5 Easy No Butter Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
There’s something magical about baking cookies from scratch. The familiar smell that fills your kitchen, the soft, chewy texture, and of course, the joy of indulging in a warm cookie right out of the oven. But if you’re looking to cut down on butter or you’re simply trying to reduce fat in your diet, you might wonder if it’s possible to enjoy that classic cookie experience without butter. The answer? Absolutely!
In this article, we’ll guide you through five easy no butter cookie recipes that are just as delicious as their buttery counterparts. Whether you’re trying to reduce fat, follow a dairy-free diet, or simply experiment with new ingredients, these recipes are perfect for you. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Table of contents
Why Choose No Butter Cookies?
Before we jump into the recipes, you might be wondering: Why should you even consider no butter cookies? Let’s take a quick look at the benefits:
- Healthier Alternatives: Butter is high in saturated fat, and while it tastes delicious, it’s not the healthiest fat to include in your diet. By swapping out butter for healthier alternatives like oil, applesauce, or even nut butter, you can create cookies that are lower in fat and calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Special Diets: If you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or following a dairy-free lifestyle, no butter cookies are a great option. These cookies can easily be made dairy-free by choosing the right substitutes for butter, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
- Versatile and Delicious: You may think that a cookie without butter would be bland or dry, but that’s simply not true! With the right substitutes, no butter cookies can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their buttery counterparts. You can use oils, applesauce, or nut butters to add richness and moisture to your cookies.
Now that you know why no butter cookies are worth trying, let’s explore the ingredients that will help you achieve the perfect cookie.
Key Ingredients for No Butter Cookies
To make the best no butter cookies, you’ll need to understand the key substitutes and how they impact the flavor and texture. Here are the most common ingredients you’ll use:
- Oil: Oil is one of the most popular butter substitutes in cookie recipes. Vegetable oil, coconut oil, and olive oil can all work well, depending on the flavor you want to achieve. For a neutral taste, vegetable oil is a safe bet, while coconut oil will add a subtle coconut flavor, and olive oil brings an earthy richness to cookies.
- Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is another great butter alternative. It adds moisture to the dough, resulting in a soft, cake-like texture. If you’re looking for a healthier, lower-fat option, applesauce can be a great choice.
- Yogurt: Plain yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, is a fantastic substitute for butter. It’s creamy and adds moisture to cookies while also providing a slight tangy flavor. Yogurt also helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
- Nut Butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters are not only delicious but also add a creamy texture to cookies. Nut butters work particularly well in chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies, providing extra richness and flavor.
Now that you’re familiar with the essential ingredients, let’s dive into the five easy no butter cookie recipes you’ll love!
5 Easy No Butter Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
1. Classic No Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? This no butter version uses oil and a touch of vanilla to maintain the classic flavor you crave, with a healthier twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar (white or brown)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before enjoying!
2. No Butter Sugar Cookies
If you’re a fan of soft, slightly crisp sugar cookies, this recipe is perfect for you. Using oil as a substitute for butter, these sugar cookies are light, fluffy, and ready to be enjoyed in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
3. No Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These oatmeal raisin cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for a quick snack. The applesauce used in place of butter helps keep them moist and adds a natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup flour
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup applesauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, raisins, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the applesauce and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool before enjoying.
4. No Butter Peanut Butter Cookies
Peanut butter cookies are a classic favorite, and this no butter version doesn’t skimp on flavor. With peanut butter as the base, these cookies are rich, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and oil until smooth.
- Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Press each cookie with a fork to create the classic peanut butter cookie pattern.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden.
- Cool and enjoy!
5. No Butter Snickerdoodle Cookies
Snickerdoodle cookies are known for their cinnamon-sugar coating and slightly tangy flavor. This no butter version uses oil for a light texture and is perfect for any cinnamon lover.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the oil and mix until smooth.
- Roll dough into balls and coat them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect No Butter Cookies
To ensure your no butter cookies come out perfect every time, here are some expert tips:
- Choose the Right Substitute: If you’re after a chewy cookie, oil is your best bet. For a cakier texture, try using applesauce.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough. Mix until everything is just combined.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
FAQ Section
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil in no butter cookies?
Yes, coconut oil can be substituted for vegetable oil. It will give your cookies a subtle coconut flavor and a chewy texture.
How do no butter cookies compare to regular cookies in texture?
No butter cookies may be a little softer or cakier depending on the substitute used. Oil-based cookies are typically chewier, while applesauce-based cookies are softer.
Are no butter cookies vegan?
Yes, many no butter cookies can be made vegan by using egg substitutes like flax eggs and plant-based oils.
Conclusion
No butter cookies are a fantastic option for those looking to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor. Whether you prefer chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or snickerdoodles, these five easy recipes prove that you don’t need butter to enjoy a delicious, chewy cookie. So why not try them all? Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you! Happy baking!
