Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies but need to avoid gluten, this Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a delightfully chewy, buttery cookie packed with rich chocolate chips and a hint of molasses, all while being completely gluten-free. These cookies are not only delicious but also thoughtfully crafted to deliver the perfect texture and flavor that rivals any traditional chocolate chip cookie. Whether you bake for dietary needs or just crave an amazing treat, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using simple yet essential ingredients makes this recipe both approachable and rewarding. Each component plays a key role in creating the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color we all crave in homemade cookies.

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1⅓ cups / 200g): Provides the base for the cookie, using blends with xanthan gum ensures the right chewiness and structure.
• Blanched almond flour (¼ cup / 25g): Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps keep the cookies tender.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Gives the cookies a slight lift and contributes to their soft crumb.
• Baking powder, gluten-free (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for extra fluffiness.
• Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon plus optional flaky sea salt): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup / 1 stick / 113g): Browning the butter brings a rich, nutty depth to the cookies.
• Milk of choice (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture lost during butter browning, keeping dough perfectly pliable.
• Light brown sugar (¾ cup / 160g): Contributes moisture and a slight caramel undertone.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup / 50g): Helps with crisp edges and sweet balance.
• Molasses (1 teaspoon): Brings complexity and enhances the rich cookie flavor.
• Large egg, room temperature (1): Acts as a binder and adds richness.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses sweet and aromatic warmth.
• High-quality chocolate chips (1¼ cups / 210g): Semisweet or dark chocolate chips make the cookie decadently chocolatey, with some reserved to top the cookies before baking.

How to Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a light-colored skillet. Watch it closely as it begins to turn golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma — this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once perfectly browned, transfer the butter immediately into a heat-safe bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon of your chosen milk to replace moisture lost during browning. The browned butter infuses your cookies with a rich, deep flavor you won’t want to miss.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, blanched almond flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Make sure you break up any lumps to keep your dough smooth and even in texture. This blend ensures your cookies are light and tender despite being gluten-free.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Wet Ingredients

To the browned butter, add the packed light brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the molasses, whisking until the mixture is lump-free and glossy. Next, whisk in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until smooth. This step creates the cookie’s luscious, sweet foundation.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and stir gently until just combined. The dough should be thick — resist the urge to overmix as that can lead to tougher cookies. Gentle mixing preserves the tender crumb you’re aiming for in your Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips, saving the remaining ¼ cup to press on top of the cookies later. This layering of chocolate creates moments of pure gooey delight with every bite.

Step 6: Rest the Dough

Cover your dough and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This rest hydrates the flour and develops a better texture. For even richer, deeper flavors, refrigerate the dough anywhere from 4 to 24 hours if you have the time to plan ahead.

Step 7: Prep to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Proper preheating ensures even baking, while parchment helps your cookies come off cleanly every time.

Step 8: Portion and Shape

Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1½ to 2 tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press a few of the reserved chocolate chips gently on top of each cookie to achieve that charming bakery-style presentation.

Step 9: Bake Your Cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully for the edges to turn golden and the centers to remain slightly soft. If you like crispier cookies, add an extra minute or two. Baking one sheet at a time on the center oven rack helps each cookie bake evenly and beautifully.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Once out of the oven, sprinkle cookies with flaky sea salt if you like a lovely contrast of flavors. Let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential to let flavors meld and the perfect texture settle in.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking adds a sophisticated touch, heightening the balance between sweet and savory. For a festive twist, try a light dusting of cinnamon or even a few chopped nuts for a subtle crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea. If you want to elevate the experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that melts in your mouth.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies on a pretty plate with some fresh berries or edible flowers for a visually appealing treat. You can also sandwich them with a dollop of dairy-free or regular whipped cream for bite-sized delights that impress at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them moist and chewy, perfect for grabbing an anytime treat without losing any of that fresh-baked magic.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. For baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This revives their soft and gooey texture, making each bite feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?

Absolutely! Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to give structure to your cookies. Measure-for-measure blends designed for baking work best to maintain texture.

Is it okay to substitute the almond flour?

You can omit almond flour or replace it with another nut flour like hazelnut, but almond flour adds moisture and tenderness that’s hard to match with other substitutions.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk. The texture might vary slightly but the cookies will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have molasses?

Molasses adds depth and moisture but can be replaced with a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey if preferred. Just note the final flavor will be a bit different.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruit can be folded in with the chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor variations. Just keep the total mix-ins under 1¼ cups to maintain balance.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends. It’s a perfect blend of cozy, comforting flavors with the satisfying texture you crave in a great cookie. So gather your ingredients, have fun with the process, and enjoy the smile that comes with every warm, chocolate-studded bite. You’re going to love making these a part of your baking rotation!

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