# What Is the Best Substitute for Butter in Chocolate Chip Cookies?

URL: https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substitute-for-butter-in-chocolate-chip-cookies
Category: Substitutes
Published: 2020-10-31T12:41:04
Updated: 2026-08-08T15:20:20
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Although butter is often considered one of the most **essential ingredients for making rich and delicious chocolate chip cookies**, you can actually make tasty cookies without butter. Instead, there are several things that you can **substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies.**  If you’re in the middle of baking cookies and you’ve just realized that you’re out of butter, **don’t panic.** Instead, check out these **ideas for what to substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies.**

## Olive oil or vegetable oil

If you like to cook, there’s a good chance that you have a bottle of [olive oil](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substitute-olive-oil-for-butter) or vegetable oil in your cupboard -- which **can be a lifesaver if you run out of butter.** Both oils are rich in fats (like butter) and add a **good amount of moisture** to your baked goods. You can **swap either of these [oils in for butter](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substitute-olive-oil-for-butter) in chocolate chip cookies with ease**. When adding oil in place of butter, use approximately ¾ to ⅞ of the butter that your recipe calls for.

## Avocado

In baking, one of the most surprising (yet effective) [substitutes for butter](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/butter-substitutes) is **mashed avocado**. Like butter, avocado is packed full of fat to add a flavorful kick to your cookies. There are **no conversions or ratios required** when using avocado instead of butter. All you need to do is use an [equivalent amount of avocado](https://californiaavocado.com/how-to/how-to-substitute-avocado-for-butter/) to replace the butter (for instance, **half a cup of mashed avocado in place of half a cup of butter**).

## Plain yogurt

For a healthier alternative, **consider using plain yogurt as a substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies.** You can either use regular yogurt or Greek-style yogurt to **lower the calories and fat content** in your baked goods. When using yogurt in your cookies, **measure out the same amount as you would butter.** It’s worth noting, though, that yogurt is best used in smaller batches since it contains a high moisture content.

## Coconut oil

We’ve already discussed how olive oil and vegetable oil can be a fantastic substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies. **But coconut oil is another ingredient that you can swap in for butter as well.**  Coconut oil has a **distinct taste** that some people don’t enjoy, so make sure that you’re okay with the flavor before adding it. To use it in your recipes, you’ll need to **melt it down first (coconut oil is solid at room temperature).** Once you’ve done that, use a **1:1 ratio** to replace the butter in your cookies.

## Applesauce

[**Unsweetened applesauce**](https://tastessence.com/substitutes/substituting-applesauce-for-butter) is another pureed fruit that you can use instead of butter. **Not only does it have less fat than butter**, but it also has a number of nutrients to boost your health. Since applesauce is mushy, **it’s best used in combination with butter in baked goods**. If your recipe calls for one cup of butter, you can use **½ cup of applesauce and ½ cup of butter**. Using applesauce on its own as a butter replacement isn’t typically advised. With so many different ingredients that **you can substitute for butter in chocolate chip cookies**, you’re sure to have at least one of them already in your pantry. If not, any of these foods can be **easily purchased at your local grocery store.** For more cooking tips and ideas, [**check out the Tastessence blog.**](https://tastessence.com/)