There’s something special about using almond flour in baked goods, especially for those mindful of their health or managing conditions like diabetes. Almond flour, naturally gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates, gives these cookies a moist, rich texture, while also offering essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium. Compared to wheat flour, almond flour doesn’t spike blood sugar as rapidly, making it an ideal choice for those following low-carb or diabetic-friendly diets. And the flavor? Well, it’s a delicately nutty twist that pairs perfectly with dark chocolate chips. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just for a healthier treat, these chocolate chip cookies are sure to satisfy.
Did You Know?
Almond flour, derived from finely ground almonds, isn't just a gluten-free substitute; it's a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, it offers more nutrients than traditional flours. Ideal for gluten-free and low-carb diets, almond flour enhances texture in baked goods, providing moisture and a rich, nutty flavor. Its versatility extends beyond baking to coatings, thickeners, and binders in various recipes. Almond flour's sustainable production supports eco-friendly farming practices, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers alike.
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Personal Tip: Using parchment paper ensures your cookies won't stick, making cleanup much easier.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups almond flour, 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Personal Tip: Whisking the dry ingredients thoroughly helps avoid lumps and ensures even distribution of the baking soda.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup melted coconut oil, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.
Personal Tip: Make sure the melted butter and coconut oil are slightly cooled to avoid cooking the eggs when added to the mixture.
Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips.
Personal Tip: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of chewy.
Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each portion down with your fingers to flatten slightly.
Personal Tip: To make the cookies uniform in size, use a cookie scoop to measure out the dough evenly.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Personal Tip: Keep an eye on the cookies in the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking. Fudgy centers make for the best cookies!
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Personal Tip: Cooling the cookies on the sheet for a few minutes allows them to firm up, making them easier to transfer without breaking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 12g, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 3g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Flour Combination: Use a blend of almond flour and all-purpose flour for a cookie that's both moist and flavorful. Almond flour adds a nutty richness while reducing gluten content, catering to gluten-sensitive diets without compromising texture.
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Baking Essentials: Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup. This ensures cookies bake evenly without sticking, maintaining their shape and texture.
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Melted Butter and Coconut Oil: Melted butter and coconut oil create a moist cookie texture. Using both adds flavor complexity while keeping the cookies tender and preventing them from spreading too thin during baking.
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Sugar Balance: Balance brown sugar for moisture retention and granulated sugar for structure and crispness. Adjusting these ratios can personalize cookie sweetness and texture based on preference without sacrificing quality.
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Egg and Vanilla Extract: Incorporating eggs and vanilla extract enhances flavor and binds ingredients together. Using fresh, quality eggs and pure vanilla extract ensures robust cookie taste and aroma.
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Chocolate Chip Distribution: Fold dark chocolate chips into the dough evenly for bursts of rich chocolate flavor in every bite. Using high-quality chocolate ensures a decadent finish without overwhelming sweetness.
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Baking Time Precision: Bake cookies until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set, typically around 10-12 minutes. Monitoring baking time prevents over-browning and ensures soft, chewy centers.
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Cooling Technique: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step sets the cookies' structure, preventing breakage while enhancing their chewy texture.
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Storage Strategy: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This storage method maintains freshness and preserves the cookies' moistness, ideal for enjoying homemade treats throughout the week.
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Sharing Homemade Goodness: Share these moist chocolate chip cookies with family and friends for a delightful treat. Homemade cookies are a heartfelt gesture that brings joy and warmth, perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying with loved ones.
Let's Learn About Different Types of Flour
Flour is one of the most essential ingredients in baking, but there’s more to it than just the typical all-purpose variety. Different types of flour offer unique properties, textures, and flavors that cater to various dietary needs and recipe styles.
Almond Flour:
Made from finely ground almonds, almond flour is gluten-free and has a higher fat content than wheat-based flours. This makes it ideal for adding moisture and richness to baked goods. It’s also a great option for those following a low-carb or diabetic-friendly diet due to its low glycemic index. Almond flour can be used in cookies, cakes, and even savory dishes as a coating for meat or fish.
All-Purpose Flour:
The most common type of flour, all-purpose flour is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of recipes, from bread and cookies to sauces and gravies. It has a moderate protein content, which allows it to provide structure without being too dense.
Whole Wheat Flour:
Whole wheat flour is made from the entire wheat kernel, giving it a higher fiber content compared to all-purpose flour. It adds a denser texture and a nutty flavor to baked goods. However, because it’s heavier, it’s often mixed with all-purpose flour to achieve a lighter texture.
Coconut Flour:
Coconut flour is another gluten-free option, made from dried coconut meat. It’s highly absorbent, so it’s often used in small quantities and requires more liquid in recipes. It’s perfect for those looking for a high-fiber, low-carb baking alternative.
Each type of flour has its place in the kitchen, and understanding the differences allows you to experiment and adapt recipes to suit your taste, texture preferences, and dietary needs.