Best 5 Cookie Recipes No Butter for Easy Baking

Introduction

Ever craved warm, gooey cookies only to find you’re out of butter? You’re not alone. A recent Google Trends analysis shows that searches for “cookie recipes no butter” have surged by over 45% in the past year. Whether you’re dairy-free, watching your fat intake, or just out of ingredients, it’s absolutely possible to make delicious cookies without butter and still satisfy your sweet tooth. In this post, you’ll discover 5 of the best cookie recipes no butter that deliver flavor, texture, and convenience.

Ingredients List

For these five irresistible cookie recipes no butter, you’ll need everyday ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s a master list with substitutions:

• Flour (all-purpose, oat, or almond flour)
• Sugar (white, brown, or coconut sugar for depth)
• Eggs (or flaxseed egg for a vegan version)
• Vegetable oil or coconut oil (as the primary butter alternative)
• Baking powder or baking soda
• Vanilla extract for aroma
• Salt to balance sweetness
• Add-ins: Chocolate chips, oats, peanut butter, raisins, cinnamon, or chopped nuts

Substitutions:

• Use mashed bananas or applesauce for moisture and natural sweetness.
• Try Greek yogurt as a partial oil substitute for added protein.

Timing

Each cookie recipe is crafted for quick, fuss-free baking:

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Baking Time: 8–12 minutes
• Total Time: Around 25 minutes on average

That’s nearly 20% faster than traditional butter-based cookies, which often require creaming and chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Classic No-Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk ½ cup oil with ¾ cup brown sugar.
3. Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mix well.
4. Stir in 1¼ cup flour, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
5. Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips.
6. Scoop onto a lined tray and bake for 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Don’t overbake cookies continue cooking on the tray after removal.

2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Without Butter

1. Mix ½ cup coconut oil, ¾ cup coconut sugar, and 1 egg.
2. Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Stir in 1 cup oats and ¾ cup flour.
4. Fold in ½ cup raisins.
5. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.

Tip: Chill the dough for 15 minutes for chewier cookies.

3. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

1. Combine 1 cup natural peanut butter, ½ cup maple syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla.
2. Mix in 1 cup oat flour and ½ tsp baking powder.
3. Scoop and flatten cookies on a baking sheet.
4. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Tip: Use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern before baking.

4. Applesauce Snickerdoodles

1. Whisk ½ cup vegetable oil with ⅓ cup applesauce and ¾ cup sugar.
2. Add 1½ cups flour, ½ tsp cream of tartar, and ¼ tsp baking soda.
3. Form balls and roll in cinnamon sugar.
4. Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

Tip: These cookies puff up nicely no butter required.

5. Coconut Oil Sugar Cookies

1. Cream ½ cup coconut oil and ⅔ cup sugar.
2. Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
3. Mix in 1½ cups flour and ½ tsp baking powder.
4. Roll and cut shapes, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Tip: Chill dough before cutting for cleaner edges.

Nutritional Information

These butter-free cookies tend to be lower in saturated fat and calories. Here’s a rough comparison per serving:

• Calories: 90–140
• Fat: 6–8g (depending on oil used)
• Sugar: 6–10g
• Protein: 1–3g
• Cholesterol: 0–15mg

Using oils like coconut or olive oil offers better control over the fat profile, and adding oats or nuts increases fiber and protein.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make these cookie recipes no butter even better for you?

• Swap white flour for whole wheat or almond flour for added fiber.
• Replace sugar with stevia, monk fruit, or date syrup to lower the glycemic index.
• Use flax eggs or chia eggs for a plant-based protein boost.
• Add superfoods like ground flaxseed, cacao nibs, or hemp hearts.
• For another delicious option using vegetable oil instead of butter, check out this easy no-butter chocolate chip cookie recipe

These tweaks won’t just fit dietary preferences they’ll add nutritional value without compromising taste.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm beverage or cold milk substitute. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or dairy-free ice cream.
• Stack them for a cookie tower at gatherings.
• Dip half in dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Crumble over smoothie bowls or parfaits for crunch.

Recipe Yield: Each recipe yields approximately 12–16 cookies, enough for 4 servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even butter-free baking has its challenges. Avoid these common missteps:

• Using too much oil: Leads to greasy, spread-out cookies.
• Skipping chilling time: Results in flat, runny dough.
• Overmixing dough: Creates tough, chewy cookies.
• Substituting without measuring: Alternative ingredients still need balance.

Stick to the recipe ratios and use a cookie scoop for even sizing.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your cookies fresh and tasty:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate dough for up to 1 week before baking.
• Freeze baked cookies in zip-lock bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

Prep extra batches and freeze for quick desserts or lunchbox treats.

Conclusion

Who knew skipping butter could lead to such sweet success? These five cookie recipes no butter are proof that you can enjoy mouthwatering treats without the dairy. From classic chocolate chip to chewy oatmeal raisin, you now have easy, flavorful, and healthier options to bake anytime. Try your favorite, share your results, and explore more creative recipes in our collection.

FAQs

Can I use olive oil in cookie recipes no butter?
Yes, but choose light olive oil to avoid overpowering the flavor.

Are these cookies vegan?
Some are naturally vegan or can be adapted with flax eggs and plant-based sweeteners.

Can I freeze the dough instead of the cookies?
Absolutely. Portion the dough, freeze on a tray, then transfer to bags for up to 3 months.

What oil works best for baking cookies?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or refined coconut oil work well for flavor and texture.

Do cookies without butter taste different?
They have a slightly different richness but remain soft, chewy, and just as delicious when made right.