Indulge in a Guilt-Free Treat: Gluten-Free Vegan Cookies
Do you have a sweet tooth, but are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Look no further than this delicious gluten-free, vegan, and grain-free chocolate chip cookie recipe. Yes, that’s right, you can have your cookies and eat them too!
But why settle for boring store-bought treats when you can whip up these bad boys yourself? Not only are they healthier than traditional cookies, but they’re also incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to enjoying the best chewy chocolate chip cookies ever.
But what’s the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their irresistible flavor and texture? It’s none other than quinoa flour – a protein-packed alternative to traditional wheat flour. And while almond butter provides richness and depth of flavor, ground flax seeds bind everything together without the need for eggs.
But don’t worry, just because these cookies are gluten-free doesn’t mean they’re lacking in flavor. The addition of coconut sugar adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness while the sea salt balances it all out. And let’s not forget about the star of the show: dairy-free, vegan-friendly chocolate chips.
So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, these grain-free chocolate chip cookies are sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever craved a warm, freshly-baked cookie but felt restricted because of your gluten-free or vegan dietary restrictions? Well, fear no more! This Gluten-Free Vegan Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings without sacrificing your health preferences.
What makes this recipe extra special is that it is made with all-natural ingredients, making it the ideal healthy snack option for those trying to avoid processed and refined sugar. Plus, it’s made with quinoa flour and ground flax seeds which add a nutrient-dense profile to this recipe.
Who says healthy eating can’t be delicious? You’ll love the chewy texture and decadent chocolate chips that burst with flavor in every bite. And most importantly, you can enjoy these cookies guilt-free knowing they’re free from gluten, grains, dairy, and refined sugars.
Not only is this recipe perfect for people with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions, but it’s also an excellent alternative for anyone looking to swap out their traditional cookie recipe for healthier options. Trust me; these cookies are so good; you won’t even miss the traditional ingredients!
So go ahead and indulge in these tasty treats without any remorse. Satisfy your sweet cravings while taking care of yourself with this grain-free vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe – it’s a win-win!
Ingredient List
To make these delicious and healthy cookies, you will need the following top-quality and nutritious ingredients:
- Almond flour: 1 cup
- Tapioca starch: 3/4 cup
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Blanched almond meal: 3/4 cup
- Coconut sugar: 1 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Ground flax seeds: 2 tablespoons
- Hot water: 6 tablespoons
- Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option): 1/4 cup
- Coconut oil (solid, but softened): 1/2 cup
- Almond butter: 1/2 cup
- Non-dairy milk (I used almond milk): 4 tablespoons
- Chocolate chips (vegan, gluten-free): 1 1/4 cup
These healthy and flavorful ingredients come together to form a dough that bakes up into perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookies. You’re sure to love both the texture and flavor when you use these top-of-the-line ingredients.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it is time to bake these heavenly gluten-free vegan grain-free chocolate chip cookies! Follow the step-by-step instructions below to achieve perfection.
Step 1: Prep work
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of almond flour, ¼ cup of tapioca starch, 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients
In another medium bowl, mix ⅓ cup of almond butter, 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure these are well combined.
Step 4: Combine dry and wet ingredients
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix well with a spoon until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 5: Add chocolate chips
Add ¾ cup of dairy-free, gluten-free chocolate chips to the mixture and stir gently to distribute evenly in the batter.
Step 6: Form cookie dough balls
Using a cookie scooper or spoon, make small balls from the batter and place them onto the prepared baking sheet with at least 2 inches of space between them. Gently press each ball down with a fork.
Step 7: Bake cookies in the oven
Bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Now, your lovely batch of gluten-free vegan grain-free chocolate chip cookies is ready! Enjoy with a glass of almond milk or as an after-dinner dessert.
Substitutions and Variations
You can always customize any recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs, and this Gluten-Free Vegan Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to make these cookies even more irresistible and enjoyable.
Instead of almond butter, you can use peanut butter or tahini to add a nutty taste and texture. You may need to adjust the amount of sweetener or flour accordingly for balance.
For the sweetener, you can replace honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup if you prefer a vegan option. For a lower-glycemic alternative, use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
If you don’t have ground flax seeds on hand, you can use chia seeds or psyllium husk instead. These ingredients will provide the binding properties needed for the dough without eggs or gluten.
To make these cookies nut-free, substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour or pumpkin seed flour. For a nuttier flavor, use hazelnut flour or chestnut flour instead.
Instead of chocolate chips, you can use chopped dark chocolate bars, chunks of dried fruits like apricots, cranberries or cherries, or nuts like pecans, walnuts or macadamia nuts for different textures and flavors.
For a double chocolate treat, mix in some unsweetened cocoa powder into the dough before adding the chocolate chips. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a contrast in taste.
If you want to experiment with other flours and starches that are grain-free and paleo-friendly, you may try cassava flour, arrowroot powder, sweet potato flour or tapioca starch instead of quinoa flour.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, feel free to unleash your creativity and bake your own version of the best chewy chocolate chip cookies ever!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made these irresistible gluten-free vegan chocolate chip cookies, you’ll probably want to serve them straight out of the oven while they’re still warm and gooey. But they taste just as good if you let them cool down to room temperature.
To enhance the flavour, pair these delicious chewy chocolate chip cookies with your favourite non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. This will create a perfect balance between the nutty notes in the milk and the rich chocolate flavours in the cookie.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try adding a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top of your fresh-baked cookies for an unforgettable dessert experience. Or why not sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies to make your own cookie ice cream sandwich?
These gluten-free vegan chocolate chip cookies are also a great addition to any party platter or dessert table. Pair them with fresh berries or fruit for a fun colourful presentation. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family and are sure to impress even the most skeptical taste buds.
No matter how you enjoy these cookies, they are easy to customize and can be eaten on their own or paired with different foods that match your preference. The possibilities are endless!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve mastered this delicious gluten-free vegan grain-free chocolate chip cookie recipe, it’s important to know how to store them properly for future enjoyment. Luckily, these cookies store incredibly well and can be made ahead of time, which is perfect when you’re pressed for time or craving a sweet treat on a busy day.
To make these cookies ahead of time, simply form the dough into balls and store them in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake them, simply thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.
If you’ve already baked these mouthwatering cookies and have some leftovers or want to save them for later, make sure you cool them completely before storing them. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
When reheating your cookies, it’s important not to overdo it so they stay nice and moist. Simply wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them into the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re warm and gooey again.
In summary, these gluten-free vegan grain-free chocolate chip cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to storage and reheating options. So go ahead and whip up another batch of these scrumptious cookies knowing that you can keep enjoying them throughout the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the ingredients and recipe for these delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, there are a few tips that can help in creating the perfect batch every time.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that all ingredients, particularly the nut butter and coconut oil, are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will allow for easier and smoother blending and will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Another tip for perfect cookies is to chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking them. This helps the ingredients combine fully and improves the texture of the finished product. Additionally, shaping or flattening out the dough prior to chilling can create more consistently sized and shaped cookies.
When it comes to baking, be sure to preheat your oven beforehand so it reaches the required temperature by the time you put in your tray of cookies. Using parchment paper or a non-stick cooking mat will prevent sticking and make clean-up afterwards much easier.
Finally, one of my favorite secrets to achieving the best chewy texture in cookies is to take them out of the oven just before they are fully baked. They may seem a bit undercooked, but they will continue cooking on the tray as they cool down. This will give you perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookies every time!
With these tips in mind, your Gluten-Free Vegan Grain-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to turn out amazing every single time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these gluten-free vegan grain-free chocolate chip cookies are the perfect treat for anyone looking for a healthier and delicious chocolate chip cookie option. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, anyone can make these cookies in no time. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on taste.
So why not try out this recipe today? Not only is it made with wholesome, natural ingredients but it is also vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Treat yourself to the best chewy and delicious cookies ever!
Remember to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make this recipe even more personalized and unique to suit your taste buds.
With these gluten-free vegan grain-free chocolate chip cookies, you can indulge in a sweet treat without feeling guilty or compromising your health goals. So go ahead and make a batch of these delectable cookies today!
Gluten Free Vegan Grain Free Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed pitted medjool dates (about 6 to 8 dates)
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup almond meal flour (Bob's Red Mill)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4-1/2 cup mini chocolate chip (or cocao nibs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a large cookie sheet with coconut oil.
- Place the pitted dates and water in a blender and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Then add the coconut oil and honey. Blend until very smooth, abut a minute.
- Transfer date-oil mixture to a medium-sized mixing bowl (scooping out every last bit) and add ground flax seeds and vanilla; beat on high with an electric mixture until combined. Add almond butter and beat again.
- Sprinkle the quinoa flakes, almond meal, baking soda, and salt over the almond butter mixture, beat again until well combined.
- Drop dough by the large spoonful onto the greased cookie sheet. Lightly press each cookie down with the palm of your hand. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove gently with a thin spatula and transfer to a wire rack to cool. The cookies will be slightly fragile when hot but will hold together very well after about 5 minutes of cooling. Enjoy with a glass of fresh, raw almond milk!