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Learn how to make the famous Subway cookies using this copycat recipe! Made with simple ingredients, they take just 12 minutes to bake and come with 6 flavor options.
It’s ironic that my favorite cookie comes from a sandwich shop.
If you’ve never tried one of Subway’s famous cookies, you haven’t lived. They come in multiple flavors, like chocolate chip and raspberry cheesecake. However, my favorite is their white chocolate and macadamia nut.
I love it so much, I’ve made a copycat version of it.
Why you’ll love this Subway cookie recipe
- No eggs or butter. For such a buttery cookie, you’d be surprised neither of those ingredients are required. They are perfect for a vegan or dairy free diet!
- Made in one bowl. No mixers or kitchen gadgets required.
- Freezer friendly dough. Freeze the dough up to two months in advance!
- Easily made gluten free. Swap out the flour for a gluten free blend.
What I love about this recipe is that the base works for over five cookie flavors! While the original recipe is for the white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies, you can easily switch it up!
How to make Subway cookies
The Ingredients.
- White and Brown Sugar- White sugar keeps the edges crispy, whereas brown sugar keeps the center soft and chewy.
- Canola oil- Either canola oil or vegetable oil, as they are neutral tasting. If you’d like to use butter or vegan butter, you are free to use that too.
- Milk of choice- Any milk of choice will work, like almond, soy, or any other milk.
- Vanilla Extract- A must for good cookie or dessert recipe! I love how it gives the cookies a subtle vanilla flavor.
- All Purpose Flour- Sift your flour before using it, to ensure no clumps remain. I used gluten free all purpose flour, to keep it gluten free.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda- Leavens out the cookies, gives them a little rise, and allows them to spread well.
- Salt- Brings out the sweetness of the cookies.
- White Chocolate Chips- Use good quality white chocolate chips, as sometimes they can be a little waxy.
- Macadamia Nuts- Adds some crunch and pairs beautifully with the white chocolate. Roughly chop the nuts, to mix well into the cookie dough.
The Instructions.
Make the dough: Start by mixing your sugars, oil, milk, and vanilla extract, until combined and glossy. Add in your dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold through your white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts.
Refrigerate the dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for 1 hour
Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just firm to touch.
Cool and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the raw cookie dough and bake it at a later time.
Once you’ve prepared your cookie dough, form a large ball, and cover it completely with plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake with it, let it sit at room temperature until chilled, but durable.
Subway cookie calories
There are between 186 to 232 calories in each subway cookie, depending on the flavor.
Expert tips for success
- Do not over-bake the cookies, as you want them to have the slightly crisp edges and gooey centers.
- You must refrigerate the dough, otherwise, your cookies will be flat and spread considerably.
- Reserve some white chocolate chips to top the cookies with, for aesthetic purposes.
- Be careful when transferring the cookies to the cooling rack, as they will be very fragile.
Flavor variations
For the following flavors, swap out the white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts and instead, make the following changes-
- Chocolate chip– Add 1 cup of chocolate chips.
- Oatmeal raisin– Fold through 1/4 cup of rolled oats and 1/2 cup raisins.
- Raspberry cheesecake– Add 1/2 cup fresh raspberries and 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese.
- Double chocolate chip– Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder and 1 cup of chocolate and white chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter– Make these peanut butter cookies.
Storing and freezing instructions
- To store: Leftover cookies will keep at room temperature, in a sealed container, for up to 2 weeks. You can also refrigerate them to keep them longer.
- To freeze: Cookies are freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer, for up to 6 months. I like using a ziplock bag or a shallow container.
More cookie recipes to try
- Levain cookies
- Keto cookie recipes
- Vegan chocolate chip cookies
- Marshmallow cookies
- Cashew butter cookies
Frequently Asked Questions
Subway cookies are super popular because of their delicious sweet and buttery flavor and perfect texture.
The white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies are the most popular cookie at Subway.
Swap out the sugar for a brown sugar substitute and use sugar free white chocolate chips.
Try keto white chocolate macadamia nut cookies or chocolate chip cookies instead.
Subway Cookies (6 Flavors!)
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour gluten free, if needed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons oil of choice canola, vegetable, etc.
- 1/4 cup milk of choice I used almond milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips dairy free, if needed
- 1/4 cup macadamia nuts chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together your flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and set aside. Add your salt.
- In a separate bowl, add the white sugar, brown sugar, and oil, and whisk together. Add your milk and vanilla extract.
- Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix well. Fold through your chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. Cover the bowl, and refrigerate for an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator. Using your hands, form 12 balls of dough. Place the balls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, 1-2 inches apart. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Hey! Can I use margarine instead of oil?
You could try! I haven’t done that myself, personally!
Absolutely fantastic! Best recipe by far, super simple, vegan friendly and the taste is amazing.
Thanks!
would it work if i subsituted the macidamia nuts for pistashios or almonds
Yes that should be fine!
These were incredible!!!
Okay, these are BETTER than Subway cookies.
love it!
I just made these today and they were great!
I live in Germany so it’s kinda hard to come by the soft kind of brown sugar so I wanted to “make” some with molasses … But I was out of molasses… So I used honey instead.
Then I also didn’t have white chocolate nor macadamia nuts (or any kind of nut really…. It’s Sunday 🥹 so I can’t go get groceries) so I chopped up some dark chocolate and Reese’s pieces.
Though I’ve made some modifications to the recipe everything worked out in the end as the cookies turned out amazing!
Thank you! I can’t wait to make these, I love subway macadamia-cookies.
Would you know the calories without the chocolate chips by any chance?
I don’t but you are welcome to calculate it yourself using myfitnesspal or similar 🙂
Wow I’m actually surprised by how good these turned out. I thought it wouldn’t work because most cookie recipes don’t call for milk, and mainly use milk powder instead. I didn’t want to go out an buy milk powder so I made this recipe and it was exactly what I wanted!
looking forward to trying this recipe. my only question is, what type of macadamia nuts did you use? all i can find are roasted salted nuts in my local area. i dont want the salt and roasted flavors to affect the taste of the cookies. hopefully (even though its been 9 years since the recipe was posted) i’ll hear back from you soon so i can get the nuts and try this recipe. 🙂 have an awesome day!
I love unsalted macadamia nuts 🙂
I’ve made these with regular flour and Bobs 1:1 GF blend and they’ve been fabulous both ways. This is my FAVOURITE vegan cookie recipe and my non-vegan friends have no clue it’s not vegan! Thank you for such a great recipe!
Amazing!! The best, easiest and fastest choc chip cookies. Everyone who tries them immediately asks for the recipe.
This looks amazing! I only have self-raising flour in my pantry, is it possible to use that instead? How much of it would I need instead of the all-purpose flour, baking power and baking soda? x
Not for this, sorry!
Please delete my comments. I posted this on the wrong recipe. This recipe does taste like Subway.
Best cookies ever!! 😍
Looks great, really want to try. Can you share the recipe in grams/ml pls. Cups never work for me. TIA
Hi Shelly- try this https://thebigmansworld.com/how-many-grams-in-a-cup/
Honestly I made these with high hopes and was very impressed!
They are soft fluffy and delicious
Thanks for the feedback, John!
I have been trying for years to find cookies that are gooey, soft, and stay that way. They dont just turn to stone an hour later.
These cookies were so good! But mine did not melt into gooey softness. They puffed to about 1/3″ and they turned hard first.
So I tried the recipe again. Instead of whole milk, tried almond milk. Nope. Tried whipping cream. Nope. Reduced to 1.5 cups flour. Nope.
If Ive learned anything while having an Australian partner, it is that kangaroos do not make good boxing partners and that a lot of Australia is much more humid than dry, west Texas. So the next batch will be 1.5 cups flour and almond milk but I will be leaving a dish of water on the bottom rack of the oven during the preheat and baking processes.
Man… I just want to find a cookie recipe that turns out like it’s photos. 😭
Hi Kat! Did you overbake the cookies? These should be removed from the oven when they are ‘just’ done (sometimes gooey looking) and they firm up around the edges beautifully 🙂
I am about to make this, but I noticed that it has no egg in it. Is that really how it is? I’ve never made a cookie without egg in it. I’m just checking.
Would this dough work for the chocolate chip, or snickerdoodle cookie too? Has anyone tried it?
WOW!! These are amazing. I was so happy once I took the first bite. These were delicious and I will definitely make them again. 10/10 would recommend!
😀 You are so welcome!
This is nice and awesome thanks for share us.Fantastic Blog…I will definitly share your blog with other people.Thank you
OMG!! This is the best chocolate chip cookie! Just made this and it is divine! I am making this again this weekend for my entire family. Thank you so much for this recipe.
So great to hear that!
Hi Arman 😀 have you made these with coconut flour? Type 1 Diabetes here and trying to lower my carb intake. I love Subway cookies!
Nope, not these ones- you can make these instead- https://thebigmansworld.com/white-chocolate-macadamia-nut-cookies/
Wow I’m actually surprised by how good these turned out. I thought it wouldn’t work because most cookie recipes don’t call for milk, and mainly use milk powder instead. I didn’t want to go out an buy milk powder so I made this recipe and it was exactly what I wanted!
Hi,
I’m late on this but glad to have found a recipe for my favourite cookies ever! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
I used to live next door to a subway and sneak out at night just to get me some of these, actually they had a special price if you bought 3 😉 But ever since I moved AND became gluten intolerant, no more mac cookies for me.
So when I found your recipe I rushed to make me some. I’d like to share the mistakes I made for others to avoid them. First, I used a gluten free flour mix for bread, and I didn’t notice that it had yeast in it.. So obviously the cookies became soft, fluffy and bread-like instead of crunchy and chewy. Then I used the same amount of sugar as indicated, but with brown sugar it turned out too sweet for my taste. I didn’t use salted butter but with salted macadamias the taste turned out just fine.
Besides that, I’m glad I tried and won’t give up yet. Next time I’ll try a 50/50 mix of rice flour and corn starch.
Keep up the nice work! Greetings from France!
Aime
Merci, mon ami! 😀
Thanks a million for sharing!! Must try..pinned!!!
You need to- It’s so good!
Is there substitute for gluten-free and grain free flour? Coconut flour or Almond meal?
Hey Caroline! Unfortunately I haven’t tried it with those flours but if you do, let me know how it goes! 🙂
I love cookies, these sound scrummy! #recipeoftheweek
Thank you! Come on over for some! 😉
This is a great recipe, I love the Subway Cookies so tis recipe is just up my street. Found you on #recipeoftheweek
Thanks so much for stopping by!
These look and sound fantastic!!! Popping over from #recipeoftheweek
Thanks so much, Jenny 🙂
my fingers hurt from scrolling down.
Can I make these in the microwave? Tis your speciality.
I like reading the photography compliments. Of course I can take no credit. We both know who gets that.
Stop it.
You can make this on my chest. Cos it’s hot.
White chocolate and macadamia nuts are one of my absolute favorite cookie combinations. I love that you have those memories and that you recreated the subway version of this cookie. Amen to butter, sugar, white chocolate and nuts.
YES. Confession…..white chocolate and macadamia granola. BOOM. SNAP.
I had a Subway tradition when I was younger too! Every Friday in high school my friends and I went to Subway for their $5 footlong and drink deal. And then we’d all sit in class together afterwards and reek of that Subway smell. You know what smell I’m talking about.
Obviously I’ve never had these cookies, but your version looks awesome! And thanks to you I can finally try them without the macadamia nuts!
Haha, I work out next to a Subway- even after chucking deodorant and aftershave after my workout, my office asks where the ham is when I arrive.
YES. Do it.
Pickles and hot peppers…absolutely! Thanks for linking up to #RECIPEFRIDAY 🙂
Thank you for hosting, Kierston! 🙂
Oh yes, those are by far my favorite cookies! Ever! For this recipe I will even break my no sugar rule! Why the hell did you keep this so long from us????
The first time I ever had a Subway Sandwich was in Vienna in 2004. It was Stefan’s and my first holiday alone together and coincidentially it was also the first time I had a Starbucks Latte! Still one of my favorite holidays. Ever since I love roasted chicken breast or chicken teriaki. We usually share a sub and all I ever say to Stefan is: Take whatever you want but I don’t want jalapenos and pickles!
Because YOU are keeping some epic dessert recipes hidden 😉
Starbucks and Subway in one day? Sounds like heaven!
Holy died and went to heaven…..one of my favorite cookies – can’t wait to try the recipe!
Thanks so much! 🙂
These photos are FANTASTIC!! Great job, they make even a non butter, egg, or white chocolate eater like me wanting a bite. I don’t remember my first Subway trip, but I would always get turkey and american cheese on white bread. Talk about barftastic these days…now I’m all about that veggie piled to the roof life. I also used to eat 15 jalapeno poppers in one sitting as a child, I was clearly indestructible.
We need to have a jalapeno off. I ate my mum’s costco sized jar of them in a week. She nearly chased me with a wooden spoon. But I broke it the day before trying to get a smoothie out of the blender.
I am one of the three Americans who has never eaten at Subway. I have, however, used the restrooms because of the proximity to the bus station. While I cannot attest to the accuracy of your cookie creation, judging by the tempting photos, your mad baking skills have done it again!
Please include more childhood stories like this one. Do you still speak/write Chinese? What about Farsi?
Have a great weekend!
SARAH! I am shocked. But that’s okay- being in California, you have a myriad of much better choices 😉
I think my childhood stories would bore you all but okay!
Will you believe me if I say I’ve never had a Subway cookie?! We used to go there every week after religion class when I was younger but never once did I think to ask for a cookie.
Sarah. I am in shock. Rectify it..with this gluten free recipe 😉
I used to loveeee Subway. I don’t remember my first time at one, probably because I’m American haha. I used to always get turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, black olives and Italian dressing!
Haha that made me laugh. It was like water for you.
Turkey and swiss! That was my go-to sandwich. And then I think I ODd on subs after eating them every.single.day over the summer since that was my go-to when I was working, and now I can’t even stomach the smell anymore. But cookies? YES.
Turkey and swiss is what I’m craving right now. On their white bread. OMG.
Dude. These aren’t strange at all. Add some jalapenos in them. 😛
I’m sorry! i’ll stop linking up, I thought the concept of copying a famous cookie was strange! 😉
but jalapeno cookies…you have me intrigued.
LOL! I’m just fucking with you. 😉
So what got me with this post is that your cookies look just like Subway cookies! Usually when a blogger says “look-alike” I’m a little suspicious! Am def bookmarking this for future use!
Thanks, P! Appreciate it!
I couldn’t tell you the first time I went to Subway – I grew up with it! As for my usual…I think when I was a kid it was an assorted with lettuce, tomato and mayo. Fortunately my tastes have expanded a little…but the white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies have always been my go-to Subway cookie!
YES! Oh man, that reminds me of when I ate tomato and mayo sandwiches for like…a year. Why? Because Harriet the bloody spy ate it.
Sweet little baby Jesus, I used to get these cookies ALL THE TIME!!! But, no matter how briefly I stayed inside the Subway, I would come out smelling like it. You know what I’m talking about, that Subway SMELL?!? It’s awful. I don’t know what it is. But now, I could have these cookies without the smell? Dude… I’m bowing down.
Mate, my gym is next to a Subway. I workout, put on aftershave, go to work and everyone starts asking where the ham is.
Oh Subway 🙂 the only store that you can walk into for five seconds and leave smelling like the place for hours.
Those cookies are amazing – and I don’t love white chocolate very much so that’s saying something!
I’m glad someone else acknowledges that chocolate chunks and chocolate chips are VERY DIFFERENT in cookies! I’ve been converted to chunks – they melt sooo much better.
I used to get the veggie sub – all the veggies and cheeses melted with their “Chipotle” sauce – suuuuuper healthy (not) haha.
Dude- there is a subway NEXT to my gym- mid bench press- you smell cookies and bread. It’s like death.
Chocolate chunks > chips. Seriously. I have a surprise for you on Friday. FOR YOU.
Oh yum, these look great! Do you think using raw cane sugar would change the flavor too much?
Hi Cece! I don’t think it would detract the flavour too much- add slightly more white chocolate chunks as I know raw cane sugar has a distinct, almost molasses taste. 🙂
First off, sweet photos! And there is just something magical about whole chocolate & macadamia nuts for sure. Funny, I bake cookies but never bake this combo (even though I certainly buy them.) Great recipe!
Thank you so much, Deanna! Haha, I never thought to make them and always bought them too!
LOL I used to have Subway all the time when I was younger. Chicken teriyaki or meatball! I preferred the double chocolate cookies. Now craving.
you just made my entire day! need, want, drool… and thank you sir
Always for you. 😉
I actually just had one of these cookies from Subway the other day…. I wasn’t hungry enough for a sandwich so I opted for just a cookie 🙂 I love love love love love macadamia nut cookies and yours are healthier so basically I want one right now.
….ONE cookie? Druga, I’m disappointed.
PS I’ve made it my mission to insult you in every instagram picture post. 🙂
Oh man, subway cookies are amazing. I don’t remember the first time I went to subway, actually. I’ve gone through phases over the years with what I order, but I love their turkey, pepper jack and acocado.
WHY DON’T WE HAVE PEPPERJACK CHEESE HERE?
Please send some over. 🙂
Haha! We didn’t get a subway in Scotland until 2003, just before I went to uni!
I got a meatball sub, because that’s what joey from friends always had! And if a member of friends did something then it must be good!
I did enjoy it but quickly switched to ham or Turkey! But haven’t (obv) had an actual sub in years, had a salad from there though!
Oh and pickles – always yes, jalapeños – just a couple 😉
Oh their meatball subs are so good- I forgot about them!
I think, just for kicks, I might try this on a waffle grill.
Okay.
Thank God I can always visit you for a delicious dessert fix! Yum 🙂
Hahaha thank you, Anne- that means heaps.
Box Hill Shopping Centre – I love that place, I spent my high school years hanging out there. Did you go to Chinese school at BHHS? THat was my high school.
In case you wanted to know, the Subway is still there in the shopping centre but they also have a mini hawker food market there now too which I’m yet to try but all reports have been very positive. Box Hill is also the best place for dumplings!!
Will have to try this recipe when I actually have access to cooking facilities 🙂
Hi Megan! haha, I love hearing from a local reader- I have been there since and the hawker food market is SO GOOD. I had a onion and chives pancake and nearly died.
Omg seriously. Those photos. That cookie. areyoukiddingme
And about Subway..me and Subway go way back. I used to order turkey and lettuce on wheat. That’s it. Nothing else. Try ordering a sandwich there with only two ingredients. Everyone looks at you like you’re crazy. Of course my taste changed and expanded over time and in highschool it was meatball subs after school. Then I overdosed on the Subway in college and probably haven’t had it in over a year..ha!
But seriously. Good freaking work on the photography! What camera/lens do you use?
Haha, that made me laugh- turkey and lettuce! Oh man I really want a meatball sub right now! Thanks 🙂
I’m vegan and for 8 years before going fully vegan, I hadn’t eaten any red meat or dairy for about 8 years – & I haven’t missed red meat at all… til you mentioned that sandwich! That was what I always had when I was in College. Holy cow (heh heh), the meatball subs were go-od! You know, I bet if I could copy that sauce, I could dupe a Subway meatball sub. Ooh, better write that down! (It had to be the sauce, yeah?)
I *do* remember my first Subway sandwich, we didn’t have Subway in my city, probably even the whole state, and my Mom and I somehow ended up in one in Florida. We were happy campers when Subway came to Oklahoma City and Norman, OK.
Amanda, your sammy would have been OK with some salad dressing on it! I always did that when I didn’t have anything exciting in the ‘frig. Put everything ya got on a bun, cover in Italian dressing til freaking soaked. :0)
Haha, I have a copycat Subway Meatball marinara sub recipe on here which is vegan! 😀
Subway white chocolate mac cookies are THE ABSOLUTE BEST. (Costco cookies too!!!)
I can’t wait to make these, even though they’re not Paleo or vegan or fruitarian.
These are totally paleo. Just pretend you eat them and it’s all good.
HI!
OH NO YOU DIDN’T!!!
You should change your blog name to Culinary Superstar’s World.
I just get a veggie-loaded sub when I go to Subway – cheese, lettuce, tomato, olives, YES TO PICKLES AND JALEPENOS, hot banana peppers, aaaaand I think that’s it. And sub sauce of course.
Australia doesn’t even have hot banana peppers. We fail.
LOL. I think I’d be falsely advertising my blog, should I change it to that haha!
The more pickles the better!
True!
I have a confession: I am not a fan of white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Actually, macadamia nuts are great, it’s the white chocolate that’s the issue. But, in a way, this is good news, cuz if we ever go to Subway together and there’s only one white macadamia nut cookie, we won’t have to fight to the deal for it
……You don’t like white chocolate? Giselle. My heart is breaking.
MMmmmmm I might have to get the real thing on Sunday, but after that, this will definitely suffice.
Dude, go the real thing AND make these. I approve 😉
Thank you! I have been looking for a copycat Subway cookie recipe for ages!! 🙂
Thank you, Ali!
The first and only time that I’ve been to a Subway was 2 years ago on my holiday in London. It was the time where I started to get obsessed with what I was eating (in the negative way – which was stupid especially on holiday!). I opted for whole wheat, and no cheese, I don’t really remember it anymore. I’ve never been to Subway again, I don’t know why, but I don’t eat out often anyway. It’s nothing personal, Subway! 😀
These cookies will be next on my cookies list!!
Oh, and this is the first time you’ve mentioned your dad, at least I haven’t read anything about him until now on your blog. Is there a reason? I hope that’s not a too personal question!
You need to try the cookies, so good!
Thank you, Ann! Haha, I actually ate subway in HAMBURG!!!!
Mate, these look amazing. I am still waiting on my welcome cookie basket btw…
I used to love Subway cookies – I would have 3 in one go… after my 6 inch sub… oops.
I can’t wait to try these!
I always have 3 in one go!
Oh man! I had totally forgotten about these cookies until now! For the first few years working, where I still do now, I used to frequent the Subway store just across the road, every Friday and like Lisa, it was also Tuna fish Friday for me too! I dunno it felt kind of “healthier” having that! Well, until you added one or two of their cookies…..
I’ve got a severe craving now. But I really like the idea of giving your Gluten free recipe a go. Plus your pictures look amazing! 🙂
Thank you, Neil. I work out next to a Subway….mid bench press, I smell cookies and their bread. Not cool.
Tuna fish Fridays! I don’t know why, but I ALWAYS got that at Subway when I was in college. And I know those cookies from Subway well. SUPER excited to give your recipe a try!
And by the way, I completely understand the torture of going to Chinese school on Saturday mornings. I went until I was 14!! Do you know how many Saturday morning cartoons I missed out on? Also, I was always impressed that Seinfeld casting directors actually hired someone who knew how speak Mandarin to play Ping.
OMG.
This is why we need to be house mates. We can bitch about our shunned childhoods where we missed out on everything. A bonus on my part? I got bullied for being HALF Chinese lol!
I wish I was sitting there, making cup a soup, and singing that song from the lion king.