These really are the BEST gluten free chocolate chip cookies! They are so yummy and the perfect balance of chewiness, sweetness, and chocolaty goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
One of the best things about this easy recipe is that you can prep the ingredients in a jar and give away as gifts. It's the best thoughtful, homemade Christmas gift and my family does it every year!
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert that everyone loves. You can eat them plain, dunk in milk, or even make ice cream sandwiches with them. It can be hard to find a gluten-free cookie with the right texture, but I promise this recipe won't disappoint. For Christmas, we also make these chocolate orange cookies.
What takes these cookies to the next level is the tough of nutmeg and almond extract. It's a subtle addition that makes such a difference!
But the best part is, you won't even know these cookies are gluten-free. Thanks to the blend of gluten free flours, you'll have perfect cookies every time.
Our chocolate chip cheeseball and crockpot candy are other great treats. They are sweet and perfect with cookies. Be sure to save the extra chocolate chips to make our gluten free cannoli or this heavenly hunks recipe too.
Why you'll love these chocolate chip cookies
- They're simple enough for an every-night dessert but delicious enough for special occasions
- You can make them with pantry-staple ingredients that you probably already have
- They're packed with so much melted chocolatey goodness
- They make great gift when prepped in a jar
- With the special blend of gluten-free flour, nobody will ever know they're gluten-free
What you need to make gluten-free cookies
- Flour - You'll need a cup for cup gluten-free flour blend. I like to make my own gluten-free flour, but you can use bob's red mill or your favorite brand.
- Nutmeg - I like to add a touch of nutmeg to my cookies because it's an easy way to take them from good to great.
- Toppings - Chocolate chips and pecan pieces are my go-to's but you can omit the pecans if you want a classic chocolate chip cookie.
- Sugar - You'll need white sugar and brown sugar for the perfect softness and sweetness.
- Eggs
- Butter - Salted or unsalted butter will work.
- Vanilla - Gluten free vanilla extract helps the flavors mesh together. I also like to add almond extract to take these cookies to the next level.
How to make gluten-free chocolate chip cookies
The dry ingredients: In a small bowl or the bottom of a mason jar, combine all of the dry ingredients together.
The wet ingredients: In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together all of the wet ingredients.
Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet until just combined. Do not over mix.
The good stuff: Slowly fold in the chocolate chips and pecans if adding pecans. Be careful not to over mix.
Chill and bake: After the dough has chilled for at least 30 minutes, add to a prepared cookie sheet and bake until cookies are golden brown with crispy edges
Pro Tip: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help keep the cookies from spreading. Also, placing the dough on chilled, clean pans to prevent pre-mature spread of the cookies.
What is the best gluten-free flour blend to use?
When searching for a gluten-free cup for cup flour blend, there are many great ones out there. Just make sure for this recipe, that you use one that contains xanthan gum. I recommend Bob's Red Mill 1-for-1 gluten-free baking flour, Cup4Cup flour blend, or even this gluten-free flour recipe if you are wanting to make it homemade.
I do not recommend using oat flour, coconut flour, or almond flour as the texture is very different from regular flour. Blends that have tapioca starch, potato starch, and/or white rice flour will give you a better texture.
Tips for making the best gf cookies
- To keep your cookies from crumbling, keep the oven door closed while the cookies are baking for best results. A higher heat will prevent them from spreading or crumbling.
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, use chocolate chunks or chop a bar of chocolate. This way, there's more chocolate spread throughout the cookie. You can also use white chocolate chips as well.
- Sprinkle with flakey sea salt on top of the cookies right after they're done baking or an extra touch. There's nothing better than the salt and chocolate combo.
- For perfectly shaped cookies, use a cookie cutter or a large glass cup to shape the cookies right after they're done. While they're still warm, you will be able to mold the cookies into perfect circles.
Can you make these cookies dairy free?
To make these chewy chocolate chip cookies dairy-free, simply swap out the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter sticks. Just make sure they are melted as well. You will also want to use a non-dairy milk in place of the milk.
For vegan cookies or egg free, make a flax egg with 1 tbs ground flax seed + 2.5 Tbs water and use it in place of the regular egg. I make great vegan gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that are you wouldn't even know are vegan! We like to make them into ice cream sandwiches with vegan ice cream.
Storage
Storing - You can easily store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place the cookies on a wire rack or cooling rack to cool to room temperature before storing. I also like to display them on a cake stand with a dome lid for everyone to enjoy whenever they'd like.
Freezing - You can either freeze the cookies after baking them or you can also freeze the dough in a freezer safe container. I like to freeze them in individual/small portions so I can pick how many cookies to bake.
More gluten-free dessert recipes
- If you're looking for another soft and chewy cookie recipe, try these gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies.
- This dairy free chocolate frosting is perfect for all of my chocolate lovers out there.
- For something special yet simple, try this gluten-free tiramisu recipe that's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
- These gluten-free apple pie jars are another great recipe to make during the holiday season.
- These gluten-free chocolate crinkle cookies are a great option.
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BEST Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (In a Jar Option)
Ingredients
- ¾ Cup brown sugar
- ½ Cup sugar
- ¾ Cup butter melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 1 ⅔ Cup gluten free all purpose flour
- ¼ Cup almond flour
- ½ Teaspoon Real Salt
- ¾ Teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ Teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 Cup chocolate chips
- ½ Cup pecan pieces (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy then add eggs and vanilla and mix some more.
- In another bowl, combine dry ingredients minus the chocolate chips then slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Place the cookie dough in the fridge, covered, to chill for 30 minutes
- Remove and drop by heaping tablespoons onto silicone mat, or parchment paper lined baking sheets
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling
- To make the jar gift, simply combine the gluten-free flour, salt, baking soda and nutmeg in a bowl or in a layer at the bottom of a 1 quart mason jar. Next, top with chocolate chips then add a layer of the brown sugar then white sugar. Finish with pecans if you like them. If you are giving the jar of dry gluten-free chocolate chip cookies away, simply print and attach the recipe below.
Video
Notes
Tips for making the best gf cookies
- To keep your cookies from crumbling, keep the oven door closed while the cookies are baking for best results. A higher heat will prevent them from spreading or crumbling.
- For an extra chocolatey flavor, use chocolate chunks or chop a bar of chocolate. This way, there's more chocolate spread throughout the cookie. You can also use white chocolate chips as well.
- Sprinkle with flakey sea salt on top of the cookies right after they're done baking or an extra touch. There's nothing better than the salt and chocolate combo.
- For perfectly shaped cookies, use a cookie cutter or a large glass cup to shape the cookies right after they're done. While they're still warm, you will be able to mold the cookies into perfect circles.
Nutrition
Also, enjoy this original photo from sharing this recipe YEARS ago...
Lucy says
How many ounces is the mason jar?
Chandice Probst says
Hi Lucy, it is 32 ounces.