Cookies are a beloved treat that come in all shapes and sizes. Many traditional cookie recipes call for eggs as a key binding ingredient. However, there are a number of delicious eggless cookie recipes for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking to avoid eggs.
Why Make Eggless Cookies?
There are a few main reasons one may want to make cookies without eggs:
- Dietary restrictions – Those with egg allergies/sensitivities or who eat a vegan diet need to avoid eggs in their cookies.
- Avoiding eggs – Some simply prefer to minimize eggs in their diet or baking for various reasons.
- Convenience – You may be out of eggs and want to bake cookies anyway.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to bind cookies or mimic the properties of eggs in a cookie recipe. Substitutes like banana, applesauce, avocado, yogurt, vegetable oil, aquafaba, flax eggs, chia eggs, and commercial egg replacers can yield delicious eggless cookies.
Types of Eggless Cookies
Here are some of the most popular kinds of cookies that traditionally do not contain eggs:
Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies originate from Scotland. The high fat and sugar content gives shortbread its signature tender, crumbly texture. Traditional recipes use just a few ingredients – flour, butter, and sugar. Eggs are not used, making nearly all shortbread recipes naturally egg-free.
Biscotti
These crunchy Italian twice-baked cookies are egg-free in their most basic form. Biscotti dough contains just flour, sugar, butter/oil, and flavorings. Eggs may be used as an optional enrichment, but traditional, rustic biscotti do not rely on eggs for structure or flavor.
Speculaas
Speculaas are a Dutch holiday spice cookie traditionally made with flour, brown sugar, butter, baking powder, and warm holiday spices like cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Eggs are not included, and some speculaas recipes even use almond flour. Their flavor improves after a day or two, as the spices continue to meld.
Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits hail from Australia and New Zealand. These no-fuss cookies contain just oats, flour, coconut, sugar, golden syrup or honey, butter, and baking soda. The combination of oats and coconut gives Anzac biscuits great texture and flavor without needing eggs.
Mandelbread
This twice-baked almond cookie is popular in Jewish cuisine. Traditional mandelbread contains matzo meal or flour, sugar, oil, almond extract, and sliced almonds. Eggs are optional, as the high oil content provides enough moisture and binding power. Mandelbread makes a great Passover treat.
Amaretti
Crunchy, airy Italian amaretti cookies are naturally egg-free. Their primary ingredients are sugar, almond flour, and almond extract. Some recipes also include a bit of egg white, but not the yolk. The almond flavor shines through brightly in these delicate cookies.
fortune Cookies
Crisp fortune cookies require just flour, sugar, oil, and water. Some versions add vanilla or sesame oil for flavoring. The absence of eggs makes fortune cookies perfect for finishing off a Chinese restaurant meal for those avoiding eggs.
Ginger Snaps
Ginger snaps get their signature flavor burst and crunchy texture from one key ingredient – ginger. Recipes typically include flour, sugar, oil, ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda. The crisp, gingery cookies are shaped into balls and coated in sugar before baking. Eggs are not required to make basic ginger snaps.
Biscotti
Biscotti have an iconic crisp, crunchy texture thanks to their low-moisture dough and twice-baked method. Most traditional biscotti dough contains just flour, sugar, oil or butter, and flavorings. Eggs may be used for richness but are not essential. Plain biscotti and versions with nuts, chocolate, dried fruit, or citrus are all egg-free.
Cardamom Cookies
Cardamom lends its unique aroma and flavor to these crunchy Nordic cookies. Traditional Scandinavian recipes call for just flour, butter, sugar, and ground cardamom seeds. Some modern versions add vanilla, almond extract, or lemon zest. But cardamom remains the star, and eggs can be omitted completely.
Belgian Butter Cookies
These tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies originated in Belgium. Authentic Belgian butter cookies, like sablés, contain a simple base of flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. The high butter content gives them their distinctive texture without the need for eggs.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
These cookies are a beloved holiday classic. Also known as Russian tea cakes or snowballs, they contain butter, flour, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chopped nuts. The nutty cookies get rolled in powdered sugar after baking. Eggs are often included but can be left out of the simple dough.
Egg Substitutes for Cookies
While the cookies listed above are traditionally egg-free, many cookie recipes do rely on eggs for texture, structure, moisture, leavening, and richness. When modifying a cookie recipe to omit eggs, it helps to substitute an ingredient that mimics some of the properties:
| Egg Substitute | Amount | Effects on Cookies |
|---|---|---|
| Applesauce or pureed fruit | 1/4 cup per egg | Moisture and texture |
| Yogurt | 1/4 cup per egg | Moisture and richness |
| Mashed banana | 1/4 cup per egg | Binds, moisture, and texture |
| Avocado | 1/4 cup per egg | Fat content and moisture |
| Oil | 1/4 cup per egg | Fat content and tenderness |
| Ground flax seed | 1 Tbsp per egg | Binds and adds moisture |
| Chia seeds | 1 Tbsp seeds + 3 Tbsp water, per egg | Binds and adds moisture |
| Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) | 3 Tbsp per egg | Leavening and binding |
| Commercial egg replacer powder | Per package instructions | Serves as binder and leavening agent |
Depending on the role eggs play in the original recipe, your egg substitute choice can help the cookies retain proper texture, moisture content, structural integrity, and visual appeal. Fruit purees, mashed bananas, and yogurt add moisture and tenderness. Fats like oil or avocado maintain richness. Flax eggs and aquafaba act as binders. Experiment with different options to find your favorite eggless cookie recipe!
Choosing Egg Replacements
Here are some tips for choosing which egg substitute will work best in your cookie recipe:
Consider moisture content
Applesauce, mashed bananas, avocado, and yogurt add extra moisture for soft cookies. For crisper cookies, oil or melted butter keep the moisture down.
Assess fat content
Eggs provide fat for richness in cookies. Substitute about 1/4 cup oil, melted butter, or mashed avocado for each egg. Reduce any other fat in the recipe accordingly.
Check binding properties
Ground flax seeds, chia seeds, and commercial binders mimic eggs’ coagulating properties to hold cookie dough together. Aquafaba whips up light and fluffy like beaten egg whites.
Mind the texture
Pureed fruits, oats, and coconut add textural interest. Stick with liquid substitutes for uniformly soft or crunchy cookies.
Consider leavening
Whipped aquafaba boosts cookies’ rise like beaten egg whites. You may need to increase baking soda/powder slightly to compensate for missing eggs.
Check for allergies
Avoid substitutes with common allergens like dairy, nuts, etc. Read labels if using commercial egg replacers.
Try a combo
Using two egg substitutes together can better mimic eggs’ varied roles. For example, flax for binding + fruit puree for moisture.
Eggless Cookie Recipe Ideas
Here are some delicious types of eggless cookies to bake:
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies
The classic is even better egg-free! Swap the eggs for mashed banana, yogurt, or apple sauce.
Eggless Sugar Cookies
For cut-out cookies, use 1/4 cup applesauce per egg. Roll them thick to maintain texture without eggs.
Eggless Peanut Butter Cookies
Add extra peanut butter or oil for the fat that eggs typically provide.
Eggless Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
The oats will help retain moist texture. Ground flax seeds also pair well with the oats.
Eggless Gingerbread Cookies
Molasses and brown sugar keep gingerbread moist enough to skip eggs.
Eggless Pistachio Cranberry Biscotti
Traditional biscotti don’t need eggs. The nuts and dried fruit already provide texture.
Eggless Pumpkin Cookies
The pumpkin puree makes these cookies extra moist and satisfying without eggs.
Eggless Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
A great way to start the day! Swap eggs for mashed banana and add nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Eggless Spiced Jam Thumbprints
Fill these tender shortbread-like cookies with your favorite jam after baking.
Eggless Vegan Chocolate Crinkles
Use oil instead of eggs. Dust the cookies in powdered sugar after baking.
Eggless Matcha Tea Cookies
Ground green tea brings its signature flavor to these unique egg-free cookies.
Eggless Cardamom Maple Cookies
A delicious egg-free cookie with warming cardamom and rich maple syrup.
Eggless Chai Spice Cookies
Chai’s signature blend of spices makes these extra flavorful without eggs.
Eggless Shortbread Dipped in Chocolate
Simple, buttery shortbread cookies get taken up a notch with melted chocolate.
Tips for Baking Eggless Cookies
Follow these tips for successful eggless cookies:
- Use oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
- Let cookie dough chill for at least 30 minutes prior to baking.
- Scoop uniform dough portions to ensure even baking.
- Press chocolate chips gently into thicker dough vs. thinner dough.
- Lightly grease baking sheets or use parchment paper for easy release.
- Set timer and check cookies 1 minute before minimum bake time.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on pan before transferring to wire rack.
- Store cooled cookies in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
Eggless Cookie Storage
Properly stored, most eggless cookies will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks. Here are some tips:
- Allow cookies to completely cool before packaging to avoid trapped moisture.
- Place cookies in an airtight container like a jar, plastic container, or zip-top bag.
- Put soft cookies in single layers separated by parchment paper.
- Store crisp cookies stacked together to retain texture.
- Keep eggless cookies at room temperature; they retain softness better than in the fridge.
- Freeze cookie dough logs or balls of dough to bake fresh cookies over time.
- Most eggless cookies freeze well up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic then foil.
Common Eggless Cookie FAQs
Are eggless cookies healthier?
Not necessarily; it depends on what you use in place of the eggs. Many substitutes like oil or fruit purees are still high in calories and sugar. But egg swaps like flaxseed can add extra fiber and nutrients.
Do eggless cookies taste different?
They can, but not always. Cookies made with fruit purees or aquafaba tend to mimic the flavor and moisture of eggs the closest. Eggless cookies may sometimes be more dense or crumbly.
How do you bind eggless cookie dough?
Ground flax seeds are a great natural egg binder. Simply mix 1 tablespoon flax meal with 3 tablespoons warm water; let sit for a few minutes. Chia seeds can also be used similarly. Aquafaba whips up like egg whites for a fluffy binder.
Are eggless cookies safe to eat raw?
No, raw cookie dough is not considered safe to eat even without eggs due to the potential presence of bacteria from raw flour, milk or juices. Cook all cookie dough thoroughly before consuming.
Can you make meringue without eggs?
It is very difficult to mimic true meringue without eggs. However, aquafaba (chickpea liquid) whips up similarly to egg whites and can be used to make plant-based meringue-style desserts.
Which egg substitute works best?
It depends on the recipe, but fruit purees, mashed bananas, yogurt, and oil are good all-purpose options. For binding, flax eggs and aquafaba work well. It may take some trial and error to find your perfect egg swap!
In Conclusion
Eggless cookies can be just as delicious as traditional versions. With substitutes like fruit purees, yogurt, oil, aquafaba and flax eggs, your favorite cookie recipes can be modified to be egg-free. Chilling dough, scooping uniform portions, and proper baking and storage help ensure ideal texture.
Look for recipes that are naturally eggless, like shortbread, biscotti and gingersnaps. Get creative with egg swaps in other recipes – the options are endless for eggless cookies. With a few simple ingredient tweaks, anyone can enjoy cookies regardless of dietary needs.
