Indulge in the delightful experience of making gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. These cookies boast a perfect blend of almond flour and coconut flour, sweetened naturally with maple syrup and packed with rich, dark chocolate.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Almond flour and coconut flour are common in gluten-free baking and can be found in the baking aisle or health food section. Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and can typically be found near the pancake mixes or in the organic section.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
almond flour: A finely ground flour made from blanched almonds, perfect for gluten-free baking.
coconut flour: A soft flour made from dried coconut meat, adding a subtle coconut flavor and texture.
baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
fine grain sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the cookies.
butter: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and moisture to the cookies.
vanilla extract: Adds a delicious vanilla flavor to the cookies.
dark chocolate: Adds rich, chocolatey chunks to each bite.
One reader, Karry Straub says:
These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are a game-changer! The almond and coconut flours give them a perfect texture, and the dark chocolate adds a rich flavor. Easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family couldn't get enough!
Essential Techniques for Baking Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
How to melt butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until it is fully liquid. How to whisk dry ingredients: Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. How to mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. How to scoop dough: Use a tablespoon to scoop the dough into mounds and place them on the baking sheet. How to bake cookies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, bake the cookies for about 11 minutes until golden brown, and then let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
How To Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
They may be gluten-free, but these chocolate chip cookies are just as soft and chewy. Because they’re eggless, they can easily be made vegan as well.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾cupfirmly packed almond flour,or almond meal
- ¼cupfirmly packed coconut flour
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspfine grain sea salt,or ¼ tsp regular table salt
- a dash of cinnamon,optional
- ½cupbutter,or coconut oil, melted
- ½cupreal maple syrup,preferably grade B, or honey
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 6ozdark chocolate,chopped or 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter (or coconut oil), maple syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly. Stir in the chocolate.
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Let the dough rest for 5 minutes in the refrigerator so the coconut flour can absorb some of the excess moisture.
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Scoop dough, 1 tablespoon at a time, in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving a couple inches around each cookie.
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Bake for about 11 minutes, until golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then slide the parchment paper onto a cooling rack to finish cooling.
Recipe Notes
The cookies will be fragile when they are warm but will firm up as they cool.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120.23kcal
- Fat: 8.78g
- Saturated Fat: 4.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.23g
- Carbohydrates: 9.28g
- Fiber: 1.74g
- Sugar: 5.90g
- Protein: 1.58g
- Cholesterol: 10.38mg
- Sodium: 57.69mg
- Calcium: 18.73mg
- Potassium: 92.87mg
- Iron: 0.92mg
- Vitamin A: 32.54µg
- Vitamin C: 0.01mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
When mixing the almond flour and coconut flour with the butter and maple syrup, ensure the butter is melted but not hot. This helps the ingredients combine smoothly without cooking the flours prematurely.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the flours, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container until ready to use.
Use a food processor: Quickly combine the butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract by pulsing them in a food processor.
Chill dough quickly: Speed up the chilling process by placing the dough in the freezer for 2-3 minutes instead of the refrigerator.
Pre-scoop dough: Scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet before chilling. This way, you can go straight from chilling to baking.
Use parchment paper: Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Substitute Ingredients For Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
almond flour - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour provides a similar texture and is also gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for those with nut allergies.
coconut flour - Substitute with tapioca flour: Tapioca flour can help achieve a similar consistency and is also gluten-free, though you may need to adjust the quantity as it absorbs moisture differently.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, but be aware that it may slightly alter the taste.
fine grain sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used in a slightly larger quantity to achieve the same level of saltiness.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can complement the other ingredients similarly to cinnamon.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar texture and richness, and it is a good option for those avoiding dairy.
real maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener with a similar consistency, though it may impart a slightly different flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a unique, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
dark chocolate - Substitute with semi-sweet chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate can be used to achieve a similar taste and texture, though it may be slightly sweeter.
How to Beautifully Present Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Use high-quality ingredients: Ensure that almond flour, coconut flour, dark chocolate, and real maple syrup are of the finest quality to elevate the flavor profile.
Chill the dough: Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. This step helps the coconut flour absorb excess moisture, resulting in a better texture.
Shape uniformly: Scoop the dough in uniform mounds, about 1 tablespoon each, to ensure even baking and a professional appearance.
Bake to perfection: Bake at 350 degrees F for about 11 minutes until the cookies are golden brown. This ensures a perfect balance of crisp edges and a chewy center.
Cool properly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking and maintains their shape.
Plate artistically: Arrange the cookies on a sleek, modern plate. Consider stacking them in a pyramid or laying them out in a circular pattern for visual appeal.
Garnish with flair: Add a touch of elegance by sprinkling a light dusting of cinnamon or a few shavings of dark chocolate on top of the cookies.
Serve with a side: Pair the cookies with a small bowl of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of real maple syrup on the side to enhance the dessert experience.
Add a fresh element: Include a few fresh mint leaves or a slice of orange on the plate to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Highlight textures: Emphasize the contrast between the crispy edges and the chewy center by breaking one cookie in half and displaying the interior texture prominently on the plate.
Essential Tools for Making the Perfect Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Parchment paper: Lined on the cookie sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Cookie sheet: A flat baking tray used to place the cookie dough mounds for baking.
Medium bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
Whisk: Helps in thoroughly mixing the dry ingredients like flours, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the almond flour, coconut flour, butter, and maple syrup.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring smaller quantities like baking soda, sea salt, and vanilla extract.
Refrigerator: Used to let the dough rest for 5 minutes so the coconut flour can absorb some of the excess moisture.
Cookie scoop: Helps in scooping the dough into uniform mounds, ensuring even baking.
Cooling rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and to stir in the chocolate.
Storing and Freezing Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Guide
Once the cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra fresh, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and keep the cookies crisp.
For longer storage, you can freeze the gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
If you want to freeze the cookie dough for later baking, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid storing the cookies in the refrigerator, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly. Room temperature or freezing are the best options for storage.
How To Reheat Leftover Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
The best way to reheat leftover gluten-free chocolate chip cookies is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even rubbery.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can place a damp paper towel over the cookies before microwaving them. The moisture from the paper towel will help keep the cookies soft and prevent them from drying out.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy.
Interesting Trivia About Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
A random fact about this recipe is that using almond flour and coconut flour makes these cookies not only gluten-free but also lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Is Making Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This gluten-free chocolate chip cookies recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of almond flour and coconut flour can be more expensive than traditional flours, but the other ingredients like butter, maple syrup, and dark chocolate are common pantry staples. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15. Overall Verdict: 7/10.
Are Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. Let's break it down:
Positives:
- Almond and coconut flours provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein
- Maple syrup is a more natural sweetener than refined sugar
- Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate
Negatives:
- Butter is high in saturated fat
- The recipe is still relatively high in sugar and fat overall
To make this recipe even healthier, try these tweaks:
- Replace half the butter with mashed avocado or applesauce to reduce saturated fat
- Cut back on the maple syrup by 2-3 tablespoons and add 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture
- Use 70% or higher dark chocolate to minimize sugar content
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for extra protein, fiber, and healthy fats
- Incorporate 1/4 cup of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for a nutrient boost
With a few adjustments, you can enjoy these cookies as an occasional treat within a balanced diet. Remember, moderation is key!
Editor's Opinion: Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe Review
This gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe is a delightful blend of almond and coconut flours, offering a nutty and slightly tropical flavor profile. The use of real maple syrup as a sweetener adds a rich, natural sweetness that complements the dark chocolate beautifully. The dash of cinnamon provides a subtle warmth, enhancing the overall taste. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. Allowing the dough to rest ensures a better texture, and the end result is a batch of cookies that are both chewy and satisfyingly crisp.
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Why trust this Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe:
These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are crafted with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and coconut flour, ensuring a delicious and nutritious treat. The use of real maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, while dark chocolate provides a rich, indulgent flavor. With a perfect balance of butter and a dash of cinnamon, these cookies are not only tasty but also easy to make. Trust this recipe for a delightful, gluten-free dessert that everyone will love.
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