Love chocolate but need a gluten-free treat? These almond flour chocolate cookies are rich, chewy, and packed with indulgent flavor. These cookies have a soft center, crisp edges, and a deep chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. Naturally grain-free and packed with healthy fats, they come together effortlessly in one bowl. Perfect as a wholesome dessert or a satisfying snack, they offer pure indulgence without the guilt. For extra texture and depth, toss in some crunchy nuts or finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Let’s get baking and whip up these irresistibly chocolatey treats!
Table of contents
Ingredient lineup
To create the perfect almond flour chocolate cookies, gather these essential ingredients along with optional add-ins to customize the flavor.
The essentials
- Almond flour: the base ingredient, creating a naturally soft and chewy texture.
(Substitute: hazelnut flour for a nuttier flavor.) - Cocoa powder: deepens the chocolate flavor and adds richness.
(Substitute: cacao powder for a more intense, slightly bitter taste.) - Baking soda: helps the cookies rise slightly and stay light.
(Substitute: baking powder for a denser texture.) - Salt: enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- Dark chocolate chips: melt into gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
(Substitute: chopped dark chocolate for a more rustic feel.)
Binding and moisture
- Eggs: provide structure and keep the cookies soft.
(Substitute: flax egg for a vegan version.) - Coconut oil: adds moisture and a slight crispness to the edges.
(Substitute: unsalted butter for a richer taste.) - Vanilla extract: enhances the depth of flavor.
(Substitute: almond extract for a nutty twist.)
Sweeteners
- Coconut sugar: brings a caramel-like sweetness while keeping the cookies refined sugar-free.
(Substitute: brown sugar for a classic chewy texture.) - Maple syrup: adds moisture and a hint of natural sweetness.
(Substitute: honey for a floral, slightly thicker alternative.)
Optional flavor boosters
- Espresso powder: intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Cinnamon: adds warmth and complexity.
- Flaky sea salt: sprinkled on top for a gourmet touch.
Step-by-step directions
These almond flour chocolate cookies come together quickly with a foolproof method for soft, chocolatey cookies with irresistibly gooey centers.
Prepare the dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut oil, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate
Stir in dark chocolate chips, ensuring each bite is filled with gooey, melty goodness. For extra gooey centers, set aside a few chocolate chips to press on top before baking.
Shape and bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each. Lightly press down on each ball to slightly flatten. Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers stay soft—giving you that perfect chewy bite. Let them cool slightly before digging in!
Cool and set
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them hold their shape while staying soft and chewy! If using flaky sea salt, sprinkle it on while they are still warm. Savor them warm for a rich, melty bite, or let them cool completely for the perfect chewy texture.
Pro oh là là tips
Take your almond flour chocolate cookies to the next level with these expert customizations and perfect pairings.
Customization and variations
- Double chocolate indulgence: add extra chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate for an even more decadent treat.
- Nutty twist: swap some chocolate chips for chopped hazelnuts or almonds for added crunch.
- Spiced warmth: add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to enhance the chocolate flavor with a cozy depth.
- Coffee boost: mix in ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate and add a subtle mocha note.
- Chewy vs. crispy: for chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. For crispier edges, bake an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Dairy-free & vegan: swap eggs for a flax egg and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully plant-based version with the same delicious texture.
- Salted chocolate delight: sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the rich chocolate flavor with a touch of savory contrast.
- Coconut bliss: fold in shredded coconut for a hint of tropical sweetness and extra chewiness.
Pairings and serving ideas
- Milk & cookies classic: pair with a glass of warm or chilled almond milk for the ultimate comforting treat.
- Warm & dunk: pair with hot chocolate or a mocha latte for the ultimate cozy, chocolatey experience.
- Afternoon pick-me-up: enjoy alongside a cup of spiced chai, iced espresso, or soothing lemon balm tea for a refreshing contrast.
- Ice cream sandwich: use two cookies to sandwich a layer of chocolate or caramel ice cream for an irresistible frozen treat.
- Elegant dessert platter: serve with a scoop of vanilla bean or espresso ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Fresh & fruity balance: serve with fresh berries or a yogurt parfait for a light, refreshing contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.
- Cozy breakfast treat: crumble the cookies over a bowl of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a delicious, protein-packed morning snack.
- Nut butter pairing: enjoy with a side of almond or peanut butter for a rich, nutty complement to the deep chocolate flavor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my almond flour cookies fall apart?
Almond flour lacks gluten, making cookies more fragile. Using eggs, flaxseed, or a touch of xanthan gum helps bind the dough and prevent crumbling. Adding eggs, a touch of tapioca or xanthan gum, or chilling the dough before baking helps prevent crumbling.
What is the trick to baking with almond flour?
Almond flour lacks gluten and absorbs more moisture, so it needs extra binding agents like eggs. Using a lower baking temperature and allowing baked goods to cool completely before handling helps maintain structure. Pairing almond flour with starches like tapioca can improve texture.
Will almond flour rise with baking powder?
Almond flour doesn’t contain gluten, so it doesn’t rise the same way as wheat flour. Baking powder alone won’t provide much lift, but combining it with eggs or adding an acidic ingredient like vinegar can help create a lighter texture in baked goods.
Is almond flour healthier than flour?
Almond flour is a nutrient-dense alternative to wheat flour. It’s higher in protein, fiber, and healthy fats while being lower in carbs. It also contains more vitamins and minerals, like vitamin E and magnesium, making it a great choice for gluten-free and low-carb diets.
What is a good binder for almond flour?
Eggs work best to bind almond flour, adding both structure and moisture. For vegan options, flax eggs, chia eggs, or a small amount of xanthan gum can work well. Nut butters or mashed bananas can also add binding power while enhancing flavor.
Why is almond flour so hard to bake with?
Almond flour is challenging to bake with because it lacks gluten, which provides structure and elasticity in traditional flour-based recipes. It also has a higher fat content, making baked goods more delicate and prone to crumbling. For better texture, use eggs or flaxseed as binders and mix gently to avoid crumbling.
These almond flour chocolate cookies prove that healthy baking can be just as indulgent and delicious. Their soft, fudgy texture and intense chocolate taste make them a go-to for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in, a post-dinner indulgence, or a homemade gift for loved ones. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a treat everyone can enjoy.
Do you prefer your cookies warm and gooey or crisp and chewy? Drop your favorite mix-ins and variations in the comments!
Happy baking, and bon appétit!
Recipe card
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Almond flour chocolate cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk almond flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients until a thick dough forms.
2️⃣ Fold in the chocolate
Stir in dark chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.
3️⃣ Shape and bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten and bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
4️⃣ Cool and set
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on warm cookies if desired. Enjoy warm or let cool for a chewier texture!
Notes
Pro oh là là tip: for extra gooey centers, press a few chocolate chips into the cookies right after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes