Whether you're following a gluten-free diet due to allergies or simply want to treat your co-workers to a tasty snack, baking without regular flour can be a challenge. But fear not, because we have an incredible recipe for gluten-free chocolate chip cookies that are so delicious, even gluten-lovers won't be able to tell the difference!
How to Make the Best Gluten-Free Cookies
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cup gluten-free flour (we recommend Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Flour)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (increase to 2 tablespoons if the dough feels too thick)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract
- 1 package chocolate chips
Yields 24 cookies
Inspired by Chandice Probst of This Vivacious Life.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the gluten-free flour, salt, and baking soda until they are well combined.
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars with a hand mixer until fluffy. If you forgot to take the butter out of the fridge, here's a handy trick to soften it quickly.
Next, beat in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns a light yellow color.
Step 2: Mix wet and dry ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, about half a cup at a time. Continue beating until fully incorporated.
If the dough feels too thick or crumbly, add a little more milk. Gluten-free flour tends to be drier than regular flour, so the extra milk will keep the dough moist and prevent the cookies from becoming dry.
Step 3: Stir in the chocolate chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Mixing them in by hand will prevent the dough from being over-mixed.
By the way, here are a few recommended chocolate chip brands from our Test Kitchen.
Step 4: Chill the dough
Cover the cookie dough and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F.
Resting the dough allows the gluten-free flour to hydrate properly. Don't skip this step, as it helps to create moist and flavorful cookies.
Step 5: Shape cookies and bake
Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Our Test Kitchen recommends using these baking sheets.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and enjoy
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool, and then indulge in their mouthwatering goodness! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Don't forget to check out our other gluten-free cookie recipes, like the amazing gluten-free sugar cookies!
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Tips
Which gluten-free flour is best for cookies?
Our go-to gluten-free flour is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Flour, which can be used in non-gluten-free recipes without adjusting any measurements. Its neutral flavor won't overpower the chocolate and vanilla in this recipe. Learn more about converting recipes to be gluten-free.
If you prefer a chewy cookie, swap out 1/4 cup of the gluten-free flour for oat flour. Oat flour is still gluten-free but adds a delightful texture. You can either buy oat flour or make your own by grinding steel-cut oats into a flour-like powder.
Can these gluten-free cookies be made dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make these chocolate chip cookies dairy-free, replace the butter with an equal amount of coconut oil, non-dairy butter, or shortening. A great dairy-free substitution our Content Director Ellie Martin Cliffe recommends is butter-flavored Crisco, which adds a rich and buttery flavor to the cookies.
For the milk, feel free to use any milk alternative you prefer. Soy milk will yield results closest to cow's milk due to its high protein content, but any milk should work. Learn more about adjusting baking recipes to be dairy-free. And don't forget to check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free too!
By the way, when using non-dairy products, it's especially crucial to chill your dough. Non-dairy fats tend to spread more easily, which can result in flat cookies. So make sure to rest your cookie dough in the fridge for at least 45 minutes before baking.
Do gluten-free cookies take longer to bake?
Not at all! In fact, these cookies require slightly less baking time compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. Our gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe takes about 8-10 minutes to bake per batch, while the traditional recipe takes 10-12 minutes.
Why do gluten-free cookies go flat?
If your cookies turn out flat, it's likely they weren't cooled enough before baking. When fats, like butter or non-dairy alternatives, are heated, they start to soften and spread out. This is similar to what happens when a stick of butter is left out on the counter for too long. The same applies when the butter is mixed into the cookie dough.
To maintain the fat's solid structure and shape, it's crucial to chill the dough before baking. This step is especially important when using non-dairy fats.
Can I add mix-ins to these gluten-free cookies?
Absolutely! You can get creative and add various mix-ins to these gluten-free cookies. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Toasted nuts like walnuts, almonds, or peanuts
- Chopped candy bars
- White chocolate chips
- Sprinkles
- Peanut butter
- Shredded coconut
- Dried fruit
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures!
Can you use almond flour to make gluten-free chocolate chip cookies?
Absolutely! For this recipe, you can use any gluten-free flour you have on hand. However, for the best results, we recommend Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Flour.
Can you make gluten-free chocolate chip cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prepare the dough in advance, you can chill it for up to 24 hours. If you prefer to make the dough even further in advance, you can freeze it. Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. It will remain fresh in the freezer for up to three months. And if you're looking for more recipes, learn how to make gluten-free oatmeal cookies!
Can you use any chocolate chips to make gluten-free cookies?
You can use any gluten-free chocolate chips you prefer in this recipe. We love Enjoy Life chocolate chips, but feel free to choose your favorite brand. Just remember to check the package for the certified gluten-free label.
How do you ensure your gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are moist?
It all comes down to the dough's consistency. Before shaping your cookies, make sure the dough is moist and malleable. If it feels dry and crumbly, add a bit more milk to achieve the desired texture.
Now that you've mastered the art of baking gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, why not try your hand at making gluten-free vanilla cupcakes? Enjoy!
