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 is another great treat. That is sweet and perfect with cookies.
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.
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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.
- 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…
Kelly D says
Sugar cookies are my favorite.
Michelle P says
Making cookies, wrapping presents.
Sarah says
making cookies, in my pj’s, while listening to Christmas music!
HS says
I love baking holiday cookies with my family.
Natalie says
I love participating in a cookie exchange with my family and friends.
Dana Rodriguez says
I enjoy baking cookies!
GB says
I love decorating.
Liz Newsome says
I love driving around town and looking at decorations!
Dandi D says
I really enjoy being together with my family and baking Christmas goodies!
Lisa Bourlier says
Love baking Christmas cookies with my kids!
Lisa S says
Christmas caroling
Becca Z says
The childrens’snativity play and Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at church.
Michelle J. says
Making sugar cookies!
Maryann D. says
Our favorite holiday activity would be after dinner to play different card games or board games with our whole family.
Cheryl B says
We love watching Christmas movies.
heather says
**************I follow you on twitter as @myway070 – I made a mistake in the widget
heather says
Favorite holiday activity is skiing.
april says
We love to make hot cocoa and drive around looking at Christmas lights.
Cel says
I absolutely love this! We get so many treats over the holidays that it would be fun to receive a mix like this to bake whenever we want.
Julie Wood says
My favorite Holiday tradition is decorating the tree together listening to Christmas music!