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.
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.
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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 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
Step 1: Dry ingredients
In a small bowl or the bottom of a mason jar, combine all of the dry ingredients together.
Step 2: The sweet stuff
Add chocolate chips to the bowl or jar, then layer both sugars on top. If adding pecans, add them now.
Step 3: Wet ingredients
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together all of the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet until just combined. Do not over mix.
Step 5: 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
- 1 2/3 Cup gluten-free cup for cup flour blend
- 1/4 Cup almond flour
- 1/2 Teaspoon Real Salt
- 3/4 Teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 Teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 Cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 Cup pecan pieces
- 3/4 Cup brown sugar
- 1/2 Cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 3/4 Cup butter melted
- 1 Teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 1/2 Teaspoon gluten-free almond extract
- 1-2 Tablespoon milk (only if needed)
Instructions
- 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 or add those to the bowl
- Add a layer of the brown sugar then white sugar or just add both to the bowl
- Finish with the pecan pieces (optional)
- If you are giving the jar of dry gluten-free chocolate chip cookies away, simply print and attach the recipe below
- If you are ready to bake them now, preheat your oven to 375°
- In another bowl, beat 1 egg, 3/4 C melted butter, 1/2 tsp. gluten-free almond extract and 1 tsp. gluten-free vanilla extract together
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry with a wooden spoon or paddle attachment in a stand mixer (don’t over mix to keep the chocolate chips intact)
- Add in 1-2 T milk to get a wet cookie dough that comes together well (start with 1 T then add the other if needed)
- 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 8-10 minutes or until golden brown
- Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling
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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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.Â
- 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. Â
Nutrition
Also, enjoy this original photo from sharing this recipe YEARS ago…
Georgiana says
My favorite activity is going to Christmas Eve church service.
shelly peterson says
One of my favorite holiday activities is baking cookies with my grandsons and handing them out to friends, neighbors and family.
Casey the College Celiac says
Watching Christmas movies with the fam!
Linda says
I’ve been looking for a cookie in a jar recipe for gifting. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Theresa says
My favorite holiday activity is going to see A Christmas Carol every year, and also gathering with my family.
Corrine says
Our favorite holiday activity is playing the dreidel game. =)
Corrine says
Our favorite cookie is triple chocolate chip!
Brianna Wolin says
My family loves board games together!
Elle says
I love looking at holiday lights and decorations at night.
Jen says
I love baking with my kids.
Joy says
My favorite holiday activity is singing Christmas carols.
Lydia Claire says
I like lighting the menorah and playing dreidel. =)
Annamarie V says
My favorite holiday activity is going to a Victorian country Christmas with my Mom, Sister and Nieces It has a bunch of vendors that sell just about everything for Christmas.
Jennifer says
This is such a lovely gift! They look delicious. GF Holiday baking is one of my favorite traditions.
Nicole Dawson says
I also love cookies in a jar & think it’s such a great idea as a gift giveaway, especially when taking someone’s allergies into consideration! Great recipe…these look delicious Chandice.
Brianna Hobbs says
Cookies in a jar is one of my favorite things to gift and receive!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate says
Such a great gift idea!
Liz says
What size jar do you recommend?
Thanks
Chandice says
I think I just used a regular quart size canning jar…
Susan Lane says
Can you explain what “cup for cup of flour blend” means? Thank you!!
Chandice says
Hi Susan,
Sure! It is any gluten-free flour blend that says “can be used cup for cup in regular recipes”. Cup4Cup is a brand but most other companies offer a variation of this. Bob’s Red Mill & Pamela’s Products both have a cup for cup flour blend as does Namaste and many others. Hope that helps. 🙂
Linda Lenhoff says
Hi, I’m wondering if I can leave out the nutmeg. I’m not sure my friends’ kids would like it. Can I substitute something else or just leave out? Thanks!
Chandice says
You can most definitely just leave it out. 🙂
Linda Lenhoff says
Thank you! Making some soon!