Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Teresa Ambra

Gluten Free Living – 2017

Converting recipes, especially desserts to gluten free is not always the easiest thing in the world to do. But Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies are one of those irresistible cookies you won’t be able to stay out of. Seriously. These rich chocolate cookies are made with cocoa powder, chocolate chunks, coconut sugar and gluten free flour.

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I used cornstarch in one batch to make them soft and added sour cream to keep them moist. I based the cookie loosely on my Mom’s Chocolate Drop Cookies while sprucing it up a bit. The chocolaty flavor is addictive and sure to cure whatever ails ya!

I made up a three batches of these jewels. They turned out much better than I expected. While I would not normally add cornstarch to cookie recipes, it’s done on those Lofthouse Sugar Cookies to make the texture really soft. I was wanting to make a really soft cookie like that. The first batch I made without the sour cream. The second batch had the sour cream and I liked them much better. The cookies were moist while maintaining their softness. And, of course, …..all that chocolate!

In the third batch (yes, these are becoming some of my favorite cookies), I eliminated the cornstarch entirely. That bunch of cookies took about 20 minutes to bake, but the chocolate chunks softened wonderfully so the cookies were more gooey. Truthfully, I liked the taste of the cookies even better without the cornstarch. So, I offer you both options, though my personal preference is without cornstarch.

Many of you know I love trying gluten free recipes. Remaking old favorites and trying new ones with gluten free flour is something I do all the time these days. Granted, it is a lot easier to do that with gluten free pastas than desserts or breads, but it is still completely doable. Every now and then I want a treat but I really have to stay away from flour. (Wheat, that is. I don’t think rye or barley bother me nearly as much).

Gluten affects people differently. I’m convinced the reason I don’t have stomach or digestive issues is because I eat so much Greek yogurt (with all the pro-biotics). But gluten does affect my sleep (insomnia) and my thinking abilities (concentration, focus, memory). I’m not one who shares a lot of intimate family details on my blog. It’s just not my style, but I decided to share the following story in case it helps anyone else going through these issues.

A couple of weeks ago we were home for three days between trips to Miami Beach and Flagstaff. I didn’t want to go out and buy a lot of food that would go to waste, so I tried to get by on what I had. One day I came home too tired to cook. I checked my freezer and there was not much that tempted me to eat, except some really large jalapeno rolls (think larger than bagels!). Oh, I drool over jalapenos especially in bread, rolls, focaccia bread and those kinds of things. I ate two for lunch and two for dinner. Big mistake.

By the time 5 or 6 pm rolled around my thinking processes were almost incoherent. It was SCARY!!! I couldn’t form sentences, words kept dropping out of my thoughts, I couldn’t remember anything. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my life time. It was brain fog taken to a whole new level. I realized that the flour was affecting my memory and thinking processes and vowed to get off of it! It took two to three days before my thinking was clear and normal again. Yikes.

I determined then and there that I’m going to do everything I can to avoid getting early Ahlzheimer’s or dementia. I’ve done a lot by removing aluminum from my cookware and trying to detox from it. Vitamins, mineral supplements, mineral waters with silica, and lots of turmeric have helped tremendously.

Staying off excess sugar and flour is another way I can prevent memory issues and loss. While I will still make family favorite recipes with flour and sugar for others, I’m going to have to tone it down a bit for my health. And, I will be making a lot more GF substitutions for recipes I decide to try.

Hopefully you won’t have to be scared into doing that’s right for your health like I’ve been.  But if this helps even one person realize part of their memory problems or thinking abilities could be tied to eating gluten then it’s worth it. I won’t kid you. Going gluten free and sugar free is a huge sacrifice — especially in American society where food is king! But there are benefits. I also find I don’t have any joint pain and have a lot more energy when I’m off gluten.

If you desire to get your hands wet trying a new gluten free cookie recipe, these Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a great place to start. If you want a crispier more traditional type texture than omit the cornstarch (as I stated above). You can also use regular sugar and regular flour if you don’t have gluten intolerance or difficulties with sugar.

Consider making up a batch of these delicious cookies the next time you are going to a party where you know friends or family that can’t eat gluten-filled products. They will be so thrilled for a treat that doesn’t kill them every time they take a bite! 😉

As an update, I remade these cookies again (November 2017) for our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza. This time I used regular sugar (instead of coconut sugar), no cornstarch, and a King Arthur brand of gluten free flour. Instead, of the 2 2/3 cups of flour from the first version, this version took 3 1/2 cups of flour to get a good consistency that I knew wouldn’t flatten out too much. I’ve adjusted the recipe to reflect this.

Each gluten free flour is different and you have to experiment each time adjusting flour measurements accordingly. I hope this will help my gluten free bakers. These are still the most delightful gluten free cookies ever! 🙂

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Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies are amazing.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

These soft cookies are filled with chocolate chunks.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

If you’re looking for a terrific gluten free cookie recipe, then Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies need to be on your list!

Here’s what I did.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

I used these ingredients. I personally liked the cookies best without the cornstarch. I used Namaste GF flour. (I’ve also used other GF flours and have to increase the amount of flour used. See note below).

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Place softened butter in a mixing bowl. Add coconut sugar, cocoa powder, sour cream, eggs, vanilla, cornstarch (or omit, if desired), baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Add gluten free flour and chocolate chunks.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Stir ingredients with a wooden spoon to combine.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Grease cookie sheets well. With a large 1/4 cup ice cream scoop, scoop dough and place on prepared cookie sheets. I had to keep the scoop wet/moist while scooping dough so it didn’t stick too much to the scoop.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Place about seven to ten chocolate chunks on top of each cookie.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes or until done. These are pretty large cookies so they may take longer.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies are irresistible. You’ll find it hard keeping your hands out of the cookie jar! 🙂

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

These cookies are perfect for holiday parties–especially the summer holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day! If you have friends or family with gluten intolerance they will really appreciate having a sweet treat like this.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies explode with chocolate flavor. They’re a chocolate lover’s delight.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

I found these highly addictive. Even though I kept them in the freezer (to avoid seeing them!), I found I was pulling them out for dessert every single day until they were all gone. 

Here’s the recipe.

GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES

(My own concoction)

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Teresa Ambra
Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies are outstanding! These amazing gluten free cookies use gluten free flour, coconut sugar, chocolate chunks and cocoa. They bake up beautifully and taste heavenly. Perfect for summer holidays, backyard barbecues, potlucks & holiday baking. If you have gluten intolerant friends or family, these treats are just the ticket. They'll cure any sweet tooth craving, too.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 18x26" cookie sheet pans
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 large 1/4 cup cookie scoop
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar (I've also used regular sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 2 2/3 to 3 1/2 cups gluten free flour (see note below)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 18 oz. chocolate chunks (one and a half 12-oz. pkgs. total)

Instructions
 

  • Soften butter and mix with coconut sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt, cocoa and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in gluten free flour and one package chocolate chunks with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.
  • Scoop dough with a ¼ cup cookie scoop and place on greased cookie sheets.
  • Press about 5-6 chocolate chunks in the top of each cookie and press down slightly.
  • Bake at 350° about 15-20 minutes or until done.
  • Rotate cookie sheets on racks every six minutes of baking time.
  • Cool completely.

Notes

NOTE: Using gluten free flours is an adventure! With one brand of GF flour I used 2 2/3 cups, with another brand I had to use 3 1/2 cups GF flour to get the same consistency of the cookie dough. I recommend you err on the higher amount of GF flour rather than the lower amount, so the cookies will not flatten out too much on the cookie sheet.
 
NOTE: Depending on your oven, you may need to start monitoring these cookies for doneness after 10 minutes.
 
NOTE: My first batch of these cookies was made with a teaspoon of cornstarch. I actually prefer these cookies without the cornstarch, so I've left that off the recipe card. The cookies are still soft, but the chocolate softens better while baking so the cookies are gooier. You can try the cookies either way, but my preference is making the cookies without cornstarch.
 
NOTE: I used Namaste gluten free flour the first couple of times. I used King Arthur GF flour for our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza. I found the cookie dough needed an additional 3/4 cup of GF flour to get the same consistency. I do not recommend Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix or the cookies will fall flat. That product does not have a one-to-one equivalence and the taste is off.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 107mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 239IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate, chocolate chip cookie, chocolate chips, chocolate dessert, cookie, dessert, gluten free, gluten free dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Every bite of these Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies will have you salivating.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

These cookies are sure to cure any sweet tooth craving you’re experiencing. 🙂

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Ready for a bite??

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M&M Chocolate Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these fantastic #chocolate #cookies are so festive and beautiful for the #holidays. They're double loaded with chocolate & #MMs. This #dessert is absolutely a chocolate lover's delight! #ChristmasCookieExchange #HolidayBaking #HolidayDessert #baking #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert #MMChocolateCookies

Chocolate and Vanilla Chip Chocolate Cookies  

Chocolate and Vanilla Chip Chocolate Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these awesome #cookies are the perfect #dessert for #MemorialDay, backyard barbecues or other summer fun. #chocolate #tailgating #glutenfree

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Teresa Ambra
Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies are outstanding! These amazing gluten free cookies use gluten free flour, coconut sugar, chocolate chunks and cocoa. They bake up beautifully and taste heavenly. Perfect for summer holidays, backyard barbecues, potlucks & holiday baking. If you have gluten intolerant friends or family, these treats are just the ticket. They’ll cure any sweet tooth craving, too.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 30
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 18×26" cookie sheet pans
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 large 1/4 cup cookie scoop
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar (I’ve also used regular sugar)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 2 2/3 to 3 1/2 cups gluten free flour (see note below)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 18 oz. chocolate chunks (one and a half 12-oz. pkgs. total)

Instructions
 

  • Soften butter and mix with coconut sugar, sour cream, eggs, baking soda, salt, cocoa and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in gluten free flour and one package chocolate chunks with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed.
  • Scoop dough with a ¼ cup cookie scoop and place on greased cookie sheets.
  • Press about 5-6 chocolate chunks in the top of each cookie and press down slightly.
  • Bake at 350° about 15-20 minutes or until done.
  • Rotate cookie sheets on racks every six minutes of baking time.
  • Cool completely.

Notes

NOTE: Using gluten free flours is an adventure! With one brand of GF flour I used 2 2/3 cups, with another brand I had to use 3 1/2 cups GF flour to get the same consistency of the cookie dough. I recommend you err on the higher amount of GF flour rather than the lower amount, so the cookies will not flatten out too much on the cookie sheet.
 
NOTE: Depending on your oven, you may need to start monitoring these cookies for doneness after 10 minutes.
 
NOTE: My first batch of these cookies was made with a teaspoon of cornstarch. I actually prefer these cookies without the cornstarch, so I’ve left that off the recipe card. The cookies are still soft, but the chocolate softens better while baking so the cookies are gooier. You can try the cookies either way, but my preference is making the cookies without cornstarch.
 
NOTE: I used Namaste gluten free flour the first couple of times. I used King Arthur GF flour for our Christmas Cookie Extravaganza. I found the cookie dough needed an additional 3/4 cup of GF flour to get the same consistency. I do not recommend Pamela’s Baking and Pancake Mix or the cookies will fall flat. That product does not have a one-to-one equivalence and the taste is off.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 107mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 239IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate, chocolate chip cookie, chocolate chips, chocolate dessert, cookie, dessert, gluten free, gluten free dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

2 Comments

  • Tutuapp

    August 3, 2022 at 6:12 am

    5 stars
    Can we also add vanilla and less choco?

    1. Teresa

      August 3, 2022 at 8:46 am

      This recipe already has vanilla. You can decrease the chocolate some, but you’ll also decrease the flavor.

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