the best almond flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fooled ‘em again. Nobody believes these perfect chocolate chip cookies are paleo—free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar.

Nutritionally, they provide benefits over traditional cookies due to their use of almond flour, which is rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. Coconut sugar, a lower glycemic alternative to refined sugar, adds sweetness while potentially causing less dramatic blood sugar spikes. The absence of gluten, dairy, and refined sugars makes these cookies suitable for various dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup (100g) refined coconut oil, softened

- 2/3 cup (96g) coconut sugar

- 1 large egg or flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water)

- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 1/2 tsp sea salt

- 2 1/4 cups (220g) blanched almond flour

- 1 cup (6 ounces) chopped dark chocolate (my go-to is Hu)

- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)

method

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened coconut oil and coconut sugar until smooth.

2. Add the egg (or prepared flax egg) and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

5. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate.

6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 48 hours for best results.

7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

8. Scoop the chilled dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

9. Gently press down on each cookie and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

10. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

12. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

tips

- Use high-quality chopped dark chocolate for better melting and flavor.

- Chill the dough for at least an hour to enhance flavor and texture.

- For a vegan version, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.

- Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit for variety.

Enjoy your delicious, healthier version of a classic favorite!