Almond flour cookies with chocolate chips

Ingredients (Makes about 12 cookies):

200 g almond flour (blanched or unblanched)

100 g chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)

60 g brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)

1/4 tsp baking soda

A pinch of salt

1 large egg

60 ml melted coconut oil or unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.

Make the Dough:

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.

Shape the Cookies:

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

Bake:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as the cookies cool.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Origin of Almond flour cookies with chocolate chips:

Ancient Roots of Almond Flour

Almond flour has been used for centuries, particularly in regions where almonds were abundant, like the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Almond-based desserts such as marzipan, macarons, and almond cakes were highly prized during the Middle Ages, often appearing at royal banquets. Almond flour’s delicate texture and rich, nutty flavor made it a staple in luxurious baked goods, and it was especially valued in cultures that avoided wheat or used alternative flours.

The Invention of Chocolate Chip Cookies

The chocolate chip cookie was born in 1938 in Massachusetts, USA, when Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the Toll House Inn, created it by accident. She added chopped pieces of semi-sweet chocolate to her butter cookie dough, expecting them to melt evenly. Instead, the chocolate retained its shape, giving birth to the now-iconic dessert. These cookies quickly gained popularity in the United States and eventually worldwide, becoming a symbol of comfort food.

The Gluten-Free and Health-Conscious Baking Movement

In the early 2000s, as awareness of gluten intolerance and a general interest in healthier eating grew, almond flour re-emerged as a popular alternative to wheat flour in baking. Its natural moisture, richness, and gluten-free properties made it ideal for crafting cookies with a tender texture. Pairing almond flour with chocolate chips became a natural choice, blending indulgence with health-consciousness.

Today, Almond Flour Cookies with Chocolate Chips represent a convergence of ancient culinary traditions and modern dietary innovations, embodying the timeless appeal of almonds and the universal love for chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are cherished not only for their flavor but also for their adaptability to contemporary needs and preferences.