Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking. When I first made these Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, I felt like a kid again, filled with excitement and anticipation. The aroma that filled my home was nothing short of magical. I remember sharing them with friends and family, their eyes lighting up with each bite. These cookies are not just for those who are gluten intolerant; they’re a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. You know that moment when you take a fresh cookie out of the oven, and it’s slightly warm, with chocolate chips still slightly melty? That’s pure happiness! And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.
Recipe Snapshot
24 mins
15 mins
9 mins
Easy
150 kcal
2g g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
8g g
Large Baking Sheet
Why This Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Is So Good
A Family Favorite
Over the years, I’ve tried countless cookie recipes, but this one has become a family favorite. Everyone from my kids to my grandparents can’t resist a warm, gooey cookie fresh from the oven. It’s the type of recipe that brings everyone together, creating sweet memories alongside delicious flavors.
Perfectly Chewy
What I love most about these cookies is their perfect chewiness! The combination of coconut sugar and butter creates a texture that’s simply irresistible. They’ve got that ideal balance of crisp edges and a soft, gooey center. You know those cookies that are too hard or too soft? Not these!
Gluten-Free Doesn’t Mean Compromise
Making gluten-free treats can sometimes feel like you’re compromising on flavor, but not with these cookies. The gluten-free flour used here mimics traditional flour beautifully, ensuring you don’t lose any of the classic cookie taste. Plus, the chocolate chips add the perfect touch of sweetness to every bite.
Customizable for Everyone
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. Want to make them dairy-free? Simply swap out the butter for coconut oil or ghee. Looking to cut back on sugar? You can replace the coconut sugar with your favorite sweetener. It’s a cookie that adapts to your needs!
Easy to Make
Honestly, baking these cookies is so straightforward. You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques—just a stand mixer and a baking sheet. I love how quickly I can have a batch ready to go. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert for gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Great for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a rainy afternoon, these cookies fit the bill. They’re a hit at potlucks and make for a lovely gift when neatly packaged. Everyone loves receiving homemade treats, don’t you think?
What’s In This Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to baking, quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component of these cookies plays a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The key players include unsalted butter, which provides richness, and coconut sugar, which adds a subtle caramel flavor. Together, they create a cookie that’s both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into the ingredients:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 stick (1/2 cup, 115g), softened. The butter adds richness and flavor, creating that gooey texture we all crave.
- Coconut Sugar: 1/3 cup (57g). This natural sweetener not only adds sweetness but also delivers a hint of caramel flavor.
- Pure Maple Syrup: 1 1/2 Tbsp (22ml). This adds moisture and enhances the overall sweetness.
- Large Egg: 1. Eggs bind the ingredients and provide structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 tsp. A dash of vanilla elevates the flavor profile of the cookies.
- Gluten-Free Flour: 1 cup (120g). This is the base of the cookies, giving them structure without the gluten.
- Baking Powder: 3/4 tsp. This helps the cookies rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
- Sea Salt: 1/4 tsp + more for sprinkling. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup (175g). The star of the show! You can also use sugar-free chocolate chips if desired.
Cooking Method for Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to start baking. This method is quite simple and straightforward, allowing anyone to whip up these delicious cookies with ease. Let’s get right into the step-by-step instructions!
-
In a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract until well-combined. You want a smooth, creamy texture; this should take about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed.
Beat in the large egg until fully incorporated. The mixture should become fluffy and light in color, indicating the egg is thoroughly mixed in.
Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, sea salt, and any optional spices like cinnamon if you’re adding it. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
-
Turn the mixer on medium-high to high speed and beat until a thick dough forms. The dough should come together nicely and not stick to the sides of the bowl.
Add in the chocolate chips and beat until fully combined. You can use a spatula to mix in any remaining flour that may be stuck to the sides of the bowl.
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.
-
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This step is crucial to ensure your cookies bake evenly.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking spray. This will prevent the cookies from sticking.
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 11 minutes. I usually go with 9 minutes for the perfect soft texture. Look for the edges to be lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle slightly with additional sea salt. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling the dough: Chilling the dough not only helps the cookies hold their shape but also deepens the flavors, resulting in a more mature taste.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They may look underbaked when you take them out, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform cookie sizes, which helps them bake evenly.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for an extra twist on the classic cookie!
Substitutions and Tips
Whether you’re looking to customize the recipe or just curious about how to best store and serve these cookies, here are some helpful tips:
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Make them dairy-free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or ghee for a dairy-free option.
- Chocolate options: Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate chips, whether they be dark, milk, or even dairy-free.
- Customize sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the coconut sugar or substitute with a preferred sweetener.
Serving Ideas for Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to serving these delicious cookies, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Assembly for a dessert platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, mixing in other desserts like brownies or bars for a lovely dessert table.
- Pair with beverages: Serve warm cookies alongside a glass of milk, coffee, or tea to complement their rich flavors.
- Special occasions: These cookies are perfect for birthday parties, casual gatherings, or holiday celebrations. They add a sweet touch to any event.
- Gifting: Package them in a decorative box or jar tied with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift.
- Seasonal themes: Consider adding festive sprinkles or colored chocolate chips to match any holiday or occasion.
- Storage tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh longer. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.
FAQ
Conclusion
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just another recipe; they’re a beloved treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolate flavor, they make for the perfect dessert any time of the year. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the delightful taste and the joy of sharing these cookies with loved ones.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1 stick (1/2 cup, 115g) Unsalted Butter softened
- 1/3 cup (57g) Coconut Sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp (22ml) Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup (120g) Gluten-Free Flour
- 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt + more for sprinkling
- 1 cup (175g) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or sugar-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, coconut sugar, pure maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract until well-combined. Beat in the large egg. Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, sea salt, and cinnamon (if you’re adding it). Turn the mixer on medium-high to high speed and beat until a thick dough forms. Add in the chocolate chips and beat until combined. Refrigerate the dough at least 30 minutes before preheating the oven to bake. When you're ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Drop dough onto a parchment-lined or sprayed baking sheet and bake for 8 to 11 minutes (I go with 9 minutes on the dot). Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow cookies to cool at least 5 minutes before devouring.
Notes
- You can also use ghee
- Replace the coconut sugar with 1/3 cup brown sugar if you’d like
- Use your favorite chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, dairy-free chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, etc.
