Indulge in Allergy-Friendly Perfection: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of checking into a DoubleTree Hotel, you’ll undoubtedly remember their iconic warm chocolate chip cookie – a delightful welcome treat that has earned legendary status. This beloved recipe is famous for a reason, delivering a comforting blend of rich chocolate and tender, chewy texture. So, when the DoubleTree chain generously released their cherished recipe to the public, I knew it was my mission to adapt it. My goal? To create a version that maintains all the classic appeal but is entirely allergy-friendly for my son, making it accessible to everyone. This incredible adaptation is proudly gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, meaning it’s also a fantastic vegan chocolate chip cookie option!

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Why You’ll Adore This Allergy-Friendly DoubleTree Cookie Recipe

The year 2020 brought many challenges, but one silver lining was the DoubleTree Hotel Chain’s decision to share their highly coveted, once-secret chocolate chip cookie recipe with the world. This allowed countless fans to recreate that magical check-in experience right in their own kitchens, especially during times when travel was limited. If you’ve been fortunate enough to receive one of their famous cookies upon arrival at a Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, you already know the unparalleled joy it brings. If not, prepare to discover why these are truly famous cookies – and you won’t even need to book a room! Much like my incredibly popular gluten-free biscuits, this cookie recipe is destined to become a household favorite.

What truly sets this cookie apart, even in its original form, is the inclusion of oat flour. This unique ingredient imparts a wonderfully hearty, wholesome, and slightly chewy texture that elevates the dough beyond typical chocolate chip cookies. It adds a depth of flavor and a satisfying chewiness that hints at classic oatmeal cookies, making them feel incredibly homey and comforting. If you’re a fan of oatmeal cookies, you’ll absolutely appreciate this subtle nod. This recipe is so good, it’s become my mom’s absolute favorite cookie I make, and she doesn’t even have any dietary restrictions! It’s a testament to how truly delicious and authentic these allergy-friendly cookies taste.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. Whether your dietary needs require a cookie that is strictly gluten-free, completely vegan (meaning gluten, dairy, and egg-free), or simply egg-free, I’ve outlined all the necessary substitutions below. My philosophy is that everyone, regardless of their eating abilities or restrictions, should be able to savor these iconic cookies without compromise. They’re designed to taste just like the “real thing,” ensuring no one misses out on this delightful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Your DoubleTree Cookies

My goal is to make your baking journey as smooth and delicious as possible. To help ensure your success with this incredible DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie copycat recipe, I’ve compiled answers to common questions you might have. Feel free to browse through these tips, or if you’re eager to get started, you can jump directly to the recipe card below. Whatever helps you feel confident in the kitchen, I’m here for it!

What Were the Original DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients?

While this is a copycat recipe, it has been thoughtfully adapted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan. You might be curious about the original composition that made these cookies so famous. Below, you’ll find the authentic list of ingredients from the official DoubleTree Hotel recipe. This provides a clear reference point, allowing you to appreciate the clever substitutions made to create an allergy-friendly version that sacrifices none of the taste or texture.

1/2 pound butter, softened (2 sticks)
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 and 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 and 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch cinnamon
2 and 2/3 cups Nestle Tollhouse semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 and 3/4 cups chopped walnuts

What Essential Tools Do You Need to Make These DoubleTree Cookies?

Preparing these delicious DoubleTree copycat cookies is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment, but a few key tools will certainly make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start baking:

**Mixing Equipment:** You’ll need a way to thoroughly combine your ingredients. This can be done by hand with a sturdy spoon in a large mixing bowl, with hand-held electric beaters for a bit more power, or my personal favorite for convenience and efficiency: a stand mixer, such as a KitchenAid.
**Measuring Tools:** Standard measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurate ingredient proportions, which are crucial for successful baking.
**Mixing Utensils:** A large spoon for stirring and a spatula for scraping down the sides of your bowl will ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
**Baking Sheets:** A good quality baking sheet is fundamental. I highly recommend these ones for even baking.
**Non-Stick Surface:** To prevent sticking and promote even baking without over-spreading, use either parchment paper or, my preference, silicone baking mats. Silicone mats provide a slight grip, helping cookies maintain their shape and preventing excessive spreading.
**Cookie Scoop:** While not strictly mandatory, a cookie scoop is incredibly useful for portioning out uniform cookies. This ensures they bake evenly and look consistently beautiful.
**Spatula for Removal:** A thin metal spatula is perfect for carefully removing the warm, delicate cookies from the baking sheet without damaging them.
**Cooling Rack:** A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom. In a pinch, you can line a counter with a paper towel for temporary cooling.

Key Allergy-Friendly Changes I Made to the DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Transforming this celebrated cookie recipe into an allergy-friendly masterpiece involved some thoughtful ingredient substitutions. My aim was to create a version that not only met specific dietary needs but also retained the signature taste and texture of the original. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the swaps I made and why they work so well:

**Butter Swap:** The original recipe calls for a substantial amount of butter. To make this dairy-free and vegan, I replaced it with a high-quality vegan butter. Modern vegan butters perform exceptionally well in baking, contributing richness and a creamy texture similar to traditional butter.
**Egg Replacement:** Eggs serve as binders and leavening agents. For an egg-free and vegan alternative, I opted for flax eggs. Made by combining ground flaxseed meal with warm water, flax eggs create a gelatinous mixture that effectively mimics the binding properties of eggs in baked goods.
**Lemon Juice Omission:** The original recipe included a touch of lemon juice. This was a personal preference, as I wanted the cookies to taste as close to a classic chocolate chip cookie as possible, without any subtle citrus notes. Feel free to keep it in if you enjoy that hint of brightness.
**Flour Switch:** To make the cookies gluten-free, I used a reliable gluten-free flour blend. I find that blends primarily composed of rice, potato, and tapioca flours, which often already contain xanthan gum (a crucial binder in gluten-free baking), yield the best results for texture and structure.
**Oat Flour Preparation:** The original recipe features rolled oats. To ensure a smooth texture and to integrate them seamlessly into the gluten-free flour blend, I created my own ground oat flour. I simply blended certified gluten-free rolled oats in my blender until they reached a fine, powdery consistency. This maintains the unique oat flavor while ensuring the cookies remain tender.
**Cinnamon Removal:** A pinch of cinnamon is present in the original recipe. While delightful for some, I removed it to ensure the cookie tasted purely of classic chocolate chip goodness, which is what I personally associate with the DoubleTree cookie. If you appreciate a hint of spice, you can certainly reintroduce it.
**Chocolate Chip Upgrade:** To keep the cookies dairy-free and vegan, I swapped out Nestle Tollhouse chocolate chips for high-quality dairy-free chocolate chips. There are many excellent brands available that melt beautifully and taste just as rich.
**Walnut Omission:** Due to a nut allergy in our family, I omitted the walnuts. However, if nut allergies are not a concern for you, feel free to include the 1 and 3/4 cups of chopped walnuts as per the original recipe for added crunch and flavor.
**Vanilla Boost:** I increased the amount of vanilla extract slightly. Vanilla is a flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to cookies, and in an allergy-friendly recipe, a little extra can truly elevate the overall taste.
**Adjusted Baking Time & Temperature:** The original recipe suggests baking at 300°F for 20-23 minutes. Through testing, I found that baking at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes yielded equally fantastic results without any noticeable difference in quality. This quicker bake time means you can enjoy these wonderful cookies much sooner!

Do I Have to Use Old Fashioned Rolled Oats for the Oat Flour?

Since the recipe instructs you to blend the oats into a fine flour, the distinction between old-fashioned rolled oats and quick oats becomes less significant. Both will pulverize effectively in a blender. Therefore, I recommend using whichever type of certified gluten-free oats you have readily available in your pantry. The key is to ensure they are ground into a very fine powder to integrate smoothly into the dough.

What if You Don’t Need This Cookie Recipe to Be Gluten-Free?

One of the fantastic aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. If gluten is not an issue for you or those you’re baking for, it’s incredibly simple to revert to the original flour. Just substitute the gluten-free flour blend with regular all-purpose flour at the same measurement (2 and 1/2 cups). Similarly, for the oats, you can use regular rolled oats instead of certified gluten-free ones, either ground into flour or used as specified in the original recipe if you prefer a chunkier oat texture.

What if You Don’t Need This Chocolate Chip Cookie to Be Dairy-Free?

If you’re fortunate enough not to contend with dairy sensitivities, adapting this recipe is a breeze. You can easily swap back to traditional dairy butter instead of vegan butter, using the same measurement of 1/2 pound (or 2 sticks). For the chocolate chips, simply use your favorite regular semi-sweet chocolate chips. While I’ve given a measurement, when it comes to chocolate chips, I always say to measure with your heart – if you’re like me, you’ll want an abundance of rich, melty chocolate in every bite!

What if You Don’t Need This DoubleTree Cookie to Be Egg-Free?

For those who can enjoy eggs, making this recipe egg-inclusive is wonderfully straightforward. You can simply replace the flax eggs with two large regular eggs. This minor adjustment is all it takes! A delightful bonus of keeping them egg-free, however, is the joyful permission to safely sample the raw cookie dough. It’s a small indulgence that brings back childhood memories!

What Tips Do You Recommend to Get These Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Perfectly Soft?

Achieving that coveted cookie texture – crisp edges with a delightfully soft, chewy center – is an art form, and it’s entirely attainable with these allergy-friendly DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies. The key lies in attentive baking and understanding your oven. Every oven has its quirks, with some running hotter or cooler than others, so the baking time listed is truly a suggestion to guide you.

*Pro Tip for Perfection: The moment you notice the edges of your cookies beginning to turn a light golden brown, it’s time to take them out. Don’t worry if the center still looks a bit undercooked or unset. This is precisely what you want! The cookies will continue to cook and firm up as they rest on the hot baking sheet for about five minutes after coming out of the oven. This residual heat, known as carryover cooking, allows the centers to set without overbaking, ensuring that wonderfully soft interior. After this resting period, you can transfer them to a cooling rack to finish. If you’re a true fan of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you can even pull them out a minute or two sooner than the suggested time. Remember, they will firm up further as they cool, though resisting a warm cookie fresh from the oven is a challenge! You do you, and enjoy them exactly how you like them!

How Do You Store These Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Proper storage ensures your delicious allergy-friendly DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies stay fresh and delightful for as long as possible. Typically, these cookies will maintain their best quality for 2-3 days when stored at room temperature. To prevent them from drying out and losing their delightful chewiness, make sure to keep them in an airtight container with a lid. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

Are These DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Vegan?

The original DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie recipe is, unfortunately, not vegan due to the presence of dairy butter and eggs. HOWEVER, the fantastic news is that the recipe I’ve meticulously tweaked below IS completely vegan! I’ve carefully removed all animal-derived ingredients, substituting eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan butter, and using delicious vegan chocolate chips. This means you can enjoy every single bite knowing they are entirely plant-based and cruelty-free. In fact, you might be interested to know that nearly all of my cookie recipes on this site are developed with vegan adaptations in mind due to our family’s dietary needs.

Do You Have Any Other Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, and Vegan Cookie Recipes?

Why, yes, I absolutely do! Given my son’s multiple severe allergies – including wheat, dairy, egg, peanut, and tree nuts – every single one of the 200+ recipes available on this site is carefully crafted to be free of those common allergens. While our family doesn’t adhere to a strictly vegan diet for all meals, all of my baking recipes naturally end up being vegan-friendly because we must avoid milk and eggs. These recipes are not only safe for those with allergies but are also incredibly delicious, often becoming new favorites for everyone. For instance, another delightful cookie recipe I’m certain you’ll adore is my gluten-free vegan peanut butter cookies – perfect for sharing with your kids and loved ones!

Dive into some of my other popular allergy-friendly cookie creations:

If you can’t do oats, I have another allergy friendly chocolate chip cookie that doesn’t use oats
Gluten & Dairy Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (that use no flour blends–JUST oats)
Soft, Roll Out Sugar Cookies
Allergy Friendly S’mores Cookies
Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Allergy Friendly Black & White Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies
Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze
Allergy Friendly Homemade Oreos
Gluten Free Vegan Skillet Cookie

Do You Have a Video Showing How to Make These DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! I understand that seeing the process visually can be incredibly helpful for many bakers. That’s why I’ve created a concise and engaging video demonstrating how to make these fabulous gluten-free vegan DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies. I often use TikTok for my videos because I appreciate their short, succinct format, which allows me to convey key steps quickly and efficiently. Watching the video below should provide you with an excellent general overview of the entire baking process, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. Enjoy the visual guide!

@allergyawesomenessDoubleTree Hotel’s secret ##chocolatechipcookie recipe made ##glutenfree & ##dairyfree ##learnontiktok ##tiktokpartner♬ original sound – Megan Lavin

DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Made Gluten Free & Vegan

Yield:
32 cookies

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Indulge in the iconic DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie experience, now transformed into a perfectly allergy-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free (vegan) delight! This copycat recipe delivers the same chewy texture and rich flavor with smart substitutions, making it accessible for everyone. Learn all the tips and tricks to bake this classic anew, customized for your dietary needs.

Ingredients

1/2 pound/1 cup/2 sticks vegan butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 flax eggs (2 Tablespoons ground flax + 5 Tablespoons warm water)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 and 1/2 cups gluten free flour that includes xanthan gum
1/2 cup oat flour (see directions)
Vegan chocolate chips to taste

Instructions

Be sure to see the video above the recipe to see how to make them.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

In a stand mixer (or in a bowl with electric beaters) mix the vegan butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.

In a small bowl, prepare your flax eggs by combining ground flax seeds and warm water. Allow this mixture to sit for five minutes to thicken before adding it to the butter/sugar mixture.

Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

In a quality blender, add 1 cup of certified gluten free old fashioned rolled oats. Blend until it’s a fine flour. Measure out 1/2 cup for the recipe, saving any extra for future batches. It’s always better to blend a little more than you need.

Next, add the baking soda, salt, the prepared oat flour, and the gluten free flour blend. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Stir in the vegan chocolate chips by hand using a spatula or large spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Place a baking mat (or parchment paper) on a cookie sheet. Using a cookie scoop for uniform cookies, place evenly spaced balls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Watch closely: once the edges begin to turn a light golden brown, pull them out of the oven.

Allow the cookies to finish cooking/setting on the warm pan for 5 minutes. This carryover cooking helps create that perfectly soft center.

Carefully remove the cookies from the pan to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Store at room temperature in an airtight container, or freeze for later enjoyment.

Notes

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Adapted heavily from: Taste of Home’s Double Tree Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE A VIDEO OF HOW TO MAKE THIS, GO TO MY INSTAGRAM AND CHECK OUT MY SAVED HIGHLIGHT BUBBLES.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 32
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 120Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g

There you have it – the ultimate guide to making your very own homemade, allergy-friendly DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies! This recipe brings the joy of that famous hotel treat right into your kitchen, customized to meet your dietary needs without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or the comforting, chewy texture. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, these gluten-free vegan cookies are sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy every delicious, guilt-free bite!

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THESE GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN DOUBLETREE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT. WHILE THERE CHECK OUT MY THOUSANDS OF ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINS!