So you’re going to make your cookie recipe and you realize that you’re all out of eggs!
What do you do?
Can you make cookies without eggs?
In this guide, we’re going to talk about all the options when it comes to making cookies without eggs, including whether it’s necessary to use eggs in cookies, how to make cookies without eggs, and what happens if you leave eggs out of a cookie recipe that asks for it.
Eggs are a popular ingredient in many cookie recipes, as eggs act as a binding agent to keep the cookie together and give it structure.
It also adds in some really necessary moisture to cookies and acts as a bit of a leavening agent as well (giving it rise).
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Is it Possible to Make Cookies without Eggs?
First things first, is it even possible to make cookies without eggs?
Can it physically happen?
Yes, it is possible to make cookies without eggs, and judging by the amount of egg-free cookie recipes that are delicious, it can turn out great!
If you’re wondering if it’s possible to make your cookie recipe that calls for eggs without eggs, then yes, it is still technically possible, but you’re going to want to read more below about what might happen.
Must-Have Baking Tools (seriously)
- Silicone baking mats – I use this brand and my cookies slide right off without burning!
- a cookie scoop – get this one. It makes the perfect rounded cookies every time!
- silicone spatula – try this set. It’s the best way to get the most out of your dough and batters
- rolling pin guides – I use this one. Genius way to roll your dough out evenly!
What Happens to a Cookies without Eggs?
So let’s talk about what would happen if you just left eggs out of a cookie recipe that calls for it (cookie recipes that don’t call for eggs in the first place are going to have other ingredients built in to substitute for what the eggs do).
Because eggs provide both moisture and binding properties to cookies, as we talked about earlier, leaving the eggs out of your cookie recipe would make for a dry, crumbly, and possibly dense and hard.
In other words, they definitely won’t have the same texture and many people may consider them ruined (though not all, you can definitely experiment!).
Substitutes for Eggs in Cookies
If you’re out of eggs and wondering what you can use as a substitute for eggs in cookies, here are some ideas!
Each measurement is the replacement you should use per egg.
However, it’s really important to make a note that you aren’t going to get all of the properties from a real egg from these substitutes.
While things like applesauce are going to introduce some moisture and help a bit with binding, they’re not going to help with the rise of the cookie in the same way a real egg would.
Check out our cookie troubleshooting guide to learn more about why baking substitutions are not always accurate.
- 1tbsp ground flax seed + 3 tbsp water
- 4 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
How to Make Cookies without Eggs
If you’re about to make a cookie recipe and realize that you’re definitely all out of eggs with no way to get some more, then you have a few options.
1. Choose an Egg-Less Cookie Recipe
There are plenty of cookie recipes that actually don’t ask for eggs.
Egg is a common allergen, as well as a no-no on a vegan diet, and so you won’t struggle in finding a delicious cookie recipe that doesn’t call for them!
Check out my oatmeal banana cookies that don’t use eggs, as a start.
Peanut butter cookies like these also don’t require an egg.
Shortbread also don’t require eggs!
2. Use an Egg Substitute
If you’re set on making that particular recipe even though you don’t have eggs, you can try using an egg substitute like applesauce or flaxseed.
Egg does have a lot of substitute options in cookies, but each one will give your cookies slightly different properties, so be prepared for a slightly different taste or texture in your cookie, but they shouldn’t cause a total baking fail.
3. Bake Your Recipe without Eggs and Expect Change in Texture
Leaving eggs out of a cookie recipe that asks for eggs can definitely be a recipe for a potential baking fail, as your cookie may end up dry and have a really hard time having structure or sticking together.
You can go ahead and try it and see what happens for you, but we would recommend either the first or second option before you resort to this!
