These Vegan Apple Walnut Cookies are simply wonderful! The combination of apples and walnuts creates a delightful flavor profile. The sweetness of the apples pairs well with the earthy taste of walnuts. Throw in a little cinnamon and you have the perfect vegan cookie!

This vegan cookie recipe is great to make year round, but it especially nice during the Fall when apples are in season. There is not much better to walking into a home with the aromas of apples and cinnamon baking!
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Why vegan cookies
More and more of us are turning to plant-based foods for environmental, ethical and health reasons. Vegan desserts are also becoming more popular among non-vegans. The desserts are naturally free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making them a safe choice for individuals with food allergies. They are also suitable for those who follow a lactose-free diet.
Ingredients
Just a handful of ingredients to whip up these yummy vegan cookies!
- Brown sugar: this recipe uses light brown sugar but dark may also be used
- Vegan butter replacement: there are a multitude of brands available. For baking I prefer the Trader Joe's brand or Miyokos.
- Vegan egg replacement: again, several brands are available. My preference is Simply Eggless. You need three tablespoons of this brand to replace one egg for your baking. It is also nice to have on hand for omelets or quiches.
- All-purpose flour: I prefer an unbleached flour but any all-purpose flour may be used.
- Salt, baking soda and ground cinnamon
- Walnuts: chop the walnuts coarsely so they distribute evenly in the cookie dough.
- Apples: peel the apples and chop into small pieces (⅛" to ¼" inch cubes). A tart apple works well such as Granny Smith.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
Gluten-free: This vegan cookie recipe is easily adapted for my gluten-free family and friends. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of 1-to-1 gluten-free flour.
If you cannot find a vegan egg replacement, you may add ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce in place of the 'vegan egg.'
Equipment
You may use a hand-mixer or a stand-mixer to make this recipe. If using a stand-mixer, use the paddle attachment to create the dough. If using a hand-mixer, consider stirring in the dry ingredients, apples and walnuts by hand.
Storage
Store the vegan apple walnut cookies in an airtight container. The cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively to freeze, wrap the cookies well in plastic or foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Top tip
Short on time? No problem! Feel free to make the cookie dough a few days in advance. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to bake.
FAQ
Nope! You may use unsalted butter and an egg in place of the vegan substitutes..
Vegan Apple Walnut Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or
Ingredients
- 213 Grams Brown sugar (1 cup)
- 113 Grams Vegan butter, softened (½ cup)
- 3 Tablespoons Vegan egg replacement (Simply Eggless) (or ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce)
- 195 Grams All-purpose flour (1 ½ cup)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- 118 Grams Apples, finely chopped (1 cup)
- 120 Grams Walnuts, chopped and lightly toasted (1 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉
- Prepare two cookie sheet pans by lining with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Place brown sugar, vegan butter and egg replacement (add ¼ cup applesauce if not using an egg replacement). Mix until combined and fluffy.
- Stir in the bowl of dry ingredients.
- Stir in apple chunks and walnuts.
- Scoop two tablespoons of cookie dough and place on prepared cookie pans. Leave approximately 2" of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
Step by step video
Food safety
Just a few tips on food safety:
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Don't leave perishable food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Mina says
OMG two of my favorite things--apples and walnuts! This is the bomb! I'm definitely making this over the weekend! I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
I love apples with walnuts and these cookies delivered!! My husband gobbled them up - Pinned - I will be making these again!
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review on the cookies!
andrea says
Love how these cookies turned out! The apple and walnut together are such a great combo!
dessertswithstephanie says
Hello Andrea, thank you for your feedback. So pleased you enjoyed the cookies flavor combination!
Nicole NK says
I was so happy to find that these were vegan. The texture is phenomenal and my whole family enjoyed them.
dessertswithstephanie says
Hi Nicole, thank you for stopping by to leave a review. Glad your family enjoyed these vegan cookies.
Andréa Janssen says
These apple walnut cookies were so delicious. With a perfect bite and flavor!
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for your feedback, Andrea! So pleased you enjoyed the cookie recipe.
beth says
Oh I love these walnut cookies. And I can make them again and again. Its already a favorite in the house.
dessertswithstephanie says
Beth, thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely comment on the cookies!