Indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating habits, especially when it comes to these Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and coconut sugar, these cookies offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re following a Paleo diet or just looking for a delicious cookie recipe, these cookies check all the boxes. With a chewy texture, rich chocolate flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household!
The Upside of Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
What’s not to love about Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies? Not only are they delicious, but they also come with a variety of health benefits. First and foremost, they’re made with almond flour, which is gluten-free and packed with nutrients. The use of coconut sugar adds a natural sweetness without the spike in blood sugar that regular sugar can cause. Additionally, coconut oil provides healthy fats that support overall wellness. These cookies allow you to enjoy dessert while adhering to clean eating principles!
Ingredients at a Glance
To whip up a batch of Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup refined coconut oil, at room temperature
- 1 large egg (or flax egg – see notes below), at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (more, if using for top)
- Flaky sea salt, to sprinkle on top
Appliances & Accessories
Before you get started, make sure you have the following appliances and accessories on hand:
- Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer makes creaming the coconut oil and sugar much easier.
- Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
- Cookie scoop: For even-sized cookies, a cookie scoop is a handy tool.
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies, Made Easy
Making Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious batch:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the Coconut Oil and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the refined coconut oil and coconut sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie batter.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the blanched almond flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate
Gently fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate. If you want to add more chocolate on top, reserve some for later.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press extra chocolate pieces on top of each cookie. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center remains soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
These Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies can easily be customized for the seasons. Consider these festive variations:
- Pumpkin Spice: Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Mint Chocolate: Mix in a few drops of peppermint extract and add some crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Top with festive sprinkles during the holiday season for a cheerful touch.
Don’t Do This
To ensure your Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t skip the room temperature ingredients; they blend better and create a smoother batter.
- Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients; this can make your cookies tough.
- Don’t bake for too long; cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
- Don’t forget to use parchment paper; it makes for easy removal and cleanup.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These cookies are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake without thawing.
- Thawing: If you freeze baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Ask & Learn
Can I use another type of flour instead of almond flour?
Almond flour is key to keeping these cookies Paleo-friendly. While you could experiment with other flours, the texture and flavor may differ significantly. For a non-Paleo alternative, you could consider gluten-free all-purpose flour.
What’s a flax egg, and how do I make one?
A flax egg is a vegan substitute for a regular egg. To make one, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
Can I use refined coconut oil instead of unrefined?
Yes, refined coconut oil is a great choice as it has a neutral flavor and will not impart a coconut taste to your cookies. This is ideal if you prefer the chocolate flavor to shine through.
How can I make these cookies nut-free?
To make nut-free cookies, you can substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!
If you love these , check out these other delightful recipes:
See You at the Table
There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of freshly baked Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or enjoying all on your own. With so many possibilities for customization, you’ll never get bored of this delightful treat. Enjoy your baking adventure, and remember to savor each bite!
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the refined coconut oil and coconut sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract until well combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie batter.
- In another bowl, whisk together the blanched almond flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
- Gently fold in the chopped bittersweet chocolate. If you want to add more chocolate on top, reserve some for later.
- Using a cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press extra chocolate pieces on top of each cookie. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center remains soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
- Make them minty by adding peppermint extract and crushed candies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
