‘Tis The Season for Baking Cookies

There’s an undeniable magic in the air during the holiday season, and as Christmas draws near, our kitchens become bustling hubs of creativity and sweet aromas. It’s officially the perfect time to don your apron and bake cookies of all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Imagine the sheer delight of pulling a fresh batch of golden-brown cookies from the oven, the lingering warmth and comforting scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate enveloping you in a huge, cozy hug. This feeling of warmth and joy is what holiday baking is all about – creating delicious memories one cookie at a time. And these almond chocolate chip cookies are designed to bring exactly that kind of heartwarming experience.

Our Favorite Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies:

If you’re like us, you cherish the tradition of baking during the festive season, and having a collection of reliable, delicious holiday cookie recipes is essential. For those seeking gluten-free and dairy-free options that don’t skimp on flavor, here are some of our absolute favorites that we love baking on repeat, year after year. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire:

• Chewy Sugar Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): A classic, reimagined for everyone to enjoy, perfect for decorating!
• Crunchy Almond Biscotti (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Ideal for dipping in coffee or tea, with a satisfying crunch.
• Easy Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Spiced and festive, these capture the true spirit of the holidays.
• Chewy Molasses Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Rich, warm, and wonderfully soft, a true winter delight.
• Easy Snickerdoodles (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Cinnamon-sugar coated bliss that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Amazing Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

And now, for the star of today’s show! If you’re constantly on the hunt for a truly phenomenal chocolate chip cookie, one that delivers on both flavor and that coveted chewy texture, then prepare to be amazed. These aren’t just any chocolate chip cookies; they are impossibly chewy gluten-free and dairy-free delights, crafted with the luxurious creaminess of almond butter and the subtle richness of coconut flour. Each bite is laced with generous chocolate chunks that soften and melt beautifully in your mouth, creating an exquisite harmony of nutty and sweet.

A quick note for cookie texture enthusiasts: if your heart belongs solely to crispy cookies, these might not be your ideal match. However, if you adore soft, moist, and delightfully chewy cookies that melt in your mouth, then these almond butter chocolate chip cookies are destined to become your next obsession. They offer a unique, satisfying chewiness that will have you reaching for another, and another!

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a carefully crafted formula that guarantees delicious results every time, even with dietary restrictions. Here’s why these almond chocolate chip cookies are an absolute winner:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You don’t need exotic or hard-to-find components for these cookies. The ingredients required for these almond chocolate chip cookies are typically readily available at most local grocery stores. In fact, chances are you already have many of them stocked in your pantry! We focus on wholesome, straightforward components that deliver maximum flavor and impact.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated steps and intricate techniques. Preparing this cookie dough is incredibly straightforward – it’s primarily a matter of combining your wet ingredients, then folding in the dry ingredients until just combined. From there, you simply scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet and bake. It genuinely doesn’t get any simpler, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike who appreciate efficiency.
• Explosion of Flavors + Incredible Texture: What truly sets these cookies apart is their exceptional flavor profile and captivating texture. The creamy almond butter provides a rich, deep nutty flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate chips, creating a gourmet taste experience. But it’s the texture that truly shines: irresistibly chewy, wonderfully moist, and utterly delicious. Every bite is a delightful combination of soft cookie and melting chocolate, a textural symphony you’ll want to experience on repeat!
• Completely Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: For many, dietary restrictions can make finding delicious treats a challenge. The fantastic news is that these almond butter chocolate chip cookies are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerances can enjoy these decadent cookies without any concerns or discomfort. It’s a recipe designed for inclusivity, ensuring everyone can partake in the joy of a homemade cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need + Notes/Substitutions:

Crafting these delectable almond chocolate chip cookies requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a detailed overview of what you’ll need, along with helpful notes and substitution options to customize your baking experience.

(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

• Almond Butter: This is the star ingredient! Ensure you use unsalted creamy almond butter to prevent your cookies from becoming too salty. Look for natural almond butter with minimal added ingredients, ideally just almonds. Its creamy texture contributes significantly to the cookies’ chewiness and rich, nutty flavor. If almond is not an option or you prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute with another unsalted nut butter, such as smooth cashew butter for a milder taste, sunflower seed butter (SunButter) for a nut-free alternative, or even classic peanut butter for a more pronounced flavor. Just ensure it’s unsalted and creamy for best results.
• Sugar: I personally prefer cane sugar for its clean sweetness and fine texture. However, this recipe is quite flexible! You can easily use regular white granulated sugar, light brown sugar for added moisture and a slight caramel note, dark brown sugar for a richer, deeper flavor, or coconut sugar as a less refined option with a subtle caramel undertone. For those managing blood sugar levels, such as individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance, I highly recommend using Lakanto monk fruit sweetener. It’s a fantastic 1:1 sugar substitute that boasts a zero-glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar while still providing the desired sweetness.
• Vegan Butter: To ensure these cookies remain completely dairy-free, I’ve opted for vegan butter. It provides the necessary fat content and contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb and rich flavor. As an excellent alternative, you can also use melted coconut oil. A key tip for baking with coconut oil: for a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the almond and chocolate, I always recommend refined coconut oil. In contrast, extra virgin coconut oil retains a distinct coconut taste and aroma, which might not be desired in this recipe. If dairy is not an issue for you, feel free to use regular unsalted melted butter instead.
• Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in this recipe, acting as a binder to hold all the ingredients together and contributing to the cookies’ structure and moisture. While I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe without eggs, if you have an egg allergy, you might explore egg substitutes. Popular options include an egg-replacer powder mixed with water, or even aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). If you do experiment with an egg substitute, please share your results in the comments below – I’d love to hear how it turns out and for the benefit of other readers!
• Coconut Flour: This unique flour is a game-changer for gluten-free and grain-free baking, and it’s essential for achieving the right texture in these cookies. Coconut flour is incredibly absorbent, much more so than traditional flours. This means a little goes a very long way! It’s crucial to stick to the exact amount specified in the recipe. Adding too much will result in dry, crumbly cookies, while too little could make them too soft or spread too much.
• Baking Powder: As the primary leavening agent in this almond chocolate chip cookie recipe, baking powder is vital for giving the cookies a slight lift and a tender, airy quality. Don’t skip it! For those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, it’s important to use certified gluten-free baking powder to avoid any cross-contamination.
• Chocolate Chips: What’s a chocolate chip cookie without the chocolate? To maintain the dairy-free nature of this recipe, I use vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks. There are many excellent brands available that offer rich, delicious dairy-free chocolate. If you don’t have lactose intolerance, feel free to use your favorite regular chocolate chips – milk, semi-sweet, or dark – depending on your preference. Chocolate chunks often provide a more dramatic melty effect in the finished cookie.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors, making the chocolate and almond notes truly pop.

How to Make Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies (Step by Step):

Creating these delightful gluten-free and dairy-free almond chocolate chip cookies is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Preheat and Line

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the oven reaches the correct temperature for even baking before you place your cookies inside. Next, arrange your oven rack to the middle position. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with either parchment paper or a silpat silicone baking mat. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring easy cleanup.

2. Whisk Almond Butter, Sugar, Vegan Butter and Eggs

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the creamy almond butter, cane sugar, melted vegan butter (or coconut oil), and eggs. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. The mixture should be homogeneous, creamy, and free of any large lumps, indicating that all the flavors are perfectly integrated.

3. Sift in Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to incorporate the dry components. Add the precise amount of coconut flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently stir everything together. Continue mixing until you achieve a homogeneous, thick cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no streaks of dry flour remain.

4. Fold in Chocolate Chips

With the dough ready, it’s time for the chocolate! Gently fold in your chosen dark or vegan chocolate chips (or chunks) using a spatula. The goal is to distribute the chocolate evenly throughout the dough without overworking it. This ensures every cookie will have plenty of delicious, melty chocolate in every bite.

5. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet

Using a small cookie scoop or a teaspoon, scoop generous portions of the dough and gently place them onto your prepared baking sheet. Remember to leave ample space – approximately 3 inches – between each cookie. This allows for proper air circulation and prevents them from spreading into each other as they bake, ensuring beautifully shaped cookies.

6. Bake Until Ready

Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 15 minutes. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies are ready when their edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The centers might still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling step helps them set and develop their signature chewy texture. Then, these tender almond chocolate chip cookies are ready to be savored!

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

Here are some additional tips and tricks to elevate your almond chocolate chip cookie experience and ensure perfect results every time:

• Experiment with Nut Butters: While unsalted almond butter is our go-to for its creamy texture and mild flavor, don’t hesitate to personalize your cookies! As mentioned in the ingredients section, feel free to use another type of unsalted, creamy nut or seed butter if you prefer. Cashew butter offers a very subtle and buttery profile, sunflower seed butter is an excellent choice for a nut-free option and has a slightly bolder taste, and peanut butter will give you a distinctly classic peanut butter flavor. Remember to use unsalted varieties to control the overall saltiness of your cookies.
• A Pinch of Sea Salt for Contrast: For an extra layer of gourmet flavor and a delightful contrast, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) on top of each cookie dough ball before baking. The salt crystals will lightly melt into the cookies, providing a fantastic sweet-and-salty balance that enhances the chocolate and nutty notes beautifully.
• Not a Fan of Chocolate? No Problem!: If you’re looking for a variation or simply prefer your cookies without chocolate, you can easily adapt this recipe. Instead of chocolate chips, substitute them with an equal amount of chopped nuts. Great options include crunchy almonds, vibrant pistachios, earthy walnuts, rich cashews, or creamy macadamia nuts. Alternatively, dried fruits can add a lovely chew and natural sweetness – think plump raisins, tart dried cranberries, or sweet dried blueberries. You could even combine nuts and dried fruit for a trail mix-inspired cookie!
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can develop gluten (even in gluten-free flours like coconut flour can become tough) and lead to a less tender cookie.
• Cool Completely for Best Texture: While it’s tempting to dive into warm cookies straight from the oven, allowing these cookies to cool completely is key to achieving their signature chewy texture. As they cool, they firm up and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Recipe FAQs:

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making and enjoying these almond chocolate chip cookies:

Other Almond Recipes to Love:

If you’re a fan of almond-based delights, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the versatile and delicious almond:

• Amazing Flourless Almond Cake (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): A rich, moist, and naturally gluten-free cake that’s perfect for special occasions.
• Almond Butter Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Simple, classic almond butter cookies, a foundational recipe.
• Crunchy Almond Biscotti (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): Perfect for dipping, these twice-baked Italian cookies are delightfully crisp.
• Low Carb Almond Flour Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free): A wholesome, savory bread option for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
• 5-Minute Homemade Almond Milk (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Fresh, creamy almond milk that’s incredibly easy to make at home.
• Easy Homemade Almond Meal (Gluten-Free, Vegan): Learn how to make your own almond meal for baking and cooking.

More Gluten-Free Cookies to Bake:

Our kitchen is a haven for gluten-free baking! If you enjoyed these almond chocolate chip cookies, you’ll find plenty more to love in our collection of gluten-free cookie recipes. Explore new flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion: