Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

4.9 from 22 votes
•250 comments
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Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are packed with chocolate in every bite! Naturally gluten free, these rich little treats are the perfect balance of chocolate, almond butter, and a hint of shredded coconut. They are dairy-free too!

Three dark chocolate chunk cookies are displayed on a white plate.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These are the easiest and creamiest little cookies! I love how simple they are yet they’re packed with all the good flavors I love including almond, coconut, and of course, dark chocolate.

Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: Oven
Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Skill Level: Easy

Why You’ll Love These Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Here’s why you’ll be making this recipe for cookies with dark chocolate chunks again and again:

  • No gluten needed. This is a flourless recipe, meaning that you don’t have to adapt it to be gluten free – it already is! The almond butter magically gives these cookies structure so you won’t need any flour.
  • Dairy free too. Yes, as long as you use a dark chocolate that doesn’t have diary ingredients, this is also a DF cookie.
  • Gorgeous flavor. The combination of almonds and chocolate is a popular pairing for a good reason, and it’s featured prominently in this delectable cookie recipe.
  • A one-bowl cookie. You’ll need just one bowl to make these dark chocolate chunk cookies, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Not too sweet. I love how these cookies are just sweet enough without being overwhelming. Coconut sugar is a little bit less sweet than granulated sugar, and dark chocolate is nice and rich without being over-the-top sweet.
Three chocolate cookies are tied with a red ribbon on a plate.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s the easy list of ingredients to make these dark chocolate chunk cookies so that you can add what you need to your grocery list. Check the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts and details on how to make them.

  • Egg: Use a large, room-temperature egg.
  • Almond Butter: Creamy almond butter is my choice to use in this recipe.
  • Coconut Sugar: Or you can use dark brown sugar.
  • Baking Soda
  • Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder so that the cookies are not too sweet.
  • Shredded Coconut: You can use sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut.
  • Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor.
  • Semisweet Chocolate: I use 70% Dark chocolate bar cut into chunks, but you can use the dark chocolate you like, or even chunks or chips.

All you’ll need to do is stir together the ingredients and bake them to make these wonderful cookies.

Two dark chocolate chunk cookies are shown on napkins with a plate of cookies behind them on a pink tablecloth.

Tips for the Best Gluten Free Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Here are a few tips to make these easy cookies:

  • Use coconut sugar. To give these cookies a lovely caramel undertone and a bit more coconut flavor, use coconut sugar. Brown sugar will also give a nice depth of flavor if you can’t get coconut sugar – use dark brown sugar if possible.

  • Add nuts. You can add some chopped, toasted almonds or walnuts if you wish to give these cookies a bit of crunch.

  • Make them with peanut butter. To make a peanut butter version of dark chocolate chunk cookies, you can substitute the almond butter for creamy peanut butter.

  • Up the coconut. Sometimes I’ll add more than the 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut called for in the recipe because I love coconut! On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of coconut you can omit it and the cookies will still taste flavorful and rich.

Dark chocolate chunk cookies are shown on a pink background with chocolate bars to their right.

Proper Storage

The combination of almond butter and coconut helps keep these cookies moist for days. Here’s how to store chocolate chunk cookies:

  • Counter – Place dark chocolate chunk cookies in an airtight container and store them on the counter for up to 5 days.
  • Fridge – Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, with parchment paper between layers of cookies if needed.
  • Freezer – Place the cookies in a freezer-safe, sealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies in the fridge before serving.
Dark chocolate chunk cookies are arranged on napkins and a plate on a pink cloth.
Three dark chocolate chunk cookies are displayed on a white plate.
4.9 from 22 votes

Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

These Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies are packed with dark chocolate in every bite! Naturally gluten free, these rich little treats are the perfect balance of chocolate, almond butter, and a hint of shredded coconut.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 27 minutes
Servings: 14 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup creamy almond butter
  • ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ ounces bittersweet chocolate cut into chunks, I use a 70% dark chocolate bar

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with silicon baking mats or parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg.
  • Add the almond butter, coconut sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, coconut, and vanilla, and mix until thoroughly combined.
  • Fold in the chocolate chunks.
  • Form balls with about 2 tablespoons of dough, place about six or seven on each baking sheet, a couple of inches apart, and press down to form thick disks.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set but still slightly soft to the touch.
  • Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Adapted from It’s Yummi’s Peanut Butter Walnut Brownie Cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Amount Per Serving (1 cookie)
Calories 180 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 13mg4%
Sodium 96mg4%
Potassium 192mg5%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 20IU0%
Calcium 69mg7%
Iron 1.2mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.
Three dark chocolate chunk cookies are displayed on a white plate.

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250 Comments
  38. Barbara
    Reply

    In my house we have all 3. I love Milk chocolate, my husband loves white chocolate and my son loves Dark chocolate!

  69. Jayne Garrett (@momznite)
    Reply

    I enjoy both dark chocolate and milk chocolate, not am not a big fan of white chocolate. Organic is best!

  84. Cori Westphal
    Reply

    All chocolate is good in it’s own way, but I think Milk Chocolate melts in my mouth better than others. So it wins!

  101. ELIZABETH P
    Reply

    I love chocolate in all forms but I think when it comes to cookies or candy I like Dark Chocolate! truckredford(at)Gmail(Dot)com

  103. Candy Tilton
    Reply

    Dark Chocolate is divine. Thankyou for the cookie recipe. I am going to make them this weekend for hubby. Thanks for sponsoring giveaway.

  105. Lauren Olivia Wood
    Reply

    Dark chocolate is my favorite! I like all chocolates if they are paired with other flavors correctly!

  118. Chi Shannon
    Reply

    I really love -all- chocolate! Sometimes, dark is just to tasty… but then you want some milk chocolate… and then white chocolate will catch your fancy! 🙂

  125. Margaret Smith
    Reply

    I really love all chocolates evenly. Depends what I’m in the mood to have. Your cookies look so yummy.

  136. Desiree Peterson
    Reply

    My favorite is dark chocolate! Green & Black’s dark chocolate is super creamy and so yummy! Just a little square or two and it takes care of my chocolate or sweet cravings.

  147. Stephanie Phelps
    Reply

    5 stars
    Oh my gosh I love all chocolate. As I have gotten older I think dark has become my all time favorite!

  234. Lara
    Reply

    All chocolates are equally divine in my eyes but if I had to choose I’d go with dark chocolate all the way. It has much richer, deeper flavor notes- and I always feel a little more sophisticated when I’m nibbling on a piece of dark chocolate. Plus, I love knowing that it can provide numerous health benefits. It’s totally a win-win!

  241. Julie Wood
    Reply

    5 stars
    Your cookies look delicious! I am a big fan of Milk chocolate. But I also like this brand of dark chocolate. It tastes the best!

  245. Meg
    Reply

    I’m a fan of all chocolates really, but if I had to choose one of those three, it would be milk chocolate! These cookies look delicious! Love those flavor combos.

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Hi, I'm Brianne!

Welcome to Cupcakes & Kale Chips, where I share gluten free recipes & kid-tested family favorites!

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