Dairy-Free Cookies: 8 Easy Recipes (No Butter)
Every cookie here is 100% dairy-free: no butter, no milk chocolate, no hidden whey. Swap butter for vegan butter, refined coconut oil, or a neutral oil and you keep the same chew and spread. Below are our best dairy-free cookie recipes, from 30-minute chocolate chip to melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
8 Dairy-Free Recipes to Try
- Chocolate Chip Cookies — the everyday classic with chewy centres, crisp edges, ready in 30 minutes.
- Double Chocolate Cookies — fudgy, brownie-like cookies loaded with dairy-free chocolate.
- Sugar Cookies — soft and sweet, perfect for icing and the holidays.
- Oatmeal Cookies — hearty oats with a tender, lightly spiced crumb.
- Lemon Cookies — bright, zesty and chewy with a fresh citrus finish.
- Coconut Cookies — crispy edges, chewy middle and natural coconut richness.
- Ginger Cookies — warm, spiced and soft, a cosy year-round favourite.
- Shortbread Cookies — buttery, crumbly texture made entirely without dairy.
How to make any cookie dairy-free
Use a 1:1 dairy-free butter stick for structure and flavour, or refined coconut oil for crisp edges. Choose chocolate labelled dairy-free or 70%+ dark, and check that your sugar and vanilla are vegan. For richness without butter, a spoon of nut butter or a splash of plant milk keeps the dough soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of butter in dairy-free cookies?
A 1:1 dairy-free butter stick is the easiest swap. Refined coconut oil gives crisper edges, while a neutral oil keeps cookies soft. Each works in most cookie recipes without other changes.
Are chocolate chips dairy-free?
Standard milk and many semi-sweet chips contain milk. Look for chips labelled dairy-free or vegan, or use dark chocolate that is 70% cocoa or higher and check the label for milk.
How do I store dairy-free cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze the baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
Looking for more? Browse the full collection of dairy-free recipes for cookies, desserts, dinners and substitutes.