Indulge in Allergy-Friendly Bliss: The Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of checking into a DoubleTree Hotel, you’ll know that their warm, comforting chocolate chip cookie is more than just a welcome amenity—it’s an experience. Renowned for their chewy texture, rich chocolate, and signature hint of oats, these cookies have garnered a cult following for good reason. So, when the DoubleTree Hotel chain generously released their coveted secret recipe to the public, I knew I had a mission: to transform this beloved classic into an allergy-friendly version that my son, and countless others with dietary restrictions, could safely enjoy.

After much testing and delicious experimentation, I’m thrilled to share my perfected recipe for these iconic cookies, made entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free—making them completely vegan! Now, everyone can savor the familiar taste of these famous chocolate chip cookies without worrying about common allergens. And the best part? This recipe is incredibly customizable. Whether you only need to remove one allergen, like gluten or dairy, or you require a fully vegan and gluten-free treat, I’ve included helpful tips to guide you. Prepare to enjoy this timeless recipe, reimagined for inclusive indulgence!

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Why This Allergy-Friendly DoubleTree Cookie Recipe Is a Must-Try

The past few years have highlighted the importance of comfort in our daily lives, and what’s more comforting than a warm, freshly baked cookie? One delightful piece of news that brought joy to many was the DoubleTree Hotel Chain’s decision to share their closely guarded chocolate chip cookie recipe. This meant we could all bring a little piece of that hotel luxury and comfort into our homes, making it a perfect activity, especially when travel wasn’t an option. If you’ve ever experienced the joy of receiving one of these warm, fragrant cookies upon check-in at a Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, you already understand their magic. If not, you’re about to discover why these are truly famous cookies—and now, you can enjoy them anytime, right from your own kitchen, without even booking a room!

What truly sets this particular DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie recipe apart, even in its original form, is the inclusion of oat flour. This ingredient doesn’t just add a unique depth of flavor; it contributes to a wonderfully hearty, substantial, and satisfying texture that distinguishes it from typical chocolate chip cookies. For those who appreciate the wholesome chewiness of oatmeal cookies, this recipe offers a delightful nod to that classic profile. When I set out to create this Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe, I aimed to preserve that distinctive quality, ensuring the allergy-friendly version felt just as authentic and comforting.

The result has been a resounding success, earning rave reviews even from those without dietary restrictions. In fact, these cookies have become my mom’s absolute favorite, a true testament to how incredibly close they come to the original, if not even surpassing it in deliciousness and accessibility. My ultimate goal with this adaptation was to ensure that absolutely everyone, regardless of their dietary needs, could indulge in these exceptional cookies. Whether you require them to be *just* gluten-free, or you’re looking for a comprehensive gluten-free and vegan option, or perhaps solely egg-free, I’ve meticulously laid out all the necessary substitutions below. No one should miss out on such a delicious experience, and crucially, these cookies taste just like the *real thing*—not merely a compromise. Prepare to bake a batch that will impress even the most discerning palates and bring smiles to all!

Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy-Friendly DoubleTree Cookies

To ensure your baking adventure is as smooth and delicious as possible, I’ve compiled answers to common questions you might have about making these allergy-friendly DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies. Baking, especially with dietary modifications, can sometimes raise questions, and I want to make sure you feel confident and prepared. Feel free to browse through these questions and tips, or if you’re eager to start baking, you can jump directly to the detailed recipe card below. My aim is to equip you with all the knowledge needed for successful, mouth-watering results every time!

What Were the Original DoubleTree Cookie Ingredients?

While my version is a carefully crafted copycat designed to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free (making it completely vegan), it’s always helpful to understand the foundation of the famous original recipe. This allows us to appreciate the clever substitutions made and ensures that the authentic essence of the DoubleTree cookie flavor and texture remains intact. Here’s a look at the original ingredients as released by the DoubleTree Hotel:

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 all-purpose 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 Cookies?

Having the right tools can significantly enhance your baking experience, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and a more enjoyable process. For these delightful homemade DoubleTree cookies, here’s a comprehensive list of what I recommend:

Mixing Equipment: You’ll need equipment capable of thoroughly creaming butter and sugar. Options include a large sturdy bowl for mixing by hand, hand-held electric beaters for a bit more power and speed, or my personal favorite for effortless and consistent baking: a powerful stand mixer (like a KitchenAid). A stand mixer ensures uniform mixing, which is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in baking, especially when working with alternative ingredients. Accurate measuring cups and spoons are essential for maintaining the correct ingredient proportions.
A Large Spoon: A robust large spoon is perfect for stirring in dry ingredients, scraping down the bowl, and, most importantly, folding in the generous amount of chocolate chips without crushing them.
Spatula: A flexible rubber or silicone spatula is indispensable for effectively scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and no pockets of unmixed dough are left behind.
Baking Sheets: Good quality baking sheets promote even heat distribution and baking. I highly recommend these reliable ones for consistent results.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent your cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and to aid in even browning. I strongly prefer silicone baking mats because they offer a slight grip that helps prevent cookies from spreading too much, contributing to a better shape and a chewy-crisp texture. They are also reusable and eco-friendly.
Cookie Scoop: While not strictly mandatory, a cookie scoop is a true game-changer for achieving uniform cookie sizes. This consistency ensures all your cookies bake evenly at the same rate, leading to a batch of perfectly consistent and beautiful treats. It also makes portioning dough much faster and cleaner.
Metal Spatula: A thin, sturdy metal spatula is ideal for carefully lifting and removing hot, delicate cookies from the baking sheet without causing them to break or crumble.
Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack allows air to circulate freely around the cookies, cooling them evenly and preventing the bottoms from becoming soggy due to trapped steam. If you don’t have one, a clean paper towel laid out on a flat surface can work in a pinch.

Key Ingredient Swaps for Allergy-Friendly DoubleTree Cookies

To transform the beloved classic DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie into a delicious, truly allergy-friendly chocolate chip cookie, I made several thoughtful and tested substitutions. My primary aim was to maintain the integrity of the original flavor and signature chewy-soft texture as much as possible, while meticulously eliminating common allergens like gluten, dairy, and eggs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each crucial change and why it works:

Butter Swap for Dairy-Free: The original recipe calls for a substantial amount of dairy butter, essential for flavor and texture. I successfully replaced this with a high-quality, plant-based vegan butter. When choosing, look for vegan butter sticks specifically formulated for baking, as they tend to have a better fat content and moisture balance, mimicking dairy butter more closely in both taste and performance. Brands like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance sticks are excellent choices.
Egg Replacement for Egg-Free: To make these cookies completely egg-free, I opted for reliable flax eggs. Flax eggs (made by mixing ground flaxseed with water) act as an excellent natural binder, providing the necessary structure and moisture to the cookies without relying on traditional eggs. They also contribute a subtle nutty flavor and some healthy omega-3s.
Lemon Juice Omission: The original recipe includes a tiny hint of lemon juice, which can add a subtle brightness. However, for a more universally classic chocolate chip cookie flavor profile, I chose to omit it. My preference was for the vanilla and chocolate to be the stars. This was a personal choice, so if you enjoy that zesty note, feel free to keep it in!
Flour Conversion for Gluten-Free: This is a crucial step for a gluten-free DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie! I swapped out regular all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. My preference is for blends that predominantly feature a balanced mix of rice, potato, and tapioca flours, and importantly, already contain xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is vital in gluten-free baking as it provides the elasticity and structure that gluten typically offers, preventing crumbly results. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking.
Oat Flour Creation: The original recipe smartly incorporates rolled oats. To make them gluten-free and easily blendable into the dough for a smoother texture, I created my own oat flour. This is a simple process: just blend certified gluten-free rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they reach a fine, powdery consistency. This ensures the unique oat flavor and subtle texture are retained without large, intact pieces of oats, which can sometimes alter the cookie’s chewiness.
Cinnamon Omission: The original recipe suggests a pinch of cinnamon. While some might enjoy the warm spice, I found that for a truly classic chocolate chip cookie experience, removing the cinnamon allowed the rich vanilla and intense chocolate flavors to shine more brightly, echoing the pure taste of a traditional cookie. Again, this is a matter of taste, so you can certainly include it if you prefer a hint of spice!
Chocolate Chips for Dairy-Free: To keep these cookies completely dairy-free and vegan, I replaced Nestle Tollhouse semi-sweet chocolate chips with high-quality dairy-free chocolate chips. Many excellent vegan chocolate chip brands are available on the market today, offering various sweetness levels and types (semi-sweet, dark, milk-style). Choose your favorite for the best flavor!
Walnut Omission: Due to a severe nut allergy in my family, I completely omitted the chopped walnuts that are part of the original recipe. If nut allergies are not a concern for you or your guests, feel free to add them back in at the original measurement (1 and 3/4 cups) for that extra crunch, nutty flavor, and authentic DoubleTree experience.
Increased Vanilla Extract: Because pure vanilla extract is truly magical and elevates the flavor profile of virtually any sweet baked good, I slightly increased the amount from the original recipe. This boost of vanilla deeply enhances the overall aroma and taste of these allergy-friendly cookies, making them even more irresistible.
Adjusted Baking Temperature and Time: The DoubleTree recipe originally recommends baking at 300°F for 20-23 minutes. Through extensive testing in my own oven, I found that baking at a slightly higher temperature of 350°F for approximately 10-12 minutes yielded equally perfect results, with no noticeable difference in quality or texture. This quicker baking time is a definite win in my book, especially when you’re eager to enjoy freshly baked cookies without a long wait!

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

Since this recipe instructs you to blend the oats into a fine flour anyway, the specific type of oat (whether old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats) doesn’t significantly impact the final texture or consistency of the oat flour itself. Both will blend into a suitable powder. Therefore, I recommend using whatever certified gluten-free oats you have readily available in your pantry. Just ensure they are explicitly certified gluten-free to avoid any potential cross-contamination, which is paramount for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What If I Don’t Need This Cookie Recipe to Be Gluten-Free?

If gluten isn’t a concern for you or your family, adapting this recipe back to its conventional form is very simple. You can effortlessly swap back to using regular all-purpose wheat flour and conventional rolled oats (which you’ll still blend into oat flour as directed) in the same measurements as listed in the adapted recipe. All other dairy-free and egg-free substitutions can remain in place if those are your only dietary needs. This flexibility makes the recipe truly versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences!

What If I Don’t Need This Chocolate Chip Cookie to Be Dairy-Free?

If you don’t need to avoid dairy, it’s incredibly easy to revert to the original dairy-containing ingredients. Simply use regular dairy butter (softened) and conventional semi-sweet chocolate chips. Use the same measurement for butter as indicated in the recipe (1/2 pound or 2 sticks). For the chocolate chips, while the recipe provides a measurement, I always encourage you to “measure with your heart” if you love an abundance of chocolate, just like I do! Dairy-free adaptations are all about providing delicious options, and reverting to dairy is a straightforward switch that won’t compromise the cookie’s fantastic flavor or texture.

What If I Don’t Need This DoubleTree Cookie to Be Egg-Free?

If eggs are not an allergen for you, making this adjustment is incredibly simple. You can easily replace the two flax eggs with two large regular eggs. The preparation is even simpler—just crack them into your wet ingredients! A wonderful perk of keeping the recipe egg-free, however, is the complete freedom to safely indulge in a little raw cookie dough before baking, which is always a delightful treat. But if you’re not concerned about eggs, regular eggs work perfectly as a binder and will yield a delicious cookie.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Soft Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies

For me, the quintessential best gluten-free vegan cookies boast delightfully crisp, golden edges and a wonderfully soft, almost gooey center. Achieving this perfect balance requires a keen eye and precise timing during the baking process. Remember that every oven is unique and can bake at slightly different temperatures or speeds, so the baking time provided is always a suggestion that requires your careful observation rather than a strict, unchangeable rule.

*Pro Tip for Soft Centers: The most important advice I can offer is to watch your cookies closely, rather than relying solely on a timer. The moment you notice the edges of your cookies just beginning to turn a light golden brown, it’s time to pull them out of the oven. Even if the centers still appear slightly undone, somewhat puffy, or unset, trust the process! They will continue to “cook” and firm up beautifully as they rest on the hot baking sheet. Leave them on the sheet for a crucial five minutes to allow this carryover cooking to happen. After this resting period, you can carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.

By removing the cookies just before the very center is fully set, you guarantee that coveted super-soft, tender, and slightly chewy middle that makes these cookies so irresistible. If you adore truly gooey cookies, feel free to pull them out a minute or even two sooner—they will continue to firm up as they cool, though resisting a warm, gooey cookie fresh from the oven is a challenge I fully understand! Ultimately, bake them to your preferred level of gooeyness or firmness. Remember, baking is an art as much as a science; you do you!

How to Store These Gluten-Free Vegan DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies

Proper storage is key to ensuring your delicious cookies stay fresh, chewy, and enjoyable for as long as possible. My batches of these allergy-friendly DoubleTree cookies typically stay wonderfully fresh for 2-3 days when stored correctly at room temperature. To prevent them from drying out and to maintain their soft texture, I highly recommend keeping them in an airtight container or under a tight-fitting lid. For longer storage, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, where they will keep beautifully for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for a fresh-baked experience that’s almost as good as the first day.

Are These DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies Vegan?

The original DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie recipe is, in fact, not vegan, as it traditionally contains dairy butter and eggs. However, the fantastic news is that the recipe I’ve carefully developed and shared below IS completely vegan! I’ve thoughtfully swapped out the dairy butter for a delicious plant-based alternative, replaced traditional eggs with effective flax eggs, and specified the use of high-quality dairy-free chocolate chips. This means you can confidently enjoy every bite of these indulgent treats, knowing they align perfectly with a vegan lifestyle. Did you know that almost all of my cookie recipes are naturally vegan due to the common allergens (milk and eggs) we diligently avoid? Explore my other cookie creations below to find more delicious vegan cookies!

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

Absolutely, I do! Since my son manages severe allergies to wheat, dairy, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts, you’ll find that ALL of the 200+ recipes on this site are meticulously crafted to be free of these common allergens. While our family doesn’t strictly adhere to a vegan diet for all meals, my baking, by necessity, always ends up being vegan because we must avoid both milk and eggs. This focus has led to a treasure trove of delicious, inclusive cookie recipes that just might become your new family favorites. Beyond these incredible vegan DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies, I’m confident you’ll adore my gluten-free peanut butter cookies, which are another fan favorite for their rich flavor and perfect texture. Here’s a selection of other allergy-friendly cookie recipes you might love to try:

If you can’t do oats, I have another allergy-friendly chocolate chip cookie that doesn’t use oats, perfect for those with oat sensitivities.
Gluten & Dairy Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (these are unique because they use no flour blends—just oats, creating a wonderfully chewy texture!)
Soft, Roll-Out Sugar Cookies (perfect for decorating for any holiday or occasion, without the top allergens!)
Allergy-Friendly S’mores Cookies (all the beloved campfire flavor packed into a safe cookie, anytime!)
Allergy-Friendly Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (a seasonal delight, comforting and spiced perfectly for autumn)
Allergy-Friendly Black & White Cookies (a New York classic, reimagined to be safe for multiple allergies!)
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies (a sophisticated flavor pairing that’s both rich and zesty)
Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies (ideal for holiday baking, festive and delicious)
Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze (sweet, comforting, and drizzled with a delightful maple glaze)
Allergy-Friendly Homemade Oreos (a fun project that tastes even better than the store-bought version!)
Gluten-Free Vegan Skillet Cookie (an impressive and shareable dessert, baked right in a skillet)

Watch the Video: How to Make These Allergy-Friendly DoubleTree Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Sometimes, seeing a recipe come to life visually is the best way to grasp the steps and techniques. I’ve created a quick and helpful video demonstration for these gluten-free vegan DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies on TikTok. I love TikTok for its concise, easy-to-digest videos, which perfectly suit showing you the key stages of this recipe without a lengthy commitment. Watching the video below should provide a fantastic general overview, helping you confidently bake your own batch of these incredible, allergy-friendly cookies. It clarifies techniques like creaming butter, adding flax eggs, and folding in chocolate chips. Enjoy the visual guide and happy baking!

@allergyawesomeness
DoubleTree 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:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

DoubleTree’s famous chocolate chip cookie has had a remodel to make it gluten free vegan! Find out all the substitutions & tips to make this classic anew, ensuring a delicious and safe treat for everyone.

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 all-purpose flour that includes xanthan gum
1/2 cup oat flour (made from certified gluten-free rolled oats, see directions)
Vegan chocolate chips (to taste, typically 2 to 2 2/3 cups)

Instructions

Be sure to see the video above the recipe to see how to make them, providing a helpful visual guide.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a large bowl and electric hand beaters), cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, incorporating air for a tender cookie.
In a small separate bowl, prepare your flax eggs: combine 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds with 5 tablespoons of warm water. Stir well and let the mixture sit for at least five minutes until it thickens to a gel-like consistency, resembling a traditional egg. Once thickened, add this flax egg mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing until just combined and smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract until it is fully incorporated into the wet ingredients, enhancing the overall aroma and flavor of the cookies.
To make oat flour, measure 1 cup of certified gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats. Blend them thoroughly in a quality blender or food processor until they form a fine, powdery flour. Measure out 1/2 cup of this freshly made oat flour for the recipe. Store any remaining oat flour in an airtight container for future use.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, the freshly prepared oat flour, and the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Gradually add this dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the stand mixer, mixing on low speed until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop toughness, even in gluten-free cookies.
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a large spoon or a sturdy spatula, gently fold in your desired amount of vegan chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. If you are not avoiding nuts, you can also fold in chopped walnuts at this stage for added crunch and flavor.
Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5-2 tablespoons per cookie) for even sizing, drop uniform balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is enough space (about 2 inches) between each cookie to allow for proper spreading during baking without merging.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are lightly golden brown and set, but the centers still appear slightly soft and not fully set. This stage is crucial for achieving that signature chewy-soft interior.
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool and finish setting on the warm pan for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking or crumbling when transferred.
Carefully transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm from the oven for a gooey treat or at room temperature!
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness, or freeze them for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw at room temperature or rewarm gently before serving.

Notes

*Our allergies, while severe and re-tested frequently, allow us to rely strictly on product labels. I do not contact companies regarding ingredient derivatives or potential cross-contact. If your allergies require such detailed inquiry, please conduct your own research and contact manufacturers directly. I cannot guarantee the safety of any ingredient; only you can determine what is safe for your specific needs. I simply share what works for our family and encourage due diligence.

**If you are preparing this for someone with food allergies and you do not personally have them, I HIGHLY recommend consulting with them to verify every single brand and ingredient you plan to use. Discussing their specific allergen sensitivities and cross-contamination protocols is essential to ensure their safety in your kitchen. Their health and safety are paramount.

Adapted heavily from: Taste of Home’s DoubleTree 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: 0mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g

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