Why You’ll Love These 5-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
As a busy mom of two, I’ve had my fair share of last-minute dessert emergencies. These 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies have saved the day more than once. They’re made with just flour, sugar, dairy-free butter, almond milk, and dark chocolate chips—no eggs, no fuss. The best part? They taste just like traditional cookies and come together in under 30 minutes. If you’re like me and always looking for fast, family-friendly desserts, these are going to become a regular in your home.
The simplicity of this cookie recipe doesn’t mean it lacks flavor. A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely depth, although it’s totally optional. You’ll love the rich flavor from the dark chocolate chips and the soft texture from the dairy-free butter. Whether you’re baking with your kids or whipping up a late-night treat, this recipe is as easy as it gets.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Ingredients Make All the Difference
When you only use five ingredients, the quality of each one matters. Choose a good-quality all-purpose flour and a soft dairy-free butter. If your batter feels too dry, just add an extra tablespoon of almond milk—this small adjustment keeps them soft and chewy. You can also get creative: switch in semi-sweet chocolate or go for chunks instead of chips.
These simple swaps can elevate this base recipe into your own signature cookie. Looking to add more chewy depth? Try using half white sugar and half brown sugar, a tip I picked up while testing variations for my Cottage Cheese Mousse.
Print
5-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies That Bake Perfectly Every Time
Quick and soft 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies using pantry staples. Dairy-free, egg-free, and simple to make in 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Ingredients
1 cup All-Purpose Flour
1 tablespoon Almond Milk
½ cup Dairy-Free Butter (Unsalted), softened
½ cup Sugar
½ cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until creamy.
3. Add almond milk and flour. Mix until dough forms.
4. Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
5. Scoop dough onto tray with spacing.
6. Bake 15 minutes or until golden edges.
7. Cool on tray 10 minutes, then transfer to rack.
Notes
Can substitute margarine for butter.
Use any milk or chocolate chip type.
Add brown sugar for a chewier cookie.
Add extra tablespoon milk if dough feels dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Make the Best 5-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
These 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies are super simple to make. Even if it’s your first time baking, you’ll do just fine.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Turn on your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup simpler and prevents the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, add the softened dairy-free butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until it’s creamy and smooth. If you don’t have a mixer, press and stir with a spatula—it just takes a little longer.
Step 3: Add Milk and Flour
Pour in the almond milk and add the all-purpose flour. Mix again until the dough is soft and fully combined.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Now stir in the dark chocolate chips. Make sure they’re spread evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Scoop and Space
Make tiny dough balls with a spoon or cookie scoop. Place them on the cookie sheet. Leave about two fingers of space between each cookie. They’ll spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 15 minutes. When the edges turn golden, they’re done. Give them ten minutes to cool on the baking pan. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to complete chilling.
These 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies bake soft in the center and crisp around the edges. For even more soft texture, you can chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking.
Baking Variations and Ingredient Swaps for 5-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies
Make It Your Own with Easy Variations
One reason I love 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies is how easily they can be customized. You start with a basic dough, then mix in little twists that suit your cravings. Want them extra chewy? Swap half the white sugar for brown sugar. This gives them more moisture and a deeper flavor. Prefer a nutty crunch? Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.
You can also switch up the chocolate. Instead of dark chocolate chips, try semi-sweet, white chocolate, or even mini peanut butter cups. If you’re baking for kids, colorful candy-coated chocolates make these cookies extra fun.
Want to skip the chocolate altogether? These cookies hold up well with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins too. Just keep the mix-ins around ½ cup so the dough doesn’t get overloaded.
If you’re looking for more flexible recipes, our Cottage Cheese Peanut Butter Mousse and Ambrosia Fruit Salad also offer easy ingredient swaps that still taste amazing.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Modifications
These 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies are already dairy-free and egg-free, which is great for people with allergies or plant-based diets. You can also make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I haven’t tested that version yet, but several readers told me it works well.
For sugar-sensitive diets, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Just keep in mind that swapping the sweetener may slightly change the texture.
For those who like to meal prep, you can freeze the dough balls. Just scoop them onto a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a bag. Bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Check out our Easy Protein Mug Cakes for another fun make-ahead treat!
How to Store and Serve for Freshness
Once you’ve baked your 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies, storing them properly will keep them soft and tasty. After cooling completely, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freeze them if you wish to keep them longer. Simply place the cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag between parchment paper. They’ll last for up to two months.
To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds. It’ll taste like it’s fresh from the oven—warm, soft, and filled with melty chocolate chips.
These cookies go well with a scoop of vanilla dairy-free ice cream, a glass of almond milk, or a hot cup of coffee. I love serving them alongside my Berry Melon Fruit Salad for a light and colorful dessert plate.
Planning a party or cookie tray? Try adding these to a mix of treats like our Classic Ambrosia Salad for a nostalgic spread your guests will love.
FAQ Section
How to make cookies with only 5 ingredients?
Use flour, sugar, dairy-free butter, almond milk, and chocolate chips. Mix the ingredients, scoop onto a tray, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
What are the basic ingredients for chocolate chip cookies?
The basics usually include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and chocolate chips. But this 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies recipe skips the eggs and uses almond milk instead.
What are the 7 basic ingredients in all cookies?
Most classic cookies use flour, sugar, butter, eggs, leavening agents (like baking soda), salt, and a flavoring (like vanilla). This simplified version focuses on just five.
What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?
For soft cookies, use room-temperature butter, don’t overbake, and consider adding a bit of brown sugar. A splash of almond milk also helps keep the dough moist.
Conclusion
These 5-ingredient chocolate chip cookies are my favorite kind of recipe—simple, quick, and delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent like me, a college student baking for the first time, or someone who just loves cookies without the mess, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and even easier to enjoy.
For more sweet inspiration, don’t forget to browse Frosty Recipes’ dessert section and try other comforting treats. Thanks for baking with me—now go grab a cookie while it’s still warm!
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