If You Have Almond Flour, Maple Syrup, And Chocolate Chips, You Have Easy Cookies Without Eggs Or Butter

Finding good cookie recipes that deliver without dairy or eggs can be challenging, as these ingredients are key to providing structure in baked goods, but this simple hack uses almond flour, which has more body, as the backbone of the cookie. Top them with dark chocolate chips, and the result is a dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free cookie that everyone can enjoy, made with just three ingredients. It doesn't get any easier.

All you need to do is mix almond flour with maple syrup, or another liquid sweetener of your choice. Agave syrup, coconut nectar, and honey all work well, but keep in mind that each will subtly alter the flavor of the cookies. If you want to elevate the recipe, add a dash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Both are flavor powerhouses that work particularly well here. Fold in the chocolate chips and you have a winner. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until set. These almond-y morsels pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea.

There are very few ingredients in this recipe, so it's important to choose them wisely. While almond flour and almond meal may be similar, there is a clear winner when it comes to making gluten-free cookies. You want to opt for blanched almond flour, which is finely ground. Avoid almond meal, as it can produce a gritty texture. The chocolate chips should not be an afterthought, either. Whether you choose dark chocolate or mix in milk or white chocolate, using the best-quality chocolate chips you can find will ensure the cookies are more-ish and flavorful rather than greasy or bland.

If you prefer thicker, almost chewy cookies, do not flatten them before baking. The thinner the cookies, the crispier they'll be, so if you'd like more snap, use the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to press them evenly. It's important to let the cookies cool down after they come out of the oven. They'll be very soft when warm but firm up as they cool.

Looking for a more sophisticated finish? Skip the chocolate chips and dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate once cooled. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let the chocolate set before serving.