In a large mixing bowl, cream together dairy-free butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy.
Add applesauce and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated and glossy.
Add flour and baking soda and mix just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
Fold in chopped chocolate evenly throughout the dough.
Cover dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into evenly sized balls and place on baking sheet with space between each cookie.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers still look slightly soft.
Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet so they finish setting before moving.