These Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey goodness and refreshing mint. The soft, chewy texture combined with the satisfying crunch of Oreos and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips makes these cookies irresistible.
Whether you’re a fan of mint or chocolate (or both!), these cookies are bound to become your new favorite treat. Plus, they’re completely vegan, so you can enjoy them guilt-free while satisfying your sweet cravings. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to impressing guests at a party.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed vegan mint Oreos
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mint leaves (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the flax egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the vegan chocolate chips, crushed vegan mint Oreos, and chopped mint leaves (if using).
- Scoop out generous portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 230 kcal per cookie | Servings: 12 cookies
The Magic Behind Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to indulgent desserts, few combinations rival the flavor duo of mint and chocolate. From decadent cakes to refreshing ice creams, mint chocolate has established itself as a classic pairing. Enter the Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, a twist on a beloved favorite that combines the creamy crunch of Oreos with the cool freshness of mint. These cookies aren’t just for vegans—they’re for anyone who loves an unforgettable cookie experience. The Levain-style influence makes them extra thick and chewy, ensuring a satisfying texture in every bite.
What Makes These Cookies Unique?
Unlike traditional cookies, which tend to be thin and crisp, these Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are thick, dense, and chewy, inspired by the famous Levain Bakery cookies. These cookies pack in a significant amount of texture, thanks to the large chunks of chocolate chips and crushed Oreo cookies. The secret to their chewy texture lies in the use of vegan butter, which mimics the richness of traditional butter while keeping the cookies fully plant-based. Additionally, the addition of flaxseed meal, which serves as an egg replacement, provides both a binding quality and extra nutrients, making these cookies a healthier alternative to the standard recipe.
The magic of these cookies is not just in their texture but also in their ability to balance flavors. The mint flavor is subtle yet present, providing a refreshing note that complements the richness of the chocolate chips and Oreos. The minty fresh taste isn’t overpowering; instead, it enhances the chocolate experience, making each bite delightful and refreshing.
The Healthier Side of Vegan Baking
One of the standout features of this recipe is that it is vegan, which means no dairy or animal products are involved in the creation of these delicious treats. Vegan baking offers several benefits, both for individuals who follow a plant-based lifestyle and for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products. By using vegan substitutes such as flaxseed meal for eggs and plant-based butter, these cookies retain all the flavor and texture of a traditional chocolate chip cookie but with a healthier twist. These cookies are cholesterol-free, and since they use vegan butter, they contain less saturated fat than regular butter-based recipes.
Furthermore, these cookies can be considered a better option for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities to dairy or eggs. Many people experience digestive discomfort or allergic reactions when consuming dairy products, and these cookies allow everyone to indulge without worrying about common allergens.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a treat to bring to a party, something to enjoy after a long day, or a sweet snack to share with friends and family, these cookies fit the bill. Their visually stunning appearance, with chunks of Oreos and gooey chocolate chips peeking through, makes them a showstopper at gatherings. They’re also perfect for holiday baking, as the minty flavor gives them a festive touch.
These cookies also hold up well for gift-giving. Package them in a cute tin or box, and you have a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends or loved ones. The combination of classic chocolate chip cookie flavor and the cool twist of mint gives them an unexpected but delightful quality that’s sure to be a hit with anyone you share them with.
Baking Tips for Perfect Vegan Cookies
To achieve the perfect Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow. First, make sure to chill the dough before baking. This is a crucial step that helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. This will help preserve the thick, chewy texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Also, don’t skip the step of mixing the flaxseed meal with water to create a flax egg. This is an essential component of vegan baking, as it binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies maintain their structure.
Be sure to use a good-quality vegan butter for the best flavor. While some brands of vegan butter can have a more prominent coconut taste, others are more neutral. Choosing a high-quality butter will ensure that your cookies have a rich, authentic flavor.
Lastly, don’t over-bake the cookies. The cookies may appear slightly undercooked when you first take them out of the oven, but they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in a crunchy cookie, which defeats the purpose of the thick, chewy Levain-style texture.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. If you prefer, you can swap the mint Oreos for regular Oreos, or use another type of cookie entirely, such as gluten-free Oreos or your favorite store-bought or homemade vegan cookie. For a different flavor twist, you can experiment with adding other ingredients like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
For those who are looking for a mintier experience, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough. This will enhance the mint flavor without overpowering the chocolatey goodness of the cookies. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of mint Oreos for a more subtle mint flavor.
If you’re not a fan of chocolate chips, you can swap them out for white chocolate chips, vegan butterscotch chips, or even chopped dark chocolate for a more decadent touch.
Storing Your Cookies
Storing your cookies properly is essential to maintain their freshness. These Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them. To do this, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw for a few minutes, and they’ll taste just as delicious as the day they were baked.
Conclusion
Vegan Levain-Style Oreo Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a thick, chewy cookie with a combination of mint and chocolate flavors. These cookies are a great option for vegans and non-vegans alike, offering a healthier twist on a classic favorite. With a few baking tips, you can achieve a perfect batch every time, and with the ability to customize the recipe to suit your tastes, you’ll never get bored of these delicious cookies. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy them at your next gathering, or simply indulge in a few as a sweet treat after a long day.
In conclusion, these cookies are not just a dessert—they’re an experience. From the first bite to the last, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re an experienced vegan baker or just looking to try something new, these cookies are a must-try recipe that will elevate any baking session.