Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
• Make the flax “egg”: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 2 1/2 tablespoons water. Set aside for at least 5 minutes to thicken.
• In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1/2 cup salted vegan butter (softened to room temperature), 1/2 cup cane sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream on low to medium speed for 3–5 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed, until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy.
• Add the thickened flax “egg” and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat briefly until fully combined and smooth.
• Add the dry ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder), 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (use 1/2 teaspoon if using unsalted vegan butter). Mix on low speed or fold with a spatula just until a thick, non-sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
• Fold in 1–1 1/2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips or chunks with a spatula so they are evenly distributed.
• Portion the dough into 12 equal pieces (about 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie). Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart. Do not flatten—the cookies will spread as they bake.
• Bake on the middle oven rack for 10–12 minutes. The cookies should look puffy and pale on top; the bottom edges should be lightly golden when done.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, sprinkle the tops with flaky salt immediately. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set and deflate slightly.
• Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack and cool completely before storing or serving.
• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze the portioned dough balls and bake from frozen when desired.