Easy Almond Chocolate Cookies – Gluten Free

These easy almond chocolate cookies will definitely satisfy your chocolate biscuit craving. They are fuss-free, use only 1 bowl and are only 2g of carbs per cookie! In under 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious low-carb count, gluten-free chocolate chip cookie.


a stack of almond chocolate cookies

The ultimate treat for chocolate lovers, almond chocolate cookies. These delectable treats not only cater to the gluten-free lifestyle but also make a great choice for those keeping a close eye on their carb intake, especially for individuals managing diabetes.

In a world where taste and health often seem at odds, these almond chocolate cookies effortlessly blend the best of both worlds. have a wonderfully intense chocolatey kick thanks to the dark chocolate powder and chips used. I just love the extra sourness you get from dark chocolate. Plus the higher cocoa content also means that it contains less sugar as well!


Delicious diabetic-friendly almond chocolate cookies

What sets these cookies apart is their remarkable diabetic-friendly nature, boasting a mere 2g of countable carbs per serving. Not only are they fuss-free and easy to make, but being this chocolatey and kind on blood sugar levels they are sure to become a favourite snack.

This tasty recipe exclusively uses almond flour, a sugar substitute, and dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, ensuring a reduced amount of added sugar. The combination of these ingredients results in the creation of a low glycaemic cookie boasting a well-balanced carbohydrate profile. Remarkably, each serving contains only 2 grams of countable carbs, offering a scrumptious treat without causing a substantial impact on blood glucose levels.

These cookies have a slight crunch on the outside but are wonderfully soft and fluffy on the inside. The added gooeyness from the soft chocolate chips just adds to their charm.

almond chocolate cookies on a baking tray

What’s so good about almond flour?

Almond flour or ground almonds can almost be used like traditional wheat flour. It does give a different feel to your bakes for example they can be a little denser and your biscuits are a bit more cake-like. But with the right methods, you can create some delicious low-carb treats. As I explain in my comprehensive guide to Baking with Almond Flour

baking with almond flour blog

Baking with Almond Flour

This article looks into the benefits of using almond flour in baking and for diabetes management, how to use it, along with plenty of top tips.

Alongside being a carb-count-free flour for diabetics it also boasts:

  • A Low Glycaemic Index (GI) – Almond flour, the star ingredient in these cookies, has a lower glycemic index compared to traditional flours. This means that it causes a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar levels after consumption. For individuals with diabetes, this is particularly beneficial as it helps avoid sudden spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels.
  • Healthy Fats – Almond flour is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Unlike some traditional cookies that may be laden with unhealthy fats, this recipe only needs a small amount of extra fat for binding. The fats slow down the absorption of sugar, providing a more stable and sustained energy release.
  • Dietary Fiber Boost – Almond flour is an excellent source of dietary fibre, which plays a vital role in blood sugar management. The fibre content helps slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose levels. Additionally, it contributes to a feeling of fullness, promoting better appetite control.
  • Nutrient-Rich Profile – Almond flour is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants. While these nutrients are beneficial for overall health, they also contribute to the overall nutritional value of the cookies. This nutrient-rich profile aligns with the dietary needs of individuals with diabetes, supporting their overall well-being.
  • Gluten-Free Advantage – For individuals with both diabetes and gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, these cookies offer a safe and delicious option. The use of almond flour as a gluten-free alternative ensures that those with gluten-related concerns can indulge in a sweet treat without compromising their digestive health.

What is the difference between ground almonds and almond flour?

whole almonds and ground almonds on a board

Almond flour undergoes a blanching process to eliminate almond skins before being finely ground into a flour. In contrast, ground almonds, also known as almond meal, are a coarser variant of almond flour, typically processed with their skins intact.

I find both types are very interchangeable in biscuits and cookies, so use whichever you prefer and can easily buy.

You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!


Using Sugar Alternatives in Baking

I use xylitol as my chosen sweetener in baking. Xylitol is a nutritive 1:1 substitute for sugar but also has a low glycemic index. This means that it has minimal impact on blood glucose levels.

So not only does it seamlessly replace sugar without introducing an off-putting taste profile we’ve also discovered that it avoids causing spikes in blood glucose levels.

Alternatively, you may choose to utilize an erythritol-based sweetener. This sugar replacement also maintains a 1:1 ratio with sugar and avoids elevating blood glucose levels. However, it’s worth noting that, in my personal experience, it can alter the taste profile of your cooking.

You can find a list of my recommended products that I use on my shop page!

If you prefer to use other sweeteners like sucralose or stevia, remember to convert your quantity. Most brands have this information on their websites. And if you would like to read more on sugar substitutes and diabetes then make sure to check out my article below:

Sugar Substitutes and Diabetes Management

The world of sugar substitutes and type 1 diabetes can be confusing. This guide explores substitutes in the UK and diabetes management

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sweeteners and quantities in my sweet treat recipes. It may take a few attempts to find your preference as we all have different palates.


What you will need to make almond chocolate cookies

ingredients for almond chocolate cookies

Eggs

  • A key component to any bake and should be free-range if you can

Butter

  • Helps to bind the ingredients

Vanilla Extract

Ground almonds/almond flour

  • Great gluten-free option
  • Adds an extra nutty flavour and is a great no-carb-count option
  • See above for more info on the benefits of ground almonds

Sugar alternative

  • I used Xylitol but you could also use erythritol
  • See notes above on Sweeteners

Unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Intensifies the chocolatey-ness of these cookies and adds a slight bitterness
  • But make sure it doesn’t have any added sugar

Dark chocolate chips

  • Try to use chocolate that has a cocoa content 70% or above
  • Plus the higher the cocoa content the lower the sugar!

Equipment Needed

Spatula / Mixing spoon

Measuring Spoon (tsp/ tbsp)

Mixing Bowl

Weighing Scales

Baking Tray

Cooling Rack

Cookie Scoop


How to make almond chocolate cookies

These cookies couldn’t be easier to make requiring only two bowls and no elaborate equipment—a delightful bonus for hassle-free baking!

Step 1

Start by preheating your oven to 200C / 180C fan and prepare 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper.

dry ingredients

Step 2

Next in a large bowl mix together the ground almonds/almond flour, baking powder and xylitol.

egg mixture

Step 3

Then in a separate bowl whisk the eggs, melted butter, and almond essence

almond chocolate cookie dough

Step 4

Add the wet mixture to your dry and mix to combine into a soft dough

almond chocolate cookie dough

Step 5

Then gently fold in the chocolate chips

balls of almond chocolate cookie dough

Step 6

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spoon out some mixture, lightly roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
Repeat this process another 11 times.

uncooked almond chocolate cookies

Step 7

Then using something with a flat round surface (I used a coffee press) lightly press the biscuits to form a circular cookie shape. You can also use your fingers for a more rustic-looking cookie.

almond chocolate cookies cooling on the baking tray

Step 8

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You should hear a lovely gentle sizzle from the cookies.

Step 7

Leave them to cool on the tray for 10-15 minutes before moving them as they will be too soft and break. After that time you can transfer the biscuits to a cooling tray to completely cool.


How to Store the Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can store these chocolate chip cookies happily in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Although I would be amazed if they lasted that long!

You can also freeze the cooked cookies which is great if you want to batch cook so that you can grab them as you want them.

To freeze them pop the cookies onto a baking tray but make sure they aren’t touching. Once fully frozen you can then put them in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month.

a hand holding half an almond chocolate cookie

Recipe Variations

While the classic combination of almond and chocolate is undeniably scrumptious, don’t hesitate to experiment with alternative flavours and additions to tailor these cookies to your taste preferences. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Orange Zest – Add a zesty twist by incorporating orange zest into the cookie batter.
  2. Mint Chocolate Chip – Infuse a refreshing burst of mint into your cookies by adding mint extract or finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
  3. Nutty Bliss: Elevate the nuttiness by incorporating chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. The additional crunch and flavour complexity will take your almond chocolate cookies to a whole new level.

For a cookie with a Valentine’s Day twist try these 2 suggestions:

Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies

Add some freeze-dried raspberries to the cookie dough and switch the vanilla drops for sugar free raspberry drops instead.

Dip and cover in a little extra dark chocolate

almond flour raspberry and chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Add some raspberry sugar free jam to these cute thumbprint cookies

Chocolate Raspberry thumbprint cookie and pot of raspberry jam


Diabetes Note

Get your chocolate fix with these delightful chocolate almond cookies, perfect for a satisfying snack. With a mere 2g of countable carbs, they’re not only a treat for your taste buds but also a diabetes-friendly option that won’t cause significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Carb Counting

The overall carb count for these almond flour chocolate chip cookies, based on the ingredients we would count for is calculated as follows:

  • Cocoa powder= 50g – 7.3g of carbs
  • Dr Oetker dark chocolate chunks = 70g – 21g of carbs

Now add all the carbs together – 7.3+21= 28.3g of carbs

Finally divide this by the serving size, 12 – 28/12 = 2.4g of carbs per portion

Please note this carb count amount per portion is based on the standard ingredients listed above and may differ depending on what you use and how much you choose to eat.

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Almond Chocolate Cookies

Almond Chocolate Cookies

Recipe by Michelle

Satisfy your chocolate biscuit cravings with these easy almond chocolate cookies! Deliciously low-carb and gluten-free.

Course: Sweet TreatsCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
4.8 from 5 votes
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

25

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 50 g 50 butter, melted

  • 2 large 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp 1 vanilla extract

  • 200 g 200 ground almonds/almond flour

  • 50 g 50 cocoa powder, unsweetened

  • 50 g 50 xylitol

  • 70 g 70 dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 200C / 180C fan and prepare 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper.
  • In a large bowl mix together the ground almonds/almond flour, baking powder and xylitol.
  • Then in a separate bowl whisk the eggs, melted butter, and almond essence
  • Add the wet mixture to your dry and mix to combine into a soft dough
  • Then gently fold in the chocolate chips
  • Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spoon out some mixture, lightly roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
    Repeat this process another 11 times
  • Then using something with a flat round surface (I used a coffee press) lightly press the biscuits to form a circular cookie shape. You can also use your fingers for a more rustic-looking cookie.
  • Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. You should hear a lovely gentle sizzle from the cookies.
  • Leave them to cool on the tray for 10-15 minutes before moving them as they will be too soft and break. After that time you can transfer the biscuits to a cooling tray to completely cool.

Equipment

Tips and Notes

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
  • Diabetes Note – These chocolate cookies are an ideal snack and are only 2g of countable carbs per cookie. See above for more information
Michelle Rorke avatar

AUTHOR

2 responses to “Easy Almond Chocolate Cookies – Gluten Free”

  1. Ann Clarson avatar

    For the chocolate cookies, do you mean ground almonds or almond flour? Your recipe says ground, method says flour.

    1. Michelle avatar

      Hi Ann. You could use either as they are pretty interchangeable in baking cookies and biscuits. Thanks Michelle

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