Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cookies Recipe

The Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cookies Recipe is an absolute gem for anyone craving a rich, chocolaty treat without the gluten. These cookies boast a delightful balance of fudgy centers and crispy edges, all thanks to the wholesome blend of almond flour and dark chocolate. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply want to indulge in a naturally nutty, chocolatey delight, this recipe delivers every time with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep flavor that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the fine almond flour that gives a tender crumb to the luxurious dark chocolate that oozes richness, every component is a little star in this cookie ensemble.

• 2 cups (240g) fine blanched almond flour, sifted: Provides a light, tender crumb and acts as the gluten-free base.
• 1/2 cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted: Adds intense chocolate flavor and a rich color.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift and prevents heaviness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with rise and browning for those perfect edges.
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened: Brings moisture and that classic buttery richness.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) coconut oil, melted: Adds subtle tropical flavor and keeps cookies soft.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: For sweetness and crisp edges.
• 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar, packed: Imparts chewiness and a caramel-like depth.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the dough and creates structure.
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature: Adds richness and tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm notes.
• 2 ounces (60g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), melted and slightly cooled: Intensifies chocolaty goodness and moist texture.
• 3/4 cup (130g) high-quality chocolate chips, divided: Adds melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional): Lifts and deepens chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.

How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Make sure to line two baking sheets with parchment paper and position your oven rack in the middle for even baking. Preheating for at least 20 minutes ensures your oven is nicely warmed, which is the secret to cookies baking evenly with those crave-worthy edges and soft centers.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted almond flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps create that smooth, tender crumb in your cookies. Mixing these first also guarantees even distribution of leavening agents and salt for perfectly balanced cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Buttery Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter, melted coconut oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy — roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the magic happens for those crispy edges and chewy centers; the air you incorporate now will affect your cookies’ texture beautifully.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to your buttery sugar mixture. Beat until everything blends well and the color lightens slightly. This stage helps bind the dough and adds richness, ensuring your cookies are tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Stir in Melted Chocolate

Carefully fold in the melted dark chocolate, making sure it’s just warm and not hot to avoid scrambling the eggs. This luscious addition infuses the dough with that rich chocolate intensity, giving these cookies their signature depth of flavor.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry almond flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as no dry flour is visible to keep things tender and soft.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Add in half of the chocolate chips and give a gentle fold through the dough. This step lets you control how melty and chocolatey your cookies become inside, while the reserved chips will add delightful bursts on top.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though chilling it for 2 hours or more is ideal for flavor development. This resting time also hydrates the almond flour, which enhances texture and taste, making a noticeable difference in your final cookie.

Step 9: Shape and Add Toppings

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), portion out the chilled dough onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Press the remaining chocolate chips onto the tops, creating irresistible melty spots on the cookie surface as they bake.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies 10 to 12 minutes. Look for set edges and centers that appear slightly underdone; the cookies will finish cooking on the hot sheet once removed. For a bakery-style finish, try lifting the baking sheet and dropping it on the oven rack at the 8-minute mark—a neat trick that helps cookies spread and flatten just right.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll be very soft fresh out of the oven, so this resting period lets them firm up to that perfect tender yet chewy texture you adore.

How to Serve Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking. These simple touches can further highlight the rich chocolate flavor and add a subtle crunch that makes every bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Pairing your gluten free chocolate almond flour cookies with a cold glass of almond milk or a warm cup of coffee elevates the indulgence. For a dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the deep cocoa notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board drizzled with melted chocolate and scattered with slivered almonds. You can even sandwich them with a dollop of chocolate ganache or almond butter for a show-stopping treat perfect for celebrations or gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This maintains their chewy edges and moist centers beautifully without drying out, so you can enjoy them fresh for several days.

Freezing

These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when craving a last-minute sweet treat.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to bring back their ooey-gooey magic. This step breathes life into the chocolate chips and soft centers for a freshly baked experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with another gluten-free flour?

Almond flour has a unique texture and flavor that’s crucial for this cookie’s fudgy softness and nutty taste. While you can experiment with other gluten-free flours, results may vary, and you might need to adjust moisture and binders for the best outcome.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it allows the almond flour to absorb moisture fully, which improves flavor and texture. It also helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a thicker, chewier cookie.

Can I use dairy-free butter or oil substitutes?

Yes! Using dairy-free butter or additional coconut oil works well, making this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets too. Just make sure your substitutes are softened or melted accordingly for proper mixing.

Why add espresso powder if I don’t want coffee flavor?

Espresso powder is optional and acts as a flavor enhancer. It subtly deepens the chocolate taste without imparting a coffee flavor, which makes your cookies taste more intense and rich.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for cookies with edges that are set and centers that still look slightly soft or underdone. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, retaining a chewy, tender texture you want in these almond flour delights.

Final Thoughts

Making the Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Flour Cookies Recipe is truly a rewarding experience—it’s like discovering a perfect balance between nutrition and indulgence. Once you try these cookies, with their rich chocolate flavor and tender crumb, they’ll quickly become a household favorite that everyone will ask for again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these little bites of heaven!

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