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Out of butter?

Vegan Butter Substitute for Cookies

Use this

Earth Balance Baking Sticks

Use the same amount as the butter you are replacing

Close matchBest for chocolate chip cookies

The best vegan butter substitutes for cookies are Earth Balance baking sticks, Miyoko's Creamery, and solid coconut oil. Use cold butter and cream with sugar for proper cookie texture and spread.

At a glance

Every option on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Butter substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of butter, use
1Earth Balance Baking SticksSame amount
2Miyoko's Creamery European Style Cultured Vegan ButterSame amount
3Solid Coconut Oil (Refined)Same amount
4Country Crock Plant Butter (Stick Form)Same amount
5Homemade Vegan Butter BlendSame amount
6Violife Plant ButterSame amount
7Melted Coconut Oil¾:1
8Applesauce + Oil Blend½ applesauce + ½ oil:1

Every butter substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Butter

  1. 1. Earth Balance Baking Sticks

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Earth Balance baking sticks are specifically formulated for baking and work excellently in cookie recipes.

    What changes

    They have the same fat content and melting properties as dairy butter, ensuring proper cookie texture and spread.

    Best for
    chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies, all cookie types, when you want consistent results, professional-quality cookies

    Keep cold and cream with sugar just like dairy butter. Provides perfect texture, proper spread, and authentic cookie flavor. Available in both salted and unsalted varieties for different cookie types.

  2. 2. Miyoko's Creamery European Style Cultured Vegan Butter

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Miyoko's premium vegan butter offers exceptional results in cookie baking.

    What changes

    The cultured flavor adds depth and richness, while the fat content ensures proper cookie structure and texture.

    Best for
    chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, shortbread cookies, when you want premium quality, sophisticated cookie flavors, butter-forward cookies

    More expensive but provides superior taste and texture. The cultured flavor enhances cookie taste, especially in butter-forward recipes like shortbread. Works perfectly in all creaming methods.

  3. 3. Solid Coconut Oil (Refined)

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Refined coconut oil in solid form works well as a vegan butter substitute in cookies.

    What changes

    It provides the necessary fat content and melting properties for proper cookie texture and structure.

    Best for
    chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies, when you want simple option, tropical-flavored cookies, budget-friendly baking, coconut-flavored cookies

    Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor. Keep cold and cream with sugar. May add subtle coconut flavor which works well in many cookie recipes. Provides good texture and spread.

  4. 4. Country Crock Plant Butter (Stick Form)

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Country Crock's plant butter in stick form works well for cookie baking.

    What changes

    It's widely available and affordable, making it a good option for everyday cookie making.

    Best for
    chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, general cookie baking, when you want widely available option, budget-conscious baking, family cookie recipes

    Good for most cookie recipes. May not perform as well in very delicate cookies compared to specialty vegan butter brands, but works well for most home cookie baking.

  5. 5. Homemade Vegan Butter Blend

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    A homemade blend of refined coconut oil, plant milk, and salt creates a customizable vegan butter substitute perfect for cookies.

    What changes

    You control all ingredients and can adjust the flavor profile.

    Best for
    chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, when you want control over ingredients, customizable cookie flavors, avoiding processed ingredients

    Blend 1 cup refined coconut oil with 2-3 tablespoons plant milk and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Store in refrigerator and use cold. Can be customized with different plant milks for varying flavors.

  6. 6. Violife Plant Butter

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Violife's palm oil-free vegan butter works well in cookie recipes.

    What changes

    It's made from coconut and sunflower oils, providing good performance while being environmentally conscious.

    Best for
    chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies, when you want palm oil-free, environmentally conscious baking, general cookie baking

    Palm oil-free option that performs well in most cookie recipes. Has slightly different texture than traditional vegan butters but works well in most cookie types.

  7. 7. Melted Coconut Oil

    Taste and texture differ

    ¾:1

    Melted coconut oil can be used in cookie recipes that call for melted butter or oil.

    What changes

    It creates a different texture but works well in certain cookie types.

    Best for
    oatmeal cookies, some chocolate chip cookies, when recipe calls for melted butter, oil-based cookie recipes, chewy cookies

    Use 3/4 cup melted coconut oil for every 1 cup butter. Creates chewier, more cake-like cookies. Works best in recipes that don't require creaming or where the fat is already melted.

  8. 8. Applesauce + Oil Blend

    Taste and texture differ

    ½ applesauce + ½ oil:1

    A combination of applesauce and oil can replace butter in some cookie recipes, particularly when you want to reduce fat content or create softer cookies.

    What changes
    Best for
    soft cookies, when you want lower fat, healthy cookie baking, some oatmeal cookies, cake-like cookies

    Use 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup oil for every 1 cup butter. Creates softer, more cake-like cookies. May not work well in recipes requiring crisp texture or proper creaming.

This page covers one situation. For the full ranked comparison, see all 9 butter substitutes.

How it behaves in this recipe

Cookie baking requires specific fat properties that vegan butter substitutes must replicate. The best substitutes for cookies have similar fat content (around 80%), ability to hold air when creamed with sugar, and proper melting properties. Solid vegan butters work best for creaming methods and traditional cookie texture, while melted options create chewier, more cake-like cookies. The key is choosing the right consistency and temperature for your specific cookie type.

Tips

  • For chocolate chip cookies, use cold vegan butter and cream it with sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy
  • When making sugar cookies, use solid vegan butter and work quickly to prevent melting during rolling
  • For oatmeal cookies, melted vegan butter or coconut oil work well and create chewier texture
  • In shortbread cookies, use high-quality vegan butter like Miyoko's for best flavor and texture
  • For cookie bars, melted vegan butter works well and creates even texture throughout
  • When making drop cookies, use room temperature vegan butter for easier mixing and consistent results
  • For rolled cookies, use cold vegan butter and work quickly to maintain proper texture
  • In cookie recipes, the temperature of vegan butter affects spread - cold butter makes thicker cookies, room temperature makes thinner ones

Notes on butter

  • For vegan butter extract in cookies, use vanilla extract or butter flavoring
  • For vegan buttermilk in cookies, use plant milk with lemon juice or vinegar
  • For vegan butter beans in cookies, use cannellini beans or navy beans
  • For vegan butter lettuce in cookies, use romaine or green leaf lettuce
  • For vegan butter in cookie bars, use coconut oil or margarine as alternatives
  • For vegan butter in cookie dough, use coconut oil or homemade vegan butter as alternatives

Questions

What's the best vegan butter substitute for chocolate chip cookies?

For chocolate chip cookies, use Earth Balance baking sticks or Miyoko's Creamery. Keep them cold and cream with sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates the perfect texture and spread.

Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter in cookies?

Yes, solid coconut oil works well as a vegan butter substitute in cookies. Use refined coconut oil for neutral flavor and keep it cold. Cream with sugar just like butter for best results.

Why do my vegan cookies spread too much?

Cookie spread is often caused by using melted vegan butter or butter that's too warm. Use cold, solid vegan butter and cream it properly with sugar. Also, make sure your oven temperature is correct.

What's the best vegan butter for sugar cookies?

For sugar cookies, use Earth Balance baking sticks or Miyoko's Creamery. Keep the butter cold and work quickly when rolling out the dough to maintain proper texture and prevent spreading.

Can I substitute vegan butter for butter in oatmeal cookies?

Yes, vegan butter works well in oatmeal cookies. You can use solid vegan butter creamed with sugar, or melted vegan butter/coconut oil for chewier texture. Both methods work well depending on your preference.

What's the difference between using solid vs melted vegan butter in cookies?

Solid vegan butter creamed with sugar creates lighter, more traditional cookie texture. Melted vegan butter creates denser, chewier cookies. Choose based on your desired cookie texture.

Can I use vegan butter in shortbread cookies?

Yes, vegan butter works excellently in shortbread cookies. Use high-quality vegan butter like Miyoko's Creamery for best flavor, or Earth Balance baking sticks for consistent results. The butter flavor is crucial in shortbread.

Why are my vegan cookies too dry?

Dry cookies can be caused by using too much flour, overbaking, or using a vegan butter with too much water content. Use a high-quality vegan butter like Earth Balance baking sticks and don't overmix the dough.

More butter substitutes

Browse the full guide, or the 2,551 ingredients in the index.