These Gluten Free Basic Chocolate Cookies are so rich and chocolate-y! Serve them plain or with your favorite mix-ins and no one will even know they are gluten free!
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Need a recipe for plain gluten free chocolate cookies? One that tastes great and won’t crumble into a million pieces? One you can add your choice of mix-ins to and it’ll hold up? You found it!
These Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies came about after feeling guilty for making Dark Chocolate Cookies that my gluten free fiancé wasn’t able to eat. I simply swapped out the regular all purpose flour for a gluten free all purpose flour and viola! These cookies turned out amazing – you can’t even tell they are gluten free!
Why This Recipe Works
- These homemade gluten free cookies taste just as delicious as a non-gluten free version.
- The cookies come out of the oven soft in the center with crispy edges just as you’d expect any homemade cookie to be.
- This is a versatile recipe that you can enjoy on it’s own, or add mix-ins like chocolate chips, caramel, nuts, or even fruit bits to.
How to Make Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies
Prep!
Make sure to set your butter out to come to room temperature about an hour before you begin baking. If your butter is too warm (if you microwave it to soften it this can happen) or too cold, the cookies may not turn out perfectly.
When you are ready to begin, preheat your oven to 350°F.
Create!
In a medium bowl, combine the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer. Cream together on medium speed until completely smooth. Lower the speed and add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
Stir in any mix-in’s, if you’re using them.
Drop by the tablespoon full about 2 inches apart on to a baking sheet (I use a Silpat mat to prevent sticking).
Bake 9-10 minutes until cooked through.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent breakage.
Present!
Serve these Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies warm out of the oven, or cooled. They go great with an ice cold glass of milk!
Mix-in Suggestions
I’ve made a few different varieties of gluten free chocolate cookies using this Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies recipe as the base. If you need some ideas for what you may want to mix in, try these to start:
- Gluten Free Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tips & Techniques for the Best Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies
- Make sure your butter is room temperature soft. If it’s too warm (as it might be if you microwave it to softened it) or too cold, the final results of the cookies may differ.
- Don’t pack the flour into the measuring cup. Simply spoon it in and level off the top.
- Be sure to allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. If you attempt to move them too soon, they may break. They “set-up” more as they cool.
- Store extra cookies in an air-tight container and use within a week for the best results.
FAQ’s
- What is the best gluten free flour to use for baking cookies? I have made this recipe with both Pillsbury Gluten Free All Purpose Flour and Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour. I found that the cookies made with Pillsbury puffed up a little more, but broke a little easier. The cookies made with Bob’s Red Mill had more “crinkling” on top but held up a little better.
- Can you freeze these gluten free cookies? Yes. You can roll out the dough ahead of time and store it in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to add a couple minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
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Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free all purpose flour * see notes for recommendations
- 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups butter * softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 Cup mix-ins of your choice * optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
- In a medium bowl, combine the gluten free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer. Cream together on medium speed until completely smooth. Lower the speed and add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Stir in any mix-in’s, if you’re using them.
- Drop by the tablespoon full about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet (I use a Silpat Mat to prevent sticking).
- Bake 9-10 minutes until cooked through.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to prevent breakage.
Notes
Tips & Techniques for the Best Gluten Free Chocolate Cookies
- Make sure your butter is room temperature soft. If it's too warm (as it might be if you microwave it to softened it) or too cold, the final results of the cookies may differ.
- Don't pack the flour into the measuring cup. Simply spoon it in and level off the top.
- Be sure to allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. If you attempt to move them too soon, they may break. They "set-up" more as they cool.
- Store extra cookies in an air-tight container and use within a week for the best results.
FAQ's
- What is the best gluten free flour to use for baking cookies? I have made this recipe with both Pillsbury Gluten Free All Purpose Flour and Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour. I found that the cookies made with Pillsbury puffed up a little more, but broke a little easier. The cookies made with Bob's Red Mill had more "crinkling" on top but held up a little better.
- Can you freeze these gluten free cookies? Yes. You can roll out the dough ahead of time and store it in a freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to add a couple minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on May 30, 2016. New images and text were added in January 2019. The recipe itself was not changed.
Linda says
I baked these for my mom for Christmas. I tried one cookie and it was delicious! It tasted a lot like a brownie, but instead of being fudgy, it was light and chewy on the inside. I used Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. My first time ever baking something gluten free. I will definitely use this recipe again. My mom, who is 91 years old also said that they are delicious! And “much better than Trader Joe’s gluten free cookies”. Sweet. She can’t eat gluten, so I wanted to do something special for her. I sent them to her before Christmas at her assisted living residence.
Lauren Vavala Harris says
Thank you so much!
– Lauren
Merry says
I haven’t tried these yet but wondered if using the 1to1 gluten free flour as opposed to all purpose gluten free flour would work. I’m just learning to cook gluten free and thought if all purpose flour is used, the xanthan gum needs to be added. Also wondered if adding coconut as an add-in would work.
Lauren Vavala Harris says
Hi Merry! I have only made these with the all-purpose flour, but there is a review that states she used the 1-to-1 and the cookies spread a little more than expected but were still good – this can also be due to man other reasons. I haven’t added xanthan gum to this recipe and there are lots of positive reviews for this particular recipe (many on Pinterest).
I haven’t tried adding coconut to this recipe, but I’ve added it to other cookie recipes just fine, so I would assume it would work.
I hope this helps a little,
Lauren
S.S. says
Made these as a test run b/c I’m hosting a fondue party in a few weeks and we’ll have a salted caramel fondue and a chocolate fondue, and I thought these would be fun for dipping. I’m really pleased with how they turned out. Just for fun, I wanted to try making them vegan and had great success swapping softened coconut oil for butter and 2TBL ground flax seed + 1/4 cup water for the eggs. Like many others noted, I reduced the sugar to 1 cup and thought that was plenty, so the rich chocolate flavor of the great quality cocoa I used could really shine through. Will be making these again for the fondue party and in the future with various mix-ins. :0) Thanks!
Barbara says
These are so good! chocolatey nd crspy. They spread more than I expected but still taste wonderful. I used King Arthur 1for1 GF flour.
Marilyn Berg says
Followed the recipe to the letter, and all I can say is:
MAGNIFICENT
My granddaughter is very gluten sensitiv, and she could not believe they were gluten free, because they tasted so good. My oven cooked the cookies perfectly in 10 minutes, crispy on the edges and gloriously chewy in the center. My thanks and gratitude for such an amazing gluten free recipe. Now, I am on to your sugar cookies.
Lauren Vavala says
Thank you so much! So happy to hear your granddaughter enjoyed them!!
Lori S says
This recipe looks wonderful, and I look forward to making these. It’s similar to a Hershey’s recipe I used to make. Thanks for posting it.
Just a heads up, your Bob’s/Amazon link is to the 1-to-1 Baking Flour, not the all purpose. It’s a different blend entirely. I’m thinking that would make a difference.
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Lori! Thanks so much for catching that and letting me know, I appreciate it! I changed the link 🙂
– Lauren
Patty says
These were delicious but sweeter than I like – would it work to have less sugar, like 1-1/2 c? I never know how that will affect texture.
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Patty. Sugar is actually a wet ingredient so if you reduce it, it could make the dough more dry which could affect the texture. I haven’t tried it myself, so I can’t say for sure, but from what I know of baking that would be my only concern.
– Lauren
Journa Liz Ramirez says
You’re right! No one noticed that these cookies are gluten-free! My family enjoyed it and wants some more.
Lisa says
Delicious chocolate cookies! And sturdy enough to put sone ice cream in between two to make cookie ice cream sandwiches!
Moop Brown says
Such a tasty treat everyone will enjoy. Really couldn’t tell they were gluten free.
Cathleen says
I am so excited to make these cookies!! They look like one of my favourite cookies that I buy every week from my local coffee shop. Pinned to make later this week 🙂
Adriana says
Yummy, these cookies are so chocolatey! I never used gluten-free flour until now, and the cookies are so good. Making them again for my holiday baking exchange.
Dennis says
Ha- I made these for the family and no one had a clue they were gluten free as they devoured them. I saved some for a GF friend and she loved them too!
Natalie says
My daughter needs to be on a gluten free diet and she loved your cookies. Thanks!
Amanda Mason says
I love that these tasted like dark chocolate. So delicious and so glad they are gluten-free! They lasted 1 day in my house! Great recipe!
Heidy says
These Gluten Free Basic Chocolate Cookies were the BOMB! I loved that they didn’t turn out as hard as a rock like some gluten-free recipes I have tried. Excellent instructions too! I will be saving this recipe to make again!
Laura Arteaga says
Thank you Lauren for such a great recipe, we made it and we are keeping it for when my sister-in-law comes to visit! She is celiac and we always like having recipes to surprise her.
veenaazmanov says
Gluten free sounds healthier. Perfect cookies for gifting or snack box option. Looks crispy and chocotaly too.
Jessica says
My family loves these! I followed the recipe exactly. I used King Arthur All Purpose Gluten Free Flour and added dark chocolate chips. Thank you for the great recipe!
Lauren Vavala says
So awesome to hear this! I’m glad you love the recipe <3
- Lauren
Cindy says
These are the most amazing gluten free cookies ever!!! My daughter made them for her brother and I, and they’re the best chocolate cookie I’ve had even including regular ones! He’s at work, and hasn’t tasted them yet, but I know he’ll agree! She used part butter and part Spectrum Organic all-vegetable shortening. She used evaporated cane sugar and coconut sugar (to equal the 2 cups). She added a half cup of chocolate chips, and they turned out perfect. The texture is that wonderful place between crunchy and chewy, and somehow they just melt in your mouth. I rarely leave comments about recipes, but this one begs a comment! Make this recipe and be glad! 🙂
Lauren Vavala says
Thank you so much! This is so awesome to hear. I’m glad they turned out great for you and your family.
– Lauren
Linda says
Yummy!!! best cookies I,ve ever made Thank you so much,Do you think I could use almond flour in place of the cocoa powder for a change.
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Linda! I’m glad you like the cookies! I’m honestly not sure that almond flour would be a good substitute. I haven’t seen it done before and the almond flour is grittier and has a different amount of fat etc. than cocoa powder. So you could try it, but I’m not sure it will work out.
– Lauren
Linda says
Thank,s again for the recipe,and advice.I might give it a try,one more faillure can,t do any harm
Lisa says
These came out great and my family had no idea they were GF. I cut the sugar down to 1.5 cups and it worked well. Wondering if you have any suggestions for decreasing the butter? Thanks!
Lauren Vavala says
Hi Lisa, thanks for trying the recipe. I’m glad that you guys enjoyed them! I am not sure if cutting the butter will work out, but there is a general consensus that you can simply cut the amount of butter in a recipe by up to half and it can still work. I am not sure that it will work the same in gluten free baking though. Sorry!
– Lauren
Dorinda says
These are, without a doubt, the most intensely chocolate cookies I have ever eaten. I wanted a super chocolatey cookie without a lot of add-ins (I did add Lily stevia sweetened chocolate chips) to satisfy my love of chocolate, but help me to stay within my endless dieting guidelines. I did halve the sugar, however, using one half cup brown sugar and one half cup white sugar – which worked great for me, or you could even get by happily with only 1-1/2 cups of sugar, if you were a “grownup”. I followed your instructions exactly, so that they wouldn’t crumble but still remain mouth-wateringly buttery and chocolatey. Thank you very much!
Lauren Vavala says
So happy to hear the recipe worked out for you with your modifications. I LOVE those Lily chocolate chips!
– Lauren
Michelle says
Absolutely delicious, use bob mill’s and coconut sugar, turned out great 👍 thank you for recipe !
Lauren Vavala says
Thanks Michelle! Bob’s Red Mill is definitely one of the best GF flours 🙂
– Lauren
Phoebe says
These were the best gluten free cookies I’ve ever made. I used Nuttlex (dairy free butter) and Orgran egg replacer so they were also vegan. I also put in a quarter cup less cocoa and they needed to be cooked for about 18 mins. I added 250g chopped dark chocolate and they were just sooooo amazing, crispy and so chewy and fudgy. Honestly the best thing I have ever baked in my life. Thank you!
Lauren Vavala says
So awesome to hear this! I’m gad you were able to make the recipe work out vegan, as well.
– Lauren
Renee says
I used the Neat Egg replacer to make them egg free and plant based butter for dairy free – they turned out great! Ran out of Gluten free flour so I ended up using 1-1/2C Bob’s Red Mill GF Flour and 1/2C Almond Flour. Bob’s Red Mill suggests adding xanthum gum so I followed the back of the bag and did 1/2tsp total. Best cookies I’ve ever made! Glad to know they’re flexible if I run out of stuff.
Cynthia says
These were AMAZING! Thanks for sharing this recipe. I used King Arthur Gluten Free Flour, and 2 TBS ground flaxseed + ¼ cup water to replace the two eggs. I made cookie sandwiches with them by placing a smear of Sunbutter in between two, and my husband and toddler LOVE them!
Lauren says
Awesome!! I LOVE that you were able to use a “flax egg” and that the recipe still turned out great. My youngest is severely allergic to eggs. I’m going to have to do that next time I make these 🙂 Lauren
Arlene Lizotte says
Have you tried Cup4Cup GF flour? i’m also sugar free, would erythritol sweetener work?
Lauren says
The two flours I mention in the post are both cup for cup so it’s likely any brand that claims to be the same would work. I can’t speak for erythritol (I’m keto but haven’t tested this recipe with it) but do know it’s not as sweet as sugar. You MIGHT have better luck with monk fruit but again, I haven’t tested it myself. Hope this is helpful – Lauren
B says
Mine came out a little flat and not puffy like the picture.
Lauren says
Ahh sorry to hear this! Usually this might be related to the butter being more melted, then just softened, like it you left it at room temperature for awhile. I haven’t had anyone else have this issue, but baking can be so sensitive to the smallest differences. I’ll be testing this recipe again soon just to be sure!
Michelle says
Cookies are by far my favorite dessert and these looks so chocolatey and just asking to be dunked in milk
Lauren says
Definitely!
Catherine says
These cookies look perfect and so soft. I love them both plain and with the mix-ins. Love that they are also gluten free!
Lauren says
Thank you Catherine!
Veena Azmanov says
I love that these are gluten-free. I love having them on hand sometimes for my sweet cravings. Love how simple and easy this is. Saving this for later.
Lauren says
Thanks!
Marisa Franca says
I’m making this recipe for my daughter plus including the recipe. She has to watch her wheat intake and she simply loves chocolate cookies. This recipe is perfect for her.
Lauren says
My fiance avoids gluten most of the time and ate almost the whole batch! Hope she enjoys them!
Alexis says
Gluten free cookies are tough to make, these ones look delicious though! I’ll be adding these to next week’s cookie baking time.
Lauren says
Definitely took some experimenting, but we love the results!
Jyothi (Jo) says
I cant believe these gorgeous cookies are gluten free. Looks so so good!
Lauren says
Thanks Jo!
Dan Zehr says
Oh God, I want to eat these Chocolate Cookies every day! My whole family would go crazy for these! Love Love Love this recipe!
Lauren says
Thank you!!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
What an awesome recipe to have on hand – baking to suit everyone is so hard! This recipe would simplify it!
Lauren says
Thank you! It can definitely be challenging!
Melissa says
These sound delish, they would be the perfect chocolate cookie for making an ice-cream sandwich!!
Lauren says
What a great idea!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I love that these are gluten free. I am going to send this one to my sisterinlaw that has gluten allergies. She is a huge chocolate fan!
Lauren says
Thanks Claudia!
Valerie says
My youngest is gluten-free and would enjoy these cookies. I usually use 1-for1 flour, I wonder if that would turn out as well.
Lauren says
I can’t say for sure, but I honestly don’t think quite as well. This combo of flavors worked best through a few tests and it’s been awhile so I can’t remember what all we tested.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
These cookies look so good!! I have many students in my class that are gluten free, so I can finally make something for them 😉
Lauren says
That’s so sweet!
[email protected] says
These are wonderful as a basic cookie! I did 2 sticks of butter on accident but let them cook longer and I flattened them a bit. My sister whom is cileac will love them. They are so tasty! I tested and my anti gluten free spouse did as well, couldn’t tell and wanted more! I also used 2 1/2 cups choc. Chips ????????
ourlittleeverything says
Yay! I’m so glad they worked out great for you too! I hope your sister loves them!
Krista Dial says
I’ve never made gluten-free baked goods, but I’m definitely saving this to fix for my sweet friends who have gluten allergies. They look and sound so delish!
ourlittleeverything says
Thank you Krista!
candy says
These look really delicious. I would make them first, let the family eat them and then tell them what I did different. They would never know the difference.
ourlittleeverything says
I know – we are always tricking people with the gf things we make lol