If you’re a cookie lover with dietary restrictions, this blog post is for you! We’re about to embark on a delicious adventure to discover the secrets to baking irresistible, chocolatey, and gluten-free cookies. Whether you have celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or just want to explore new culinary horizons, these cookies will prove that you don’t need gluten to create a heavenly treat. So let’s preheat the ovens, gather the ingredients, and get started.
I have received so many questions regarding to how to prepare a gluten-free chocolate chip cookies recipe and I decided to drop it it here for you guys to enjoy this special recipe.
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
Ingredients:
These gluten-free chocolate chip cookies recipe are prepared with simple ingredients that will be discussed below:
- 2 1/4 cups (282 grams) all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional if your flour blend already contains it)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Substitutions:
- All-purpose gluten-free flour:
Use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend made for baking. Some popular brands include King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure-for-Measure Flour and Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour.
- Xanthan gum:
Xanthan gum is a binder that helps to give gluten-free baked goods structure. If your flour blend already contains xanthan gum, you can omit it from this recipe.
- Cream cheese:
Cream cheese gives these cookies a rich, chewy texture. You can substitute unsalted butter for the cream cheese, but the cookies will not be as chewy.
- Melted butter:
You can substitute coconut oil or vegetable oil for the melted butter.
- Brown sugar:
Brown sugar gives these cookies a moist, chewy texture. You can substitute light brown sugar for dark brown sugar, but the cookies will be slightly less moist and chewy.
- Granulated sugar:
You can substitute coconut sugar or brown sugar for the granulated sugar.
- Vanilla extract:
You can substitute almond extract or lemon extract for the vanilla extract.
- Egg yolks:
You can substitute 1 whole egg for the 2 egg yolks.
- Chocolate chips:
You can substitute any type of chocolate chips that you like, such as milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips. You can also substitute chopped nuts, dried fruit, or candy pieces for the chocolate chips.
Tips:
- For the best results, use all room temperature ingredients.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Chill the batter for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Bake the cookies until they are just golden brown. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying.
These Ingredients not that expensive depending on the quantity of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies you want to make. I know is still looking so difficult to bake but not to worry, we will walk through this steps together as usual.
How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, you need to follow this steps below, note that it is a gradual process, so don’t rush it.
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- 3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- 6. Fold in the gluten-free chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- 7. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still appear slightly undercooked, but that’s okay; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
- 9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free chocolate chip cookies!
Note: Make sure to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking. You can find these blends in many grocery stores or make your own using a mix of gluten-free flours like rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. Additionally, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
How to Store Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
To store gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and keep them fresh, follow these steps:
- 1. Cool Completely:
Allow your gluten-free chocolate chip cookies to cool completely on a wire rack after baking. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the storage container.
- 2. Choose an Airtight Container:
Use an airtight container, such as a cookie jar with a tight-sealing lid or a resealable plastic container. Make sure it’s clean and dry before placing the cookies inside.
- 3. Layering:
If you need to stack the cookies in the container, separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- 4. Add a Moisture Absorber:
To prevent moisture from softening your cookies, you can add a moisture-absorbing packet or a piece of dry bread to the container. Just be sure the bread doesn’t come into direct contact with the cookies.
- 5. Seal Tightly:
Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in, which can make the cookies stale.
- 6. Store in a Cool Place:
Keep the container of cookies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A pantry or cupboard is usually ideal.
- 7. Avoid the Freezer:
While you can freeze gluten-free cookies, it’s generally not recommended as it can affect the texture. However, if you must freeze them, wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight container, and label with the date. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to eat.
- 8. Consume Within a Week:
Gluten-free cookies can have a shorter shelf life than traditional cookies, so aim to consume them within a week to enjoy them at their best. If they start to lose their freshness or become overly crumbly, you can refresh them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.
By following these steps, you can keep your gluten-free chocolate chip cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Health Benefits of Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
While gluten-free chocolate chip cookies can be a tasty treat, it’s important to note that they are not necessarily a health food. However, they do offer some potential health benefits compared to traditional cookies:
- 1. Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease:
For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, consuming gluten-free cookies is essential to avoid digestive issues and other health problems.
- 2. Diverse Diet Options:
Gluten-free cookies provide an option for those who need or choose to follow a gluten-free diet due to health reasons or personal preferences.
- 3. Reduced Inflammation:
Some people report reduced inflammation and improved digestive comfort when following a gluten-free diet, especially if they have gluten-related health issues.
- 4. Whole Ingredients:
Many gluten-free cookie recipes use whole and natural ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, and nut butter, which can offer some nutritional benefits like healthy fats and protein.
- 5. Lower Carbohydrate Content:
Some gluten-free cookie recipes use alternative flours that are lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat flour, which can be helpful for individuals monitoring their carb intake.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that gluten-free cookies can still be high in sugar, saturated fat, and calories. To make them healthier, consider using less sugar, using healthier fats like coconut oil or almond butter, and incorporating ingredients like oats, nuts, or seeds for added nutrients.
In moderation, gluten-free chocolate chip cookies can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, but they should not replace a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Always check ingredient labels for hidden sugars and additives, and be mindful of portion sizes to maintain a healthy diet.
Conclusion
Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies offer a delectable solution for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you’re following a gluten-free lifestyle due to health reasons or simply exploring new flavors, these cookies can satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising taste. By choosing high-quality ingredients and practicing moderation, you can enjoy these treats as a guilt-free indulgence.
Remember, baking is not only about taste but also about creativity, so feel free to experiment with different gluten-free flours, sweeteners, and mix-ins to craft your perfect batch of gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. Happy baking and even happier indulging!