Ovenly’s Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies prove that you don’t need butter or eggs to achieve cookie perfection. These treats are chewy at the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and generously studded with chunks of dark chocolate. The finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt heightens every bite, balancing sweetness with a savory edge that makes them irresistibly moreish. What makes these cookies even more appealing is how simple they are to prepare. No special equipment or obscure ingredients—just pantry staples that come together in minutes. They’re the ultimate recipe for those who want a plant-based dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. Whether you’re vegan or simply curious to try a new twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, these are guaranteed to win you over.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
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1/2 cup canola oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
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1/4 cup water
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chunks or chips
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Flaky sea salt for finishing
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
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In a large bowl, whisk together oil, water, and vanilla extract until combined. Add both sugars and whisk until smooth.
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Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. The dough should be thick but slightly sticky.
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Fold in the chocolate chunks or chips.
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Scoop 2–3 tablespoons of dough for each cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between them.
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Sprinkle each with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
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Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 13 minutes | Total Time: 23 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 18 cookies
The Origin of Ovenly’s Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most iconic desserts of all time, but Ovenly, a renowned New York City bakery, decided to reimagine this classic in a way that caters to modern tastes and dietary needs. Their famous Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies have become a cult favorite not only among vegans but also among people who typically wouldn’t think twice about butter or eggs in their baked goods.
What sets Ovenly apart is their ability to make plant-based recipes taste just as indulgent, if not more so, than the originals. These cookies were born out of their mission to create desserts that are both approachable and elevated, appealing to everyone regardless of dietary choices. With no butter, no eggs, and no complicated substitutions, these cookies have gained legendary status as a prime example of how delicious vegan baking can be.
Why Vegan Doesn’t Mean Compromise
Many people assume that vegan cookies lack richness, chewiness, or flavor, but Ovenly’s recipe proves otherwise. By swapping traditional ingredients like butter and eggs for pantry staples such as oil, water, and high-quality chocolate, these cookies achieve the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, chewy centers.
The science behind it is fascinating: oil provides the fat necessary for structure and moisture, while sugar binds the dough and creates caramelization during baking. The result is a cookie that spreads just enough, bakes evenly, and stays moist long after it’s cooled. Adding flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the chocolate while bringing a sophisticated touch to every bite.
Nutritional Benefits of Going Vegan with Cookies
While cookies are still a treat, Ovenly’s vegan recipe provides some advantages over traditional versions. Without butter and eggs, these cookies are naturally cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fat. Using a neutral oil gives the cookies a lighter texture while still delivering indulgence.
The dark chocolate chunks used in the recipe are often higher in antioxidants compared to milk chocolate, offering small but valuable health benefits. Dark chocolate is also known to support heart health and improve mood thanks to compounds like flavonoids and serotonin boosters. Combined with the reduction of animal-based fats, this makes the cookies a slightly more balanced option for dessert lovers.
For people with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those following a plant-based lifestyle, these cookies open the door to enjoying a timeless classic without discomfort or compromise. They also align with sustainable eating practices, making them a guilt-free pleasure in more ways than one.
The Sweet and Salty Flavor Experience
The magic of these cookies lies not just in their vegan credentials but in their irresistible flavor profile. The chewiness of the cookie contrasts beautifully with the melt-in-your-mouth richness of dark chocolate chunks. Each bite is elevated by the pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top, creating a sweet-salty experience that keeps you reaching for another.
This contrast is what makes the cookies feel gourmet and satisfying. Salt enhances chocolate’s natural complexity, amplifying its fruity, nutty, and roasted notes. Instead of being overwhelmingly sweet, these cookies are layered with balanced flavors that appeal to refined palates as well as kids craving a chocolatey snack.
Why This Recipe is the Best
Ovenly’s Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out because of their simplicity, consistency, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Many vegan cookie recipes can be finicky, requiring specialty ingredients like flaxseed “eggs” or nut butters. Ovenly’s approach eliminates the guesswork with a straightforward blend of oil, water, sugar, flour, and chocolate.
The result? A foolproof recipe that delivers perfect cookies every single time. Even better, you don’t have to wait for butter to soften or eggs to be at room temperature—the dough comes together in minutes. This ease makes the recipe accessible to beginner bakers while still impressing seasoned dessert lovers.
It’s also a recipe that non-vegans rave about. People often cannot believe the cookies are completely free of animal products, which speaks volumes about the bakery’s success in perfecting texture and flavor. They’re chewy, gooey, and crave-worthy—the hallmarks of any great chocolate chip cookie.
The Appeal of Sweet-Salty Desserts
The trend of combining sweet and salty flavors has been rising in popularity, and for good reason. The interplay between sugar and salt creates a more complex and enjoyable taste experience. Ovenly tapped into this trend perfectly with their cookies, which balance the richness of dark chocolate with a touch of salt to create addictive contrast.
Salt not only boosts flavor but also tempers sweetness, allowing you to savor the cookie without it feeling cloying. This makes them a dessert you can enjoy with a glass of almond milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even as an after-dinner indulgence that doesn’t feel heavy.
Perfect for Every Occasion
These cookies are the kind of treat that fits seamlessly into any setting. They are impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or holiday gatherings, yet simple enough to bake for a cozy weekend snack. Pack them in a lunchbox, share them at work, or gift them to friends—they’re universally appealing.
Because they’re vegan, they’re also a safe option to bring to potlucks or events where guests may have dietary restrictions. You don’t need to label them as “vegan cookies” to get people excited; the flavor speaks for itself, and most people won’t even realize they’re dairy-free and egg-free until you tell them.
Tips for Baking the Best Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Use high-quality dark chocolate chunks instead of regular chips for a more indulgent bite.
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Don’t skip the flaky sea salt topping—it transforms the flavor and adds a gourmet touch.
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Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking if you want slightly thicker cookies.
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For a fun twist, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
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Bake just until the edges are golden but the centers are soft; cookies will continue to firm as they cool.
These small adjustments allow you to personalize the cookies while still staying true to the heart of the recipe.
Pairing Ideas for Maximum Enjoyment
Enjoy these cookies warm out of the oven with a glass of cold almond or oat milk for a classic pairing. For adults, try serving them with a rich espresso or cappuccino, as the bitterness of the coffee pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate.
For an elevated dessert, sandwich two cookies around a scoop of dairy-free ice cream to create an indulgent ice cream cookie sandwich. They also crumble beautifully over plant-based yogurt or chia pudding for a breakfast-meets-dessert treat.
Conclusion
Ovenly’s Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies prove that plant-based baking can be just as delicious, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing as traditional desserts. With their chewy centers, melty chocolate chunks, and the perfect finishing touch of flaky sea salt, these cookies strike the ultimate balance between comfort food and culinary sophistication.
They are simple to make, adaptable for different preferences, and suitable for anyone—vegan or not—who loves a truly great cookie. By reimagining a timeless classic through a modern, plant-based lens, Ovenly has created one of the best chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever taste. Whether you bake them for yourself, your family, or to share at a gathering, these cookies are destined to become a go-to recipe in your collection.