Make the best gluten free chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Chewy, dairy-free, and easy to customize with oats, pumpkin, or almond flour.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Makes Cookies Gluten-Free?
- Easy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Tasty Variations to Try
- Baking, Storage & FAQ
Key Takeaways
✔️ Made without gluten but full of flavor and texture
✔️ Easy swaps using almond, oat, or 1:1 GF blends
✔️ No gritty texture—just chewy, gooey goodness
✔️ Includes pumpkin, oatmeal, and sugar-free options
✔️ Perfect for gluten-free, dairy-free, or egg-free diets
1. Introduction
Craving a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie but need to skip the gluten? You’re in the right place.
These gluten free chocolate chip cookies are:
- Soft and chewy in the middle
- Golden and crisp on the edges
- Loaded with chocolate chunks
- Customizable for dairy-free, egg-free, or low-sugar diets
Whether you’re baking for celiac-safe diets or just trying gluten free baking for the first time, this guide will walk you through:
- The best gluten-free flours for cookies
- Tips for baking without gluten
- An easy, foolproof cookie recipe
- Delicious variations (pumpkin, oatmeal, almond, and sugar-free!)
- How to store and freeze gluten-free cookies
2. What Makes Cookies Gluten-Free?
At its core, gluten-free baking means avoiding traditional wheat-based flours. Instead, you use alternative flours and binders that offer structure and texture—without the gluten.
But it’s not as simple as just swapping flour. Gluten gives cookies their chew and elasticity. So to get that same feel in a gluten-free cookie, you need the right combo of:
- Gluten-free flour (or flour blends)
- Binders to hold the dough together
- Moisture-retaining ingredients like brown sugar or nut butters
🌾 Best Gluten-Free Flours for Cookies
Here are some top gluten-free flour options that work well in cookie doughs:
| Flour Type | Best For… |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | Rich, soft-baked cookies (see Simple Eaters’ almond flour recipe) |
| Oat flour | Nutty, slightly chewy cookies (certified gluten-free oats only) |
| Gluten-free 1:1 blend | Perfect for first-timers—pre-formulated to mimic wheat flour |
| Coconut flour | Very absorbent—use in small amounts only |
| Cassava or tapioca flour | Best as a secondary flour for structure and elasticity |
💡 Pro tip: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blends for a straightforward swap in traditional recipes.
🥣 Binding Agents (No Gluten, No Problem)
Since gluten acts as a binder in dough, you’ll need a substitute to keep your cookies from falling apart.
Try these:
| Binder | Best For… |
|---|---|
| Eggs | Adds structure and moisture |
| Flax egg (vegan) | Mix 1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water |
| Chia egg | Similar to flax, slightly firmer dough |
| Nut butters | Peanut or almond butter for moisture + protein |
| Applesauce or banana | Great in pumpkin or oatmeal cookie versions |
🍫 Choosing Gluten-Free Chocolate Chips
Not all chocolate chips are created equal. Some contain hidden gluten or dairy.
Look for these gluten-free chocolate chip brands:
- Enjoy Life (vegan, allergen-free)
- Lily’s (low sugar, sweetened with stevia)
- Hu Kitchen (paleo, clean ingredients)
- Trader Joe’s semi-sweet chips (check for “gluten-free” label)
Always check for labels like “Certified Gluten-Free” for peace of mind.
3. Easy Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
This recipe creates soft, chewy cookies with golden edges and a rich, buttery flavor—without a trace of gluten.
🍪 Ingredients (Makes ~16 cookies)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Vegan butter or unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Egg or flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water) | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Gluten-free chocolate chips | ¾ – 1 cup |
| Optional: milk (dairy-free) | 1 tbsp (if dough is too dry) |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Gluten-free flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3 – Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until creamy and fluffy.
Step 4 – Add egg and vanilla
Add your egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5 – Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. If the dough seems dry or crumbly, add 1 tbsp milk.
Step 6 – Fold in chocolate chips
Stir in your gluten-free chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
Step 7 – Scoop and space
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Step 8 – Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are just set. Don’t overbake—cookies firm up as they cool.
Step 9 – Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🍪 Result: golden, chewy, and chocolate-loaded gluten free cookies—perfect for dunking or devouring straight from the tray.
💡 Want a crispier cookie? Flatten slightly before baking and extend the bake time by 1–2 minutes.
4. Tasty Variations to Try
One of the best parts of gluten free baking is how easy it is to customize your cookies for flavor, texture, or dietary preferences.
🍂 Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
These fall-inspired cookies are soft, spiced, and totally wheat-free.
Adjustments:
- Replace the egg with ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Use brown sugar only for extra moisture
- Optionally add chopped pecans or walnuts
🎃 These are softer and puffier than traditional cookies—perfect for cozy season!
🥣 Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Hearty and chewy with natural texture from oats.
How to make:
- Use 1 cup gluten-free oats + 1 cup flour (instead of 1½ cups flour)
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon for warmth
- Optional: swap ½ cup chocolate chips for raisins or dried cranberries
Certified gluten free oats are a must—regular oats may contain cross-contamination.
🍫 Gluten Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Trying to reduce sugar? No problem.
Use:
- Coconut sugar or monk fruit blend instead of regular sugar
- Lily’s stevia-sweetened chocolate chips
- Add 1 tbsp nut butter to replace any moisture lost from reduced sugar
✅ These cookies have a slightly grainier texture but a rich flavor and lower glycemic impact.
🥛 Gluten Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Skip both gluten and dairy without sacrificing flavor.
Swaps:
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil
- Choose dairy-free chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life)
- Use a flax egg or mashed banana for binding
These cookies turn out chewy, buttery, and 100% plant-based.
🎯 You can mix and match these swaps for endless variations. Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean flavor-free—and these recipes prove it.
5. Baking, Storage & FAQ
🧁 Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures your gluten-free cookies stay soft, chewy, and ready to grab anytime.
| Storage Method | How Long | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3–4 days | Airtight container; layer with parchment |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Helps them stay chewy & firm |
| Freezer (Baked) | 2–3 months | Cool completely, store in freezer bags |
| Freezer (Dough) | 2–3 months | Scoop & freeze dough balls—bake from frozen (add 1–2 mins bake time) |
Reheat in microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Cookie – Based on 16 cookies)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–200 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Varies based on flour, chocolate chips, and sugar swaps.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are gluten-free cookies healthier?
They can be, especially if made with almond flour, oats, or coconut sugar. They’re also suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I make gluten-free cookies without eggs or dairy?
Yes! Use a flax egg and vegan butter or coconut oil. This works great for gluten free dairy free chocolate chip cookies.
What’s the best flour for gluten free cookies?
A 1:1 gluten-free blend is easiest, but almond flour and oat flour offer great texture and flavor. See this almond flour recipe for a nutty version.
How do I keep gluten free cookies from falling apart?
Add binders like eggs, flax egg, or nut butter. Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps structure and reduces spread.
Can I make sugar-free and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies?
Yes! Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener and stevia-sweetened chocolate like Lily’s. The result: gluten sugar free chocolate chip cookies that still satisfy.
Can I make these cookies without eggs or butter at all?
Totally. Try this egg-free chocolate chip cookie recipe using plant-based ingredients only.
