The Best Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

When Tony and I used go to out the movies I always found myself always bringing my own snacks. That’s probably not much of a surprise though. Every once in a while we will splurge on the movie popcorn, but usually, I have a purse packed with my favorite coconut oil and sea salt popcorn, plus a few of these paleo chocolate chip cookies.

Guys, they are RIDICULOUSLY GOOD. Think addicting, thick, chewy, and full of melted dark chocolate puddles. They’ve been an AK reader favorite for 8 years now and YOU NEED THEM.

I had baked these bad boys a few weeks ago, for probably the 150th time. They’re truly one of my favorite better-for-you cookies that still taste just as amazing as the real deal.

FREE Ultimate Guide to Cookie Baking

Sign up below and get a FREE printable e-book with my best tips & tricks for baking perfect cookies every time!

What makes these paleo chocolate chip cookies healthier?

Even though I don’t follow a particular diet (and AK is full of recipes for all diet types), I love making paleo treats like these paleo chocolate chip cookies because they:

• Actually fill you up! Because the almond & coconut flours have a natural source of fiber and healthy fats, they keep you full and satisfied.
• Don’t need as much sugar as your typical dessert. A win for avoiding that sugar crash.
• Tend to be lower in carbs in case you’re watching your carb intake.

Ingredients in paleo chocolate chip cookies

Traditionally I’m not a huge fan of using several different gluten-free flours in one recipe. I want the ingredients to be both accessible and have many different uses. So far, almond flour and coconut flour have become my go-to’s when it comes to paleo baking. Here’s what you’ll need to make these paleo chocolate chunk cookies:

• Egg: you’ll just need one egg in this cookie recipe. I think a flax egg will work well, too, they’ll just be a bit more fragile, but you can bake them for a few minutes longer to help them set up.
• Vanilla extract: for that subtle sweet flavor.
• Coconut oil: we’re using a bit of coconut oil to give these cookies the perfect amount of moisture. You can also use olive oil, melted butter or melted ghee.
• Coconut sugar: these paleo cookies are naturally sweetened with coconut sugar! You can also use brown sugar if you’d like.
• Flour: the almond flour & coconut flour help keep these cookies paleo, gluten & grain free.
• Baking soda: to help these cookies bake up properly.
• Dark chocolate: I like to use a 3 oz 70-80% dark chocolate bar to create delicious puddles of chocolate, but feel free to use chocolate chips (even dairy free!)
• Coarse sea salt: I love to sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on the cookies for that amazing sweet & salty flavor.

Customize these paleo chocolate chip cookies

• Make them vegan. Try using a flax egg to make these cookies vegan! Just be sure to use dairy free chocolate chips or chocolate chunks as well and handle them carefully as they’ll be a bit more fragile. I typically let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
• Swap your oil. Feel free to use olive oil, butter or ghee in place of the coconut oil.
• Pick your fav add-ins. I love chopping up a dark chocolate bar to create puddles of chocolate in every bite, but you can get creative with any chocolate you’d like or even add nuts, or dried fruit.

Can I use all-purpose flour?

Unfortunately, no, I can’t recommend swapping the flour in this recipe as the texture will not turn out the same.

How to make paleo chocolate chip cookies

1. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together your beaten egg, melted and cooled coconut oil, coconut sugar and vanilla extract. (Please make sure your coconut oil is cool!)

2. Add the dry ingredients. Add in your two flours and baking soda, mixing well to combine and form a dough. Fold in dark chocolate chunks. You may need to use your hands to moisten the dough so that it sticks together well.
3. Scoop & bake. Use a cookie scoop or large tablespoon to drop dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. Gently flatten the dough with your hand. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
4. Garnish, cool & serve. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and allow to cool on a cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Then enjoy!

Storing and freezing tips

Get my full tutorial for freezing baked cookies and cookie dough here! To store and freeze these already-baked cookies:

• To store: feel free to keep these paleo chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, then transfer to the fridge or freezer.
• To freeze: make sure the cookies are completely cooled, and then transfer them to an airtight container lined with wax or parchment paper or a freezer-safe bag before storing them in the freezer for up to 2 months. I like to place them in a single layer to avoid any cookies breaking. Once ready to eat, simply thaw out at room temperature and enjoy!

More paleo desserts you’ll love

If you find yourself looking for more recipes like these cookies, feel free to check out all of my paleo desserts and grain free desserts!

If you make these paleo chocolate chip cookies, be sure to leave a comment below and rate the recipe! You can also snap and picture and post it on Instagram using the hashtag #ambitiouskitchen.

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on February 1st, 2016, republished on October 27th, 2020, and republished on March 7th, 2024.