18 Delicious Cookie Recipes No Butter Needed

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April 4, 2025

Are you a cookie lover who’s also a fan of creative cooking? Look no further! We’ve gathered 18 delicious cookie recipes that don’t require butter – because, let’s be real, sometimes we need a little variety in our baking lives. From classic chocolate chip to sweet potato cookies, these tasty treats are perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping things interesting.

From applesauce-spiced wonders to coconut oil-infused delights, each of these recipes has been carefully crafted to bring you the best taste and texture without using butter as an ingredient. Whether you’re a vegan, gluten-free baker or just looking to mix things up, we’ve got you covered with our collection of scrumptious cookie recipes that say goodbye to butter and hello to flavor!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic favorite gets a plant-based twist with these chewy vegan chocolate chip cookies. Made with wholesome ingredients and no animal products, they’re perfect for snacking or sharing.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance), softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg replacement (such as Ener-G Egg Replacer or flaxseed meal)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semisweet vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the vegan butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg replacement, vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Without Butter

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Without Butter
These classic cookies are a staple of any bake sale or snack time, and this recipe proves that you don’t need butter to make them delicious. Using applesauce instead of butter adds moisture and flavor to these soft and chewy treats.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup applesauce
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, combine applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in raisins.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Coconut Oil Sugar Cookies

Coconut Oil Sugar Cookies
A sweet treat that combines the richness of coconut oil with the warmth of sugar cookies.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted)
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut and/or chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together melted coconut oil and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Applesauce Spice Cookies

Applesauce Spice Cookies
These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the sweetness of applesauce and the warmth of spices, making them a perfect treat for any time of day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch ready to enjoy in no time.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup applesauce
– 1 large egg
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add applesauce and mix until combined.
4. Beat in the egg until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Banana Walnut Cookies

Banana Walnut Cookies
A sweet treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the crunch of walnuts and a hint of spice, these cookies are perfect for a snack or dessert. With a soft and chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

– 2 large ripe bananas
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine bananas, butter, sugars, and egg. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and stir until combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
A seasonal twist on a classic cookie recipe, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the warmth of pumpkin puree with the richness of chocolate chips.

Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes

Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies

Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies are a perfect treat for those following a gluten-free diet or just looking to mix things up. Made with almond flour and a touch of sugar, these crispy treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes

Peanut Butter Cookies with Coconut Oil

Peanut Butter Cookies with Coconut Oil
Classic Peanut Butter Cookies with a Twist: Coconut Oil

These soft and chewy peanut butter cookies get an extra boost of flavor and moisture from the addition of coconut oil. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.
5. Stir in shredded coconut (if using).
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Yield: About 24 cookies

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Avocado Chocolate Cookies

Avocado Chocolate Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the creamy richness of avocados with the decadence of dark chocolate, creating a unique and indulgent treat.

Ingredients:

– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the avocados until smooth. Add flour, butter, sugars, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until well combined.
3. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown.

Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes

Yield: Approximately 24 cookies

Maple Syrup Snickerdoodles

Maple Syrup Snickerdoodles
Sweeten up your snickerdoodle game with the addition of pure Canadian maple syrup! These soft and chewy cookies are infused with the rich flavor of maple syrup, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Date and Nut Cookies

Date and Nut Cookies
These chewy cookies combine the natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of nuts, making them a perfect treat for any time of day. With just a few ingredients, you can have a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– 1 large egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
4. Add the chopped dates, nuts, and flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Flourless Almond Butter Cookies

Flourless Almond Butter Cookies
A classic cookie recipe gets a nutty twist with these flourless almond butter cookies, perfect for those looking for a gluten-free treat.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup creamy almond butter
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped sliced almonds
– Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together almond butter and sugars until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Stir in salt and chopped almonds.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cookies

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the deep flavor of dark chocolate, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With only a few ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll be enjoying these delicious cookies in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies

Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies
Looking for a sweet and satisfying cookie that’s free from common allergens like peanuts and tree nuts? Look no further! These Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies are made with sunflower seed butter, a great alternative to traditional nut butters.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup sunflower seed butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together sunflower seed butter and sugars until smooth.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Molasses Spice Cookies

Molasses Spice Cookies
Experience the cozy comfort of traditional holiday baking with these soft and chewy molasses cookies, infused with a blend of warm spices.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses and mix until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet Potato Cookies
Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

Sweet potato adds a delicious twist to traditional sugar cookies! These soft-baked treats are perfect for a snack or dessert, and the sweet potato flavor pairs beautifully with a hint of spice.

Ingredients:

– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Optional: chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Add mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until a dough forms.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Yield: About 24 cookies
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Chia Seed and Honey Cookies

Chia Seed and Honey Cookies
These chewy cookies are a perfect blend of healthy chia seeds and sweet honey, making them a great snack option for kids and adults alike. With just the right amount of crunch and flavor, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup chia seeds
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, chia seeds, and baking soda.
3. In a large bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Lemon Olive Oil Cookies

Lemon Olive Oil Cookies
Brighten up your baking with these citrusy treats infused with the rich flavor of olive oil.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in lemon zest, juice, flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Discover the sweet treats that don’t require butter! This article shares 18 delicious cookie recipes that use alternative ingredients to traditional butter. From classic chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to innovative uses like applesauce and avocado, these cookies are perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Try vegan options like coconut oil sugar cookies or peanut butter cookies made with coconut oil. There’s something for everyone in this collection of creative cookie recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on taste.

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