Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe with friends because it’s one of those rare vegan treats that truly satisfies every chocolate chip cookie craving. Whether you’re vegan or not, these cookies have this wonderfully chewy texture with gooey pockets of dark chocolate and just the right touch of sea salt that makes every bite irresistible. I remember the first time I baked these—I couldn’t believe they were vegan!

This recipe shines when you plan ahead, thanks to the crucial overnight chilling step that deepens the flavor and perfects the texture. You’ll find that the balance of dark chocolate, silky oil, and a hint of salt delivers a cookie that’s both sophisticated and comforting. Trust me, once you try Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, it might just become your go-to treat for when you need a little sweet pick-me-up.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to make a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness. Plus, a few little tips on the ingredients can help you get the best results every time.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie; I prefer unbleached for better flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a light lift and soft crumb.
• Baking soda: Balances the pH and aids browning for that perfect golden edge.
• Fine salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Dark chocolate chips: Look for at least 60% cocoa and check for vegan certification; it makes a huge difference in richness.
• Sugar: Plain white sugar creates the cookie’s crisp bite.
• Light or dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor; I love using dark when I want extra richness.
• Neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, etc.): Keeps the cookies tender and moist without a heavy taste.
• Water: A small addition that helps bring the dough together smoothly.
• Coarse-grained or flaky sea salt: For sprinkling on top to add that bakery-favorite salty-sweet contrast.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. I’ve played around with add-ins and swaps that make these cookies special for different occasions or dietary needs.

• With nuts: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch—my family goes crazy for this version.
• Swap the chocolate: Try vegan white chocolate chips or chunks for a twist; just remember to keep the 60% cocoa dark chocolate for depth if you want partial swaps.
• Gluten-free option: Using a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend works well here, but just add an extra minute of bake time and check texture.
• Less sweet version: I sometimes cut back the sugars by a quarter cup total for when I want a more subtle sweetness but still crave that salty contrast.

How to Make Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix and match your dry ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined. Then add your dark chocolate chips directly to the bowl and toss them in the flour mixture. This little trick keeps the chocolate chips from sinking and ensures they distribute beautifully throughout each cookie.

Step 2: Whisk your sugars and oil until smooth

In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk your white sugar, brown sugar, canola oil, and water together. I usually spend about two minutes on this until the mix is silky and smooth—breaking up any brown sugar clumps beforehand is key for an even texture. This step might feel a little strange without butter, but trust me, it’s the foundation for tender cookies.

Step 3: Combine dry and wet ingredients gently

Slowly add the flour and chocolate chip mixture to your sugar and oil bowl, stirring just until you don’t see dry flour anymore. Make sure not to overmix here; otherwise, your cookies could get tough. I always switch to a rubber spatula at this point—it feels more gentle on the dough.

Step 4: Refrigerate the dough for maximum flavor and texture

Here’s where Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe really sets itself apart—cover your dough and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours, up to 24. Skipping this step might be tempting, but the resting time intensifies flavors and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. When I first tried baking without chilling, the cookies spread too thin.

Step 5: Scoop, chill briefly, and prep to bake

Once your dough is chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to make generous 2-inch mounds of dough. I like to pop these scooped dough balls in the freezer for about 10 minutes before baking—that little chill keeps the cookies from losing their shape during baking.

Step 6: Sprinkle salt and bake to perfection

Before sliding the tray into the oven, sprinkle each dough mound with flaky sea salt—this is the signature touch. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. Watch carefully here; overbaking dries the cookies out. When you’re done, your kitchen will smell AMAZING.

Step 7: Cool completely before digging in

Give the cookies plenty of time to cool on the baking sheet—this helps them firm up while keeping that chewy center. I know it’s tempting to grab one warm, but trust me, letting them cool really completes the cookie experience.

How to Serve Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these cookies with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt right before they go in the oven—it’s the perfect balance because that subtle salty crunch brings out the sweetness without overpowering. For a festive touch, I sometimes dust lightly with cocoa powder or drizzle with melted vegan dark chocolate when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold plant-based milk or a creamy oat milk latte for the ultimate cozy treat. They also go surprisingly well alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade your friends will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special gatherings, I’ve put these cookies in cute glass jars tied with a ribbon or arranged them on a rustic wooden board with edible flowers and nuts for a charming dessert table centerpiece. You could also sandwich the cookies with vegan nut butter or jam for a fun twist that feels extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftovers, I keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. I like placing a slice of bread inside the container to retain moisture, which helps keep the cookies soft and chewy, just like fresh-baked.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing them individually on a tray first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them lightly in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes—this refreshes their soft texture and melted chocolate without drying them out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds works in a pinch but watch closely to avoid making them hard.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ovenly’s Secretly Vegan Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it proves just how indulgent vegan baking can be without any complicated ingredients or techniques. I love how approachable it is, and how the overnight chill transforms simple ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and chocolatey that everyone will adore. I can’t wait for you to try making them and see just how much joy these cookies can bring to your kitchen.

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