Delicious and Easy Recipe for Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Are you on a gluten-free diet but still craving the delightful taste of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies? Look no further! This recipe for gluten-free c……

Are you on a gluten-free diet but still craving the delightful taste of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies? Look no further! This recipe for gluten-free chocolate chip cookies is not only simple to follow but also guarantees a chewy, chocolatey treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your dietary needs.

### Ingredients You'll Need

To create these mouthwatering cookies, gather the following ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

- ½ teaspoon baking soda

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

- ½ cup brown sugar, packed

- ¼ cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)

### Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick.

2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.

3. **Cream Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

4. **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined, ensuring the egg is fully integrated.

5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

6. **Fold in Chocolate Chips**: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. **Scoop the Dough**: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

8. **Bake**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.

9. **Cool and Enjoy**: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Tips for the Perfect Gluten-Free Cookies

- **Use Quality Gluten-Free Flour**: Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to your mixture for better texture.

- **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to get creative! You can add a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of almond extract, or even swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruit or white chocolate.

- **Storage**: Store your gluten-free cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

With this recipe for gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, you can indulge in a classic treat that everyone will love—gluten-free or not! Whether you’re hosting a gathering, satisfying a late-night craving, or simply enjoying a sweet moment to yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!