For those seeking a delightful balance between health-conscious baking and irresistible taste, these Grain-Free Chocolate Coconut Cookies offer the perfect solution. Drawing inspiration from traditional chocolate cookies while embracing modern dietary preferences, these treats combine the richness of cocoa with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the subtle tropical notes of coconut. Perfect for anyone following a grain-free lifestyle or simply looking to explore healthier dessert options, these cookies deliver a sophisticated flavor profile while maintaining a wonderfully chewy texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- Superfine blanched almond flour: 1 cup (112g)
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: 1/2 cup (40g)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (24g)
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (16g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
Wet Ingredients
- Maple syrup: 6 tablespoons (120g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Chocolate chunks: 1/2 cup (120g)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt, and baking soda. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add maple syrup and vanilla extract to the dry mixture, followed by chocolate chunks. Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space cookies 2 inches apart. Press down gently to achieve 1/4 – 1/2 inch thickness. Tip: Dip fingertips in water to smooth edges into perfect circles.
- Bake: Place in preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Cookies should spread slightly and puff up while maintaining a chewy center with crispy edges.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 165
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. Weight-based measurements ensure consistent results and streamline the baking process.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a better texture.
- Don’t overbake – cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- For perfectly round cookies, use a large cookie cutter to gently shape them immediately after removing from the oven.
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace cornstarch with tapioca flour for similar results
- Swap chocolate chunks with cacao nibs for a sugar-free option
- Use coconut syrup instead of maple syrup for a different flavor profile
- Add 1/4 cup chopped nuts for extra crunch
- Experiment with different chocolate varieties (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies vegan?
These cookies are naturally vegan as they contain no animal products. Just ensure your chocolate chunks are dairy-free.
How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Note that they will soften slightly after the first day.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, portion the dough into individual cookies, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why use blanched almond flour specifically?
Blanched almond flour provides a finer texture and lighter color than regular almond flour, resulting in a more traditional cookie appearance and texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months, wrapped individually in plastic wrap
- Prepare dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate
- For longer storage, freeze portioned dough for up to 3 months
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving
These grain-free chocolate coconut cookies offer a perfect balance of health-conscious ingredients while delivering the satisfying experience of a traditional chocolate cookie. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon treat or served at gatherings, they’re sure to impress both conventional cookie lovers and those following specialized diets.
