies with a swirl of coconut sugar and a splash of vanilla extract for an extra bunch of flavor.
2. Vegetable Shortening
Give your baking a delicious twist with vegetable shortening!
Perfect for professional chefs or amateur bakers alike, this amazing alternative to lard is sure to give your sweet treats an unbeatable texture every time.
Whether you're using it as the best substitute for the perfect chocolate chip cookies or testing out more experimental recipes, vegetable shortening will provide that wonderfully chewy finish that you know and love.
Enjoy soft, gooey cookies surrounded by slightly crunchy edges — thanks to this handy ingredient!
3. Cream Cheese
With cream cheese, you can create a delightful treat that's rich and creamy, but with half the fat of butter!
Simply substitute the butter with cream cheese to create a delicious cookie that is sure to please everyone.
Just make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before getting started.
When the next time comes to blend in the creams, start at a low speed and then increase for a fraction of a minute for a cookie dough with all-new creamy texture and delicious taste!
4. Margarine
Found right next to the butter in the grocery store, margarine has a similar packaging and consistency but with a lower fat content.
Just substitute equal amounts of margarine in your recipes instead of butter - and don't forget, it doesn't need to be at room temperature before baking like its dairy counterpart!
You can get baking faster, with delicious results.
5. Vegetable Oil or Olive Oil
Transform your cookies with the power of vegetable or olive oil. These oils offer superior moisture and a neutral oil flavor that's sure to transform any recipe.
Take your butter-based recipes to a whole new level with vegetable or extra virgin olive oil cookies. Plus, it's easy to adjust your cookie-making experience.
If you want slightly thicker cookies, just turn down the oven temperature for perfectly formed treats. Get ready for the best results every time!
6. Peanut Butter
This delectable ingredient is the perfect 1:1 substitute for butter when making classic chocolate chip cookies.
With a smooth texture that blends easily with other ingredients, peanut butter makes it easier than ever to whip up delicious treats.
And guess what? If you're looking to change things up, you can even use half peanut butter and half canola oil to make a light and chewy cookie.
Satisfy cravings with the delightful taste of Peanut Butter cookies and enjoy sweet treats that are a little bit out of the ordinary!
7. AppleSauce
Get ready to experience a delicious and healthy version of classic chocolate chip cookies like you’ve never tasted before!
With applesauce, you can add a whole new level of exciting flavor and moistness to one of your favorite recipes.
Unsweetened applesauce allows you to use it as a butter substitute in chocolate chip cookies, perfect for those looking to make healthier treats or just try something new.
Plus, thanks to the added moisture, these desserts will stand up higher on your flat baking sheet giving them an impressive finished look sure to impress.
8. Bananas
For a delicious and healthier cookie, try using mashed banana to replace butter!
This delicious option will not disappoint: you still get the perfect chewy texture you crave from cookies, but with an exciting hint of banana flavor!
Your friends and family will love them — but they'll never guess what you swapped to make them so irresistible!
By opting for mashed banana, you can feel good about adding some extra nutrition to your baking.
Just use one cup of banana for every cup butter and enjoy the dense, rich deliciousness that only bananas can provide.
9. Pumpkin Puree
Pumpkin puree is the perfect addition to all your favorite sweets.
Not only does it add some fat and sweetness to your cookies, cupcakes, bars, and quick breads, but it will also make them look amazing with its eye-catching orange color!
And the best part? For every one cup of butter you use in your recipes, just use ¾ cup of pumpkin puree for a rich and moist result.
Try it out today for an unbeatable fall treat that looks and tastes incredible!
10. Greek Yogurt
Get ready to experience the ultimate taste sensation with Greek yogurt! Who says you have to use butter for baking cakes and cookies?
With Greek yogurt, your creations will be creamier, more delectable, and far lower in fat. Plus, the unique tangy flavor accompanying each bite will tantalize your taste buds.
Chocolate Chip Cookies Using Butter Substitutes
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite, but with all the substitute options available, you can take your treats to a whole new level! Here are some cookie recipes to try out:
- Olive Oil and Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Applesauce Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
- Gluten free chocolate chip cookies
- Banana, Pecan, and White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Greek Yogurt Dark Chocolate Chunk Brownies
- Cookie Dough Balls
Experiment with substitute ingredients to find your favorite recipe. You won’t be disappointed! Get baking today!
Butterless Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Homemade chocolate chip cookies without using regular butter? The possibilities are endless! Here is a great butterless chocolate chip cookie recipe that you can try at home:
Ingredients
Delicious recipes like this are a twist on the original recipe for easy chocolate chip cookies.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup substitute of choice (apple sauce, greek yogurt, peanut butter etc.)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
What You Need
- Measuring cup
- Stand mixer or electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
This easy recipe makes delicious substitute chocolate chip cookies. The only thing you have to change is the substitute for butter.
1. Preheat oven to 375F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the substitute of choice until creamy. Add in the sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition of wet ingredients. Beat in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Gently fold in desired chocolate chips or other ingredients of your choice (optional).
7. Use a cookie scoop and place the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, being sure to leave enough room for them to spread out while baking.
8. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes or until crispy edges are lightly golden brown and centers are set (cookies will cook with extra time on the hot pan when they come out of the oven).
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
The first time you substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies you may have to adjust the amount of wet and dry ingredients to get your desired texture.
Now that you have all of the substitute options for making chocolate chip cookies, get baking and enjoy these delicious treats! The final product will be amazing.
Additional Ingredients to Include
There are many other ingredients you can use to substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Nuts of choice - chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds
- Coconut flakes
- Light brown sugar
- Dried fruit - raisins, cranberries, etc.
- White chocolate chips or chunks
- Powdered sugar (for a finish on top of the cookies)
- Chocolate chunks
- Almond extract
- Vegan butter or almond butter
- Gluten free chocolate chips
- Whole wheat flour
The second time you substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies, you may want to experiment with different types of substitute ingredients.
The possibilities are endless and your taste-testers will love the final results!
Tips for Substituting for Butter
When substitute ingredients are used in place of butter, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Use slightly less substitute than the amount of butter called for in the recipe.
- The substitute ingredients should be at room temperature before using them (this will help ensure they mix evenly).
- Taste test your dough beforehand and adjust ingredients accordingly. You may need to add more regular sugar or salt if you find it is too bland.
- If you’re substituting applesauce, pumpkin puree, or Greek yogurt into a cookie recipe, lower temperature by 25°F. This will prevent your delicious cookies from burning on the edges while baking.
- Use an airtight container to store any delicious chocolate chip cookies you have left.
Final Thoughts
A warm glass of milk and a batch of freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies is the perfect way to end a cozy evening.
Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies have been a favorite of many for decades, but why not try something new?
Try any of these butter substitutes – you’ll be sure to find it more flavorful than your classic!
Baked cookies are a great addition to your recipe card and you can find more ideas on social media. Good luck!
Butter Substitute For Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most popular desserts around.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup substitute of choice (apple sauce, greek yogurt, peanut butter etc.)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the substitute of choice until creamy. Add in the sugars and beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition of wet ingredients. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
- Gently fold in desired chocolate chips or other ingredients of your choice (optional).
- Use a cookie scoop and place the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, being sure to leave enough room for them to spread out while baking.
- Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes or until crispy edges are lightly golden brown and centers are set (cookies will cook with extra time on the hot pan when they come out of the oven).
- Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
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