If you’re hunting for the perfect treat that hits all the right notes without gluten, then this Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute game changer. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out—soft and chewy with golden edges and pockets of melty chocolate in every bite. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, so whether you’re baking for your family or just craving something sweet for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Keep reading because I’m sharing all the insider tips to make sure your batch comes out flawless every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, or easy swaps you can make.
- Quick and Easy: From mixing to baking in under 20 minutes — perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Unlike many gluten-free cookies, these stay tender and never dry out.
- Family Friendly: My whole family goes crazy for these, gluten-free or not!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to keep the cookies moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured. I’ll share a few tips for picking quality ingredients so your cookies turn out amazing.
- Butter, Ghee, or Coconut Oil: I prefer unsalted butter, but ghee or coconut oil work great if you want a dairy-free twist. Just make sure it’s cooled after melting so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
- Coconut Sugar: This gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness that I find makes these cookies extra flavorful compared to regular sugar.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture to keep the texture chewy.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract—it elevates the cookie’s aroma beautifully.
- Almond Flour: This is the star flour here—gluten-free and packed with healthy fats. Make sure to use finely ground almond flour so your cookies have a nice crumb.
- Sea Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Baking Soda: This gives just the right lift so the cookies aren’t too dense.
- Chocolate Chips: I’m a sucker for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to experiment with dark or even mini chips for a fun variation.
Variations
I love how versatile this Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe can be. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, it’s fun to switch things up depending on the season or your mood.
- Add Nuts: My family adores chopped walnuts or pecans stirred into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Try Different Sweeteners: I’ve played around swapping coconut sugar with brown sugar or maple syrup—you’ll just want to tweak the wet ingredients slightly.
- Dairy-Free Version: Using coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips makes these totally allergen-friendly.
- Mix in Spices: For fall vibes, a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy twist I’ve come to love.
How to Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
First things first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). I always line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this little prep saves you time and frustration.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your cooled melted butter (or ghee/coconut oil), coconut sugar, the egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. I like to use a whisk here because it helps incorporate some air, giving the cookies a nice lift.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate Chips
Next, add the almond flour, sea salt, and baking soda to your wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine everything evenly without overmixing. Then fold in your chocolate chips—this is where the cookie magic starts to show!
Step 4: Scoop and Flatten the Dough
I use a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons) to portion out 18 cookies onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Use your fingers to gently flatten each dollop into a cookie shape because these cookies don’t spread much while baking. This tip was a game-changer for me—no more tiny mounds of dough that stay crunchy in the middle!
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely from the 10-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden color but the centers remain soft. This is why I recommend not overbaking—those chewy centers are the best.
Pro Tips for Making Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Cool Butter is Crucial: Make sure your melted butter is completely cooled before adding the egg to avoid scrambling it in the mix.
- Don’t Skip Flattening: These cookies won’t spread much, so flattening by hand before baking ensures that perfect cookie shape and texture.
- Use Fine Almond Flour: Coarser almond meal can make cookies crumbly—finely ground almond flour guarantees a soft, cohesive dough.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Pull cookies out just as edges turn golden to keep the centers chewy and soft instead of dry.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
When I serve these cookies, I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It ups the flavor contrast and makes the chocolate pop, which my kids surprisingly love!
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold almond milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative. For adults, a cup of coffee or chai tea beautifully complements their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I like to stack these cookies on a pretty platter with fresh berries and a few sprigs of mint to brighten up the presentation. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying with twine also makes for charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, though in my house, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the softness and melty chocolate without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I substitute almond flour for other gluten-free flours?
Almond flour provides a tender, moist crumb thanks to its natural oils, so substituting other gluten-free flours can change the texture. If you try using coconut flour or a gluten-free flour blend, be prepared to adjust the liquid ingredients as those flours absorb moisture differently.
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How can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Simply swap the melted butter for coconut oil or dairy-free ghee and use dairy-free chocolate chips. This tweak keeps the cookies just as delicious without altering the texture much.
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Why don’t the cookies spread more during baking?
Since almond flour doesn’t have gluten, it lacks the elasticity of regular flour, so these cookies naturally hold their shape. Flattening the dough before baking helps give them a familiar cookie shape and even baking.
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Can I add more chocolate chips to this recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve found that adding an extra ¼ cup boosts the chocolate factor without making the dough too wet. Just keep an eye on the baking time to avoid burning the chips.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become my go-to for satisfying cookie cravings without the gluten. I’m always amazed by how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something so irresistibly chewy, flavorful, and just downright comforting. If you’ve struggled with gluten-free baking before, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie. Trust me, once you make them, your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and thirds)!
Print
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft and chewy with golden edges and bursting with chocolatey goodness. Made with almond flour and coconut sugar, they offer a delicious and healthier twist on the classic cookie that’s perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup melted (and cooled) butter, ghee, or coconut oil
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, coconut sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour, sea salt, and baking soda to the wet mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough to evenly distribute them without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1 ½ tablespoons), dollop 18 portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Use your fingers to flatten each dough ball slightly, as they won’t spread much while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft and chewy inside with golden edges for perfect texture.
- Make sure the melted butter or oil is cooled to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with dairy-free or sugar-free options if desired.
- Watch the baking time closely to avoid overbaking for the best chewiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 184 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 23 mg


